Heshbon

Lore & Background

Ancient Heshbon was beyond, i.e. east of, the Jordan. The city was where the Israelites passed by on their entry to the Promised Land, and was assigned to the tribe of Reuben; afterwards it was given to the Tribe of Gad and became a Levitical city for the Merarites. Heshbon is mentioned in the Tanakh as the capital of Amorite king Sihon. The biblical narrative records the Israelite victory over Sihon during the Exodus under Moses. Heshbon later came under Moabite control, as mentioned by Isaiah and Jeremiah, and later under Ammonite occupation as Jeremiah 49:3 suggests. Heshbon also appears in the Song of Solomon, where the poet likens his love's eyes to 'the pools of Heshbon'.

Reader's Guide

The Roman and Byzantine town is believed to have been located at the ruin called Hesbân or Hisban, about 20 km southwest of Amman, and 9 km to the north of Madaba, on one of the highest summits of the mountains of Moab. A large ruined reservoir is located east of the place, and below the town there is a fountain. Archaeological excavations at Tell Hesban (1968–1976 and later) found no evidence of Bronze Age occupation, leading excavators to conclude the site is not Sihon's Heshbon. Classical period remains confirmed its status as the Roman-period city of Esbus. Two Byzantine-era churches with mosaic floors have been discovered.

Did You Know?

• The Bronze Age Heshbon of biblical King Sihon has not been identified.
• The Roman and Byzantine town of Esbus has been identified with Tell Hisban.
• Excavations at Tell Hisban found no trace of occupation in the 13th century B.C., contradicting the biblical story of the Israelite conquest at that site.
• Heshbon is mentioned in the Song of Solomon, referring to 'the pools of Heshbon'.