Eglath-shelishiyah is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Isaiah. The name is often translated as "a heifer of three years old" or "a three-year-old heifer," and it is used metaphorically to describe a city or region in a state of distress or impending judgment.

Biblical Reference:

· Isaiah 15:5 : "My heart cries out for Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. For they go up the Ascent of Luhith weeping; they raise a cry of destruction on the road to Horonaim."

In this passage, the prophet Isaiah is lamenting the destruction that is to come upon Moab, a neighboring nation of Israel. The mention of Eglath-shelishiyah is part of a poetic oracle against Moab, where the prophet's heart is moved with compassion for the suffering that the Moabites will endure. The imagery of a "three-year-old heifer" suggests a sense of innocence and vulnerability, emphasizing the severity of the coming judgment.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Eglath-shelishiyah is believed to be a location within the territory of Moab, although its exact identification remains uncertain. The name itself may have been a known place or a symbolic representation used by Isaiah to convey the message of impending doom. Moab was situated east of the Dead Sea, and its people were often in conflict with Israel, despite their shared ancestry through Lot, Abraham's nephew.

Theological Significance:

The use of Eglath-shelishiyah in Isaiah's prophecy highlights the theme of divine judgment and compassion. While God pronounces judgment on Moab for its sins, the prophet's lament reveals God's heart for the nations and His desire for repentance and restoration. This duality of judgment and mercy is a recurring theme throughout the prophetic books of the Old Testament.

Interpretation:

From a conservative Christian perspective, the mention of Eglath-shelishiyah serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of aligning with God's will. It underscores the belief that God is sovereign over all nations and that His judgments are just. The passage also encourages believers to have compassion for those who are suffering and to intercede for them, much like Isaiah did for Moab.

In summary, Eglath-shelishiyah is a poignant symbol within the prophetic literature, illustrating the depth of God's justice and mercy. It calls readers to reflect on their own lives and the state of their nations, urging them to seek God's guidance and grace.EGLATH-SHELISHIYAH

eg'-lath-shel-i-shi'-ya (`eghlath shelishiyah):

Found in Isaiah 15:5 Jeremiah 48:34 (Hebrew) in oracles against Moab. the King James Version translates "an heifer of three years old"; the Revised Version (British and American) takes it as the name of a place, but the American Revised Version, margin has "a heifer three years old," according to Septuagint. In the former case strong and unconquered cities, Zoar and Horonaim, are compared to the heifer not yet broken to the yoke. Such use of "heifer" is not infrequent (compare Jeremiah 46:20 Hosea 10:11, etc.). The majority of scholars, however, take it as a place-name. Some would read "the third Eglath," as if there were three towns of that name. No probable identification has been suggested.

W. Ewing

Eglathshelishiyah

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Eglath-shelishiyah (2 Occurrences)
Eglath-shelishiyah. Eglathshelishiyah, Eglath-shelishiyah. Eg'lath-shelish'iyah .
Int. ... Eglathshelishiyah, Eglath-shelishiyah. Eg'lath-shelish'iyah . ...
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Eglath-sheli-shijah (1 Occurrence)
Eglath-sheli-shijah. Eglath-shelishijah, Eglath-sheli-shijah. Eglathshelishiyah . ...
(DBY). Eglath-shelishijah, Eglath-sheli-shijah. Eglathshelishiyah . ...
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