the same as חֶשְׁבּוֹן; Cheshbon, a place East of the Jordan; Heshbon.
Transliteration:Cheshbôwn
Pronunciation:khesh-bone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H2809}}` (Cheshbôwn) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name: Heshbon. Its meaning is directly derived from the root noun `{{H2808}}` (cheshbon), which signifies "reckoning, account, device, skill, invention, or plan." Therefore, Heshbon likely carries the etymological meaning of "reckoning" or "invention/device," possibly alluding to its strategic importance or the careful planning involved in its construction or defense. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this specific city located East of the Jordan River.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Heshbon appears frequently in the Old Testament, primarily in historical and prophetic books, underscoring its significance as a key city in Transjordan.
Initially, Heshbon was a Moabite city, but it was conquered by Sihon, king of the Amorites, who made it his royal capital ([[Numbers 21:26]]). This conquest is recounted in the "Song of Heshbon" ([[Numbers 21:27-30]]), a poetic lament that highlights Sihon's power and the city's strategic value.
During the Exodus, Moses's Israelite forces encountered Sihon at Jahaz and utterly defeated him, subsequently capturing Heshbon and all the Amorite territory ([[Numbers 21:25]], [[Deuteronomy 2:24-37]]). This victory was a crucial step in Israel's conquest of the promised land and is frequently recalled as a testament to God's power and faithfulness ([[Psalm 135:11]], [[Psalm 136:19]]).
Following the conquest, Heshbon was allotted to the tribe of Reuben ([[Numbers 32:37]], [[Joshua 13:17]]) and later designated as a Levitical city for the Merarites ([[Joshua 21:39]], [[1 Chronicles 6:81]]). This dual allocation underscores its strategic importance for tribal boundaries and religious administration.
Despite its allocation to Israel, Heshbon remained a contested border city. It features prominently in prophetic oracles against Moab and Ammon, indicating its eventual re-occupation or strong influence by these neighboring nations. Prophets like Isaiah ([[Isaiah 15:4]], [[Isaiah 16:8-9]]) and Jeremiah ([[Jeremiah 48:2]], [[Jeremiah 48:34]], [[Jeremiah 48:45]], [[Jeremiah 49:3]]) lament Heshbon's destruction or use it as a symbol of the broader judgment against Moab and Ammon, often mentioning its famous vineyards and the "cry of Heshbon."
A unique poetic reference is found in the Song of Solomon, where the "pools of Heshbon" are used as an image of beauty and clarity, specifically in comparison to the eyes of the beloved ([[Song of Solomon 7:4]]). This provides a rare glimpse of Heshbon's aesthetic qualities beyond its military and political significance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H2809}}` (Cheshbôwn) is `{{H2808}}` (cheshbon), the common noun meaning "reckoning, account, device, skill." This etymological link suggests a place of strategic calculation or ingenious construction.
Conceptually, Heshbon is closely tied to themes of *conquest* and *inheritance*, particularly in the context of Israel's entry into Canaan. Its history is intertwined with that of other Transjordanian cities and regions such as Medeba, Dibon, Aroer, and Gilead. The city also embodies the *contested nature of borderlands*, frequently shifting hands between various kingdoms (Moab, Amorites, Israel, Ammon). Its inclusion in prophetic judgments links it to broader concepts of *divine judgment* and *national downfall*.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Heshbon is multifaceted. First, its capture by Israel under Moses serves as a powerful testament to *Yahweh's divine sovereignty and power*. The defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and the subsequent taking of Heshbon, demonstrate God's ability to clear the way for His people and fulfill His promises of land ([[Deuteronomy 2:24-30]]). It is a specific example of God fighting for Israel.
Second, Heshbon's subsequent allocation to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and its designation as a Levitical city, underscore the *order and structure of God's covenant people* and the fulfillment of the land promise.
Third, the repeated inclusion of Heshbon in prophetic condemnations against Moab and Ammon highlights the *transience of human kingdoms* and the certainty of *divine judgment* against those who oppose God's purposes or engage in pride and idolatry. The laments over Heshbon's destruction serve as a stark warning and a reminder that no human stronghold, however strategically important, can withstand God's ultimate decree.
Finally, the poetic imagery of the "pools of Heshbon" in the Song of Solomon, while not directly theological, offers a glimpse into the beauty found within creation, perhaps hinting at the multifaceted nature of God's world, where even a city known for conflict can possess elements of profound beauty.
### Summary
Heshbon (`{{H2809}}`, Cheshbôwn), rooted in the concept of "reckoning" or "device" (`{{H2808}}`), was a strategically vital city located East of the Jordan River. Its biblical narrative spans its conquest by Sihon, king of the Amorites, its subsequent capture by Moses and the Israelites, and its allocation to the tribes of Reuben and the Levites. Despite its place within Israel's inheritance, Heshbon frequently appears in prophetic oracles against Moab and Ammon, symbolizing the instability of border regions and the certainty of divine judgment. Theologically, Heshbon stands as a monument to God's sovereign power in fulfilling His promises to Israel, a testament to His judgment against rebellious nations, and a reminder of the transient nature of earthly kingdoms in contrast to the enduring purposes of God.
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