Lexical Summary
Cheshbon: Heshbon
Original Word:חֶשְׁבּוֹן
Part of Speech:Proper Name Location
Transliteration:Cheshbown
Pronunciation:kesh-BOHN
Phonetic Spelling:(khesh-bone')
KJV: Heshbon
NASB:Heshbon
Word Origin:[the same asH2808 (חֶשׁבּוֹן - explanation)]
1. Cheshbon, a place East of the Jordan
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Heshbon
The same ascheshbown; Cheshbon, a place East of the Jordan -- Heshbon.
see HEBREWcheshbown
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
chashabDefinitiona place E. of the Jordan
NASB TranslationHeshbon (38).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
II.
Numbers 21:26,27,28,30,34;
Numbers 32:3 (all E);
Deuteronomy 1:4;
Deuteronomy 2:24,26,30;
Deuteronomy 3:2,6;
Deuteronomy 4:46;
Deuteronomy 29:6;
Joshua 9:10;
Joshua 12:2,5;
Joshua 13:10,21,27 (all D)
Judges 11:19;
Jeremiah 48:45;
Nehemiah 9:22; captured by Israel who dwelt in it
Numbers 21:25 (E)
Judges 11:26; rebuilt by Reuben
Numbers 32:37 (E), given to Reuben at the division of the land
Joshua 13:17 (P); on the border of Gad,
Joshua 13:26 (P), it subsequently fell to Gad and was assigned to Levites out of that tribe
Joshua 21:39 (P)
1 Chronicles 6:66; the Moabites gained possession of it
Isaiah 15:4;
Isaiah 16:8,9 and subsequently the Ammonites
Jeremiah 48:2,34,45;
Jeremiah 49:3; it was celebrated for its fish ponds Cant 7:5. — Modern
„usbân, Seetzen
Reisen i. 407 Rob
BR i. 551 BD
Pal 191 Survey
EP 8.
Topical Lexicon
Geographical SettingHeshbon lay about twenty miles east of the northern tip of the Dead Sea on an elevated plateau that forms part of the Trans-Jordanian highlands. Its strategic height overlooks the fertile plain of the Arnon River (modern Wadi Mujib) to the south and the Medeba plateau to the north. The site is generally identified with Tell Ḥesbân, whose abundant springs sustain both agriculture and herds—an advantage repeatedly noted in biblical poetry and prophecy.
Historical Background in the Pentateuch
Before Israel’s arrival the city served as the royal seat of Sihon the Amorite. Moses recounts how Sihon refused Israel peaceful passage and was consequently defeated (Numbers 21:21-26;Deuteronomy 2:24-35). “So Israel took all these cities…in Heshbon and all its villages” (Numbers 21:25). The conquest of Heshbon became a paradigm of divine victory over hostile powers (Deuteronomy 1:4; 3:2-6; 4:46).
Distribution among the Tribes
Although situated in territory first assigned to Reuben (Joshua 13:15-17), the location eventually fell under Gadite and then Levitical influence (Joshua 13:26; 21:39). Its shifting tribal border highlights the fluid political landscape east of the Jordan and the cooperative stewardship required among the tribes.
In the Period of the Judges
Jephthah’s diplomatic review cites the taking of Heshbon as evidence of Israel’s legitimate claim to the land (Judges 11:19-26). For three centuries the Amorite stronghold had remained in Israelite hands, underscoring the enduring nature of God’s earlier grant.
Royal Memory in the Monarchy
The later historical reflection of Nehemiah—“You gave them kingdoms and peoples, and allotted them every corner. So they took possession of the land of Sihon king of Heshbon” (Nehemiah 9:22)—demonstrates how the post-exilic community drew courage from Heshbon’s conquest when rebuilding their own shattered homeland.
Prophetic Voice Concerning Heshbon
Isaiah, Jeremiah, and their near contemporary Amos (indirectly) employ Heshbon as a symbol of Moabite strength destined for judgment:
•Isaiah 15:4: “Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far as Jahaz.”
