Pibeseth, also known as Bubastis in ancient Egyptian, is a city mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the book of Ezekiel. It is located in the eastern Nile Delta region of Egypt and was a significant urban center during the time of the Old Testament. The name "Pibeseth" is derived from the Egyptian "Per-Bastet," meaning "House of Bastet," referring to the goddess Bastet, who was worshiped in this city. Bastet was depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness or domestic cat, symbolizing protection, fertility, and motherhood.

Biblical Reference:

Pibeseth is mentioned in the prophetic writings of Ezekiel, where the prophet foretells the judgment and desolation that would come upon Egypt and its cities. In Ezekiel 30:17 , it is written: "The young men of On and Pi-beseth will fall by the sword, and those cities will go into captivity." This prophecy is part of a larger oracle against Egypt, highlighting the impending doom and divine judgment that would befall the nation due to its idolatry and opposition to the God of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Pibeseth was a prominent city in ancient Egypt, known for its grand temple dedicated to the goddess Bastet. The city was a center of religious activity and pilgrimage, attracting worshipers from across the region. The annual festival of Bastet, celebrated with music, dancing, and feasting, was one of the most popular and well-attended events in the Egyptian religious calendar.

The city's strategic location in the Nile Delta made it an important hub for trade and commerce. Its proximity to the river facilitated the movement of goods and people, contributing to its economic prosperity. However, this also made Pibeseth vulnerable to foreign invasions and internal strife, as control of the Delta was crucial for maintaining power in Egypt.

Archaeological Evidence:

Archaeological excavations at the site of Bubastis have uncovered significant remains of the ancient city, including the ruins of the temple of Bastet. The temple complex, with its massive stone structures and intricate carvings, provides insight into the religious practices and architectural achievements of the time. Artifacts such as statues, inscriptions, and everyday items have been discovered, offering a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the inhabitants of Pibeseth.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Pibeseth in the book of Ezekiel serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over all nations. The prophecy against Egypt, including Pibeseth, underscores the theme of divine judgment against idolatry and the futility of relying on false gods. It reflects the biblical narrative that God holds the power to raise and bring down nations according to His will and purpose.

The fall of Pibeseth, as foretold by Ezekiel, illustrates the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God. It serves as a warning to all nations and peoples to turn away from idolatry and seek the one true God, who alone is worthy of worship and allegiance.Pibeseth

a town of lower Egypt, mentioned in (Ezekiel 30:17) the same as Bubastis, so named from the goddess Bubastis. It was situated on the west bank of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, about 40 miles front Memphis. It was probably a city of great importance when Ezekiel foretold its doom.

(Ezek. 30:17), supposed to mean. "a cat," or a deity in the form of a cat, worshipped by the Egyptians. It was called by the Greeks Bubastis. The hieroglyphic name is "Pe-bast", i.e., the house of Bast, the Artemis of the Egyptians. The town of Bubasts was situated on the Pelusian branch, i.e., the easternmost branch, of the Delta. It was the seat of one of the chief annual festivals of the Egyptians. Its ruins bear the modern name of Tel-Basta. PI-BESETH

pi-be'-seth (pi-be'seth;(pi-bheceth; Septuagint Bubastos; Egyptian Pi-Basht, "the house of Basht," the cat-headed goddess; the Egyptian form is usually Ha-Basht; it is doubtful if the form Pi-Basht has yet been found): A city of ancient Egypt. The only occurrence of the name of this place in the Old Testament is in Ezekiel 30:17; where it is coupled with Aven, i.e. On (Heliopolis).

1. Location:

Pi-beseth was on the western bank of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, about 40 miles North of Memphis, about 15 miles Northeast of On. Herodotus found the city of Bubastis very beautiful in his day. The annual festival of the goddess, Basht, was celebrated here with revolting license, similar to that of the festival of Syyid el-Bedawer now kept in TanTa.

2. Exploration:

Pi-beseth was explored by Professor Naville under the Egyptian Exploration Society in 1887-90. There were uncovered ruins of Egypt from the IVth Dynasty of the Old Empire, from the Middle Empire, an important Hyksos settlement, and ruins from the New Empire down to the end, and even from Roman times. The most unique discovery at Pi-beseth, one of the most unique in all Egypt, is the cemetery of cats. These cats, the animal sacred to Basht, were mummified at other places in Egypt, but at Pibeseth they were burned and the ashes and bones gathered and buried in great pits lined with brick or hardened clay. Bones of the ichneumon were also found mixed with those of the cats in these pits (Egypt Exploration Fund Report, 1891).

M. G. Kyle

Pibeseth (1 Occurrence)
... These cats, the animal sacred to Basht, were mummified at other places in Egypt,
but at Pibeseth they were burned and the ashes and bones gathered and buried ...
/p/pibeseth.htm - 8k

Pi-beseth (1 Occurrence)
... Pibeseth, Pi-beseth. Pibe'seth . ... Ezekiel 30:17 The young men of Aven and of
Pibeseth shall fall by the sword; and these cities'shall go into captivity. ...
/p/pi-beseth.htm - 8k

Pibe'seth (1 Occurrence)
... Pibe'seth (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 30:17 The young men of Aven and of Pibeseth shall
fall by the sword; and these cities shall go into captivity. (See RSV). ...
/p/pibe'seth.htm - 6k

Pi (3 Occurrences)

/p/pi.htm - 7k

Bubastis (1 Occurrence)
... Bubastis (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 30:17 The young men of Aven and of Pibeseth shall
fall by the sword; and these cities shall go into captivity. (See NIV). ...
/b/bubastis.htm - 6k

Aven (10 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 30:17 The young men of Aven and of Pibeseth shall fall by the sword; and
these cities shall go into captivity. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/a/aven.htm - 11k

On (40792 Occurrences)
... name Beth-shemesh. Ezekiel speaks of an Aven ('awen) (Ezekiel 30:17), where
it is mentioned with Pibeseth (Bubastis). Aven in this ...
/o/on.htm - 17k

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