Heshbon

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Heshbon (also Esebon) was an ancient town located east of the Jordan River in the modern Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and historically within the territories of Ammon and Ancient Israel.

References in Tanakh

The first reference in the Tanakh to Heshbon is found in the Book of Deuteronomy (2:24), where its Amorite king, Sihon is mentioned. It is later mentioned in Numbers 21:21-35, which tells the story of the Israelite victory over Sihon the Amorite during the time of the Exodus under Moses. In this passage, Heshbon is highlighted due to it's importance as the capital of Sihon, King of the Amorites:

"For Heshbon was the city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, who had

fought against the former king of Moab and had taken all his land

out of his hand, as far as the Arnon." (Numbers 21:26 NASB)

Similar passages appear in Deuteronomy and Joshua, with the primary emphasis being the victory of the Israelites over King Sihon at the site of Heshbon, which was his capital. These events occurred during the time of Moses, who soon after died in the region, after viewing the "promised land" from the top of Mount Nebo. Following the death of Moses, Heshbon became a town at the border between the Tribe of Reuben and the Tribe of Gad. Further biblical evidence suggests that the town later came under Moabite control, as mentioned by Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Heshbon also makes it into the biblical love poem of Song of Solomon where, in verse 7:4, the poet likens his love's eyes to "the pools of Heshbon."

Historical References

According to Josephus, Heshbon was in the possession of the Judeans at the time of Alexander Jannaeus the Maccabee. Herod the Great is also said to have jurisdiction over the town.

The town is believed to have been located at the ruin called Hisban, about 20 km (12 miles) southwest of Amman. A large ruined reservoir is located east of the place, and below the town there is a fountain.

Archaeological Excavations

In 1968, archaeological excavations were undertaken at the site of Hisban (alternatively spelled Hesban). This excavation was the beginning of what became called the "Heshbon Expedition." This archaeological work was sponsored by Andrews University and under the authority of the American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR). The Heshbon Expedition continued with excavation seasons until 1976. No evidence of human occupation was found to tie the site to Sihon's Heshbon.he:חשבון (עיר)