Topical Encyclopedia Irha-heres is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Isaiah. The name appears in Isaiah 19:18, which reads in the Berean Standard Bible : "In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of Hosts. One of them will be called the City of Destruction."The term "Irha-heres" is often translated as "City of Destruction," though there is some debate among scholars regarding its exact meaning and translation. The Hebrew phrase "עִיר הַהֶרֶס" (Ir ha-Heres) can be translated as "City of Destruction" or "City of the Sun," depending on the interpretation of the Hebrew root. Some ancient manuscripts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, suggest the reading "Ir ha-ḥeres," which means "City of the Sun," possibly referring to the city of Heliopolis, a major center of sun worship in ancient Egypt. Historical and Cultural Context The prophecy in Isaiah 19 speaks of a future time when Egypt will undergo significant transformation, turning away from its traditional idolatry and towards the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The mention of five cities, including Irha-heres, indicates a widespread change across the land of Egypt. This transformation is seen as part of a larger eschatological vision where Egypt, Assyria, and Israel are united in worshiping the LORD (Isaiah 19:23-25). The city referred to as Irha-heres is significant because it symbolizes the overthrow of idolatry and the establishment of true worship. If interpreted as "City of the Sun," it highlights the conversion of a prominent center of pagan worship to the service of the LORD. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to bring about repentance and change even in the most unlikely places. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the prophecy concerning Irha-heres underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. It reflects the hope that all nations will ultimately acknowledge the LORD as the one true God. This vision is consistent with the prophetic literature's emphasis on the inclusion of Gentiles in the worship of Yahweh, a theme that finds its fulfillment in the New Testament with the spread of the Gospel to all nations. The transformation of Irha-heres serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to redeem and transform even those who are far from Him. It illustrates the prophetic hope that God's kingdom will extend beyond the borders of Israel, bringing peace and reconciliation to former enemies. Interpretative Challenges The translation and interpretation of Irha-heres present challenges due to textual variations and the ambiguity of the Hebrew language. Some translations, such as the Septuagint, render the name as "City of Righteousness," which further complicates the understanding of the passage. These variations highlight the importance of considering historical, linguistic, and theological contexts when interpreting biblical texts. Despite these challenges, the prophecy of Irha-heres remains a testament to the transformative power of God's grace and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises to bring all nations into His covenant community. Easton's Bible Dictionary According to some MSS., meaning "city of destruction." Other MSS. read 'Irhahares; rendered "city of the sun", Isaiah 19:18, where alone the word occurs. This name may probably refer to Heliopolis. The prophecy here points to a time when the Jews would so increase in number there as that the city would fall under their influence. This might be in the time of the Ptolemies. (see ON.) Thesaurus Irhaheres/i/irhaheres.htm - 13k Irha-heres Ir-ha-heres Irascible (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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