•Isaiah 16:8-9 portrays luxuriant vines cascading down Heshbon’s terraces, soon to be trampled by invading armies.
•Jeremiah 48:2, 34, 45 announces that “a fire has gone out from Heshbon” to consume Moab, recalling the earlier Amorite taunt quoted inNumbers 21:28-30.
•Jeremiah 49:3 extends the lament to Ammon, where “Heshbon shall wail.”
Through these oracles the prophets affirm that no fortress, however renowned, can shield a nation that opposes the purposes of the LORD.
Poetic Imagery and Wisdom Literature
Song of Solomon 7:4 celebrates the beauty of the bride’s eyes by likening them to “pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bath Rabbim.” The clear spring-fed reservoirs that served the city become a metaphor for depth, purity, and tranquility within covenant love.
Theological Themes
1. Sovereign Conquest: Heshbon’s capture shows that divine promise, not human pedigree, determines territorial inheritance.
2. Covenant Memory: Repeated references anchor Israel’s identity in God’s past acts, sustaining hope amid present threats.
3. Judgment and Mercy: Prophecies against Moab and Ammon warn that privilege carries responsibility; yet even those judged are invited to refuge (cf.Isaiah 16:3-5).
4. Spiritual Geography: The movement from Amorite to Israelite rule typologically foreshadows the believer’s passage from bondage to inheritance in Christ.
Ministry and Homiletical Applications
• The refusal of Sihon (Numbers 21) cautions against hard-heartedness toward God’s people.
• Jephthah’s appeal (Judges 11) validates the use of Scripture in ethical and legal reasoning.
• Isaiah’s weeping over Moab invites compassionate intercession even for rivals.
• Song of Solomon’s imagery encourages Christian marriage to mirror the refreshing, life-giving qualities associated with Heshbon’s waters.
Archaeological and Geographical Insights
Excavations at Tell Ḥesbân reveal multiple occupation layers from the Iron Age through the Roman period. Water cisterns, fortification walls, and a well-engineered roadway confirm the biblical picture of a fortified, prosperous urban center guarding the Plateau Route. Pottery and epigraphic finds illustrate trade connections with Moab, Ammon, and beyond.
Typological Significance
As Heshbon once belonged to hostile powers yet was redeemed for Israelite use, so the believer’s life—formerly held by sin—can become a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. The city’s springs prefigure the “living water” Christ offers (John 4:14), while its watch-towers anticipate the Church’s call to vigilant proclamation.
Summary
Heshbon stands at the crossroads of Israel’s historical memory, prophetic warning, poetic celebration, and theological reflection. From the march of Exodus to the lament of Jeremiah, its forty-odd mentions testify that the God who triumphs over Amorite kings also holds the destinies of nations and individuals alike.
Forms and Transliterations
בְּחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן בְּחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן בְּחֶשְׁבּ֗וֹן בְּחֶשְׁבּ֨וֹן בְּחֶשְׁבּֽוֹן׃ בחשבון בחשבון׃ וְחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן וּמֵחֶשְׁבּ֛וֹן וחשבון ומחשבון חֶ֠שְׁבּוֹן חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֛וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֜וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֥וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֧וֹן חֶשְׁבּ֨וֹן חֶשְׁבּֽוֹן׃ חֶשְׁבּוֹן֙ חשבון חשבון׃ מֵֽחֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן מֵחֶשְׁבּ֗וֹן מחשבון bə·ḥeš·bō·wn becheshBon bəḥešbōwn cheshBon ḥeš·bō·wn ḥešbōwn mê·ḥeš·bō·wn mecheshBon mêḥešbōwn ū·mê·ḥeš·bō·wn umecheshBon ūmêḥešbōwn vecheshBon wə·ḥeš·bō·wn wəḥešbōwn
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