Introduction:
Zo'an, also known as Tanis in ancient Egyptian history, is a significant city mentioned in the Bible. It is located in the northeastern region of the Nile Delta. Zo'an holds historical and theological importance, particularly in the context of the Exodus narrative and the prophetic literature of the Old Testament.

Biblical References:
Zo'an is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the plagues of Egypt. Psalm 78:12, 43 recounts the wonders God performed in the land of Egypt, specifically in the fields of Zo'an: "He worked wonders before their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zo'an... when He displayed His signs in Egypt and His wonders in the fields of Zo'an." These verses highlight Zo'an as a central location where God demonstrated His power through miraculous signs during the time of Moses.

In Numbers 13:22 , Zo'an is indirectly referenced in the account of the spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. The verse states, "They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, lived. (Hebron had been built seven years before Zo'an in Egypt.)" This comparison indicates the antiquity and significance of Zo'an as a well-established city even before the time of the patriarchs.

Historical Context:
Zo'an, or Tanis, was an important city in ancient Egypt, serving as a political and religious center. It was the capital of the 19th and 21st dynasties during the New Kingdom period. The city's strategic location in the Nile Delta made it a hub for trade and military activities. Archaeological findings have uncovered remnants of temples and palaces, attesting to its historical prominence.

Theological Significance:
In the biblical narrative, Zo'an represents the power and might of Egypt, which God challenged and overcame through the plagues. The mention of Zo'an in the Psalms serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people from bondage. The miracles performed in Zo'an are a testament to God's faithfulness and His covenantal relationship with Israel.

The prophetic literature also alludes to Zo'an in the context of judgment against Egypt. Isaiah 19:11-13 speaks of the foolishness of the princes of Zo'an, highlighting the futility of relying on human wisdom and power in contrast to divine wisdom: "The princes of Zo'an are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, 'I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings'? Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. The princes of Zo'an have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived; the cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray."

Conclusion:
While Zo'an is not frequently mentioned in the Bible, its role in the Exodus account and its symbolic representation of Egypt's power make it a noteworthy location in biblical history. The city's mention serves as a backdrop for God's mighty acts and as a symbol of His ultimate authority over nations.Zo'an (7 Occurrences)

Numbers 13:22
They went up by the South, and came to Hebron; and Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were there. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)
(See RSV)

Psalms 78:12
He did marvelous things in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
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Psalms 78:43
how he set his signs in Egypt, his wonders in the field of Zoan,
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Isaiah 19:11
The chiefs of Zoan are completely foolish; the wisest guides of Pharaoh have become like beasts: how do you say to Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the offspring of early kings?
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Isaiah 19:13
The chiefs of Zoan have become foolish, the chiefs of Noph are tricked, the heads of her tribes are the cause of Egypt's wandering out of the way.
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Isaiah 30:4
For his chiefs are at Zoan, and his representatives have come to Hanes.
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Ezekiel 30:14
I will make Pathros desolate, and will set a fire in Zoan, and will execute judgments on No.
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Zo'an (7 Occurrences)
Zo'an. Zoan, Zo'an. Zoar . Multi-Version Concordance Zo'an (7 Occurrences).
Numbers 13:22 They went up by the South, and came to ...
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Zoar (12 Occurrences)

/z/zoar.htm - 14k

Zoan (7 Occurrences)
...zo'-an (tso`an; Tanis): 1. situation 2. Old Testament Notices 3. Early History 4.
Hyksos Monuments 5. Hyksos Population 6. Hyksos Age 7. Description of Site 1 ...
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