The "City of the Sun" is a term that appears in biblical texts, often associated with the ancient city of Heliopolis in Egypt. Heliopolis, known in Hebrew as "On," was a major center of worship for the sun god Ra. This city is referenced in the Bible, particularly in the context of its religious significance and its interactions with the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 41:45 · "Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife." Here, the city of On, or Heliopolis, is mentioned as the home of Potiphera, a priest, indicating its religious importance. Joseph's marriage into a family from this city signifies a connection between the Israelites and the Egyptian religious elite.

2. Jeremiah 43:13 · "He will demolish the sacred pillars of the temple of the sun in the land of Egypt, and he will burn down the temples of the gods of Egypt." This prophecy by Jeremiah foretells the destruction of the religious sites in Egypt, including those in Heliopolis, highlighting the city's association with idolatry and false worship in the eyes of the Israelites.

3. Ezekiel 30:17 · "The young men of On and Pi-beseth will fall by the sword, and those cities will go into captivity." This passage speaks of the impending judgment on Egyptian cities, including On, emphasizing the consequences of their idolatrous practices.

Historical and Religious Context:

Heliopolis was one of the oldest and most significant cities in ancient Egypt, renowned for its grand temples and as a center of learning and religious thought. The city's primary deity was Ra, the sun god, which is why it is often referred to as the "City of the Sun." The worship of Ra was central to Egyptian religion, and Heliopolis served as a focal point for this cult.

The city's influence extended beyond religious practices; it was also a hub for education and philosophy. The priests of Heliopolis were considered wise and knowledgeable, contributing to the city's reputation as a center of wisdom and learning.

Theological Significance:

From a biblical perspective, the City of the Sun represents the broader theme of idolatry and the worship of false gods, which is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. The prophets' denunciations of Heliopolis and its practices serve as a reminder of the Israelites' call to worship the one true God and to reject the pagan influences surrounding them.

The interactions between the Israelites and the Egyptians, as seen in the marriage of Joseph to Asenath, reflect the complex relationship between God's chosen people and the surrounding nations. While there were moments of cooperation and integration, the underlying message of the Bible remains clear: the worship of God must remain pure and untainted by the idolatrous practices of other cultures.

In summary, the City of the Sun, or Heliopolis, stands as a symbol of the religious and cultural challenges faced by the Israelites. Its mention in the Bible underscores the ongoing struggle against idolatry and the call to remain faithful to the covenant with God.