LIBNAH
A city in the western part of Judah, not far from Lachish, conquered by Joshua from the Canaanites, and assigned to the priests, Jos 10:29,30 15:42 21:13 1Ch 6:57 . Its inhabitants revolted against the idolatrous and cruel Jehoram, 2Ch 21:10 . It was a strongly fortified place, and under its walls the Assyrian army was miraculously cut off, 2Ki 19:8,9,35 .
Fuente: American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Libnah
(Heb. Libnah’, , transparency, as in Exo 24:10), the name of two places. SEE SHIHOR-LIBNATH.
1. (Sept. v.r. .) The twenty-first station of the Israelites in the desert, between Rimmonparez and Rissah (Num 33:20-21); probably identical with LABAN (Deu 1:1), and perhaps situated near wady el-Ain, west of Kadesh-Barnea. SEE EXODE.
2. (Sept. , sometimes , occasionally , and even .) One of the royal cities of the Canaanites (Jos 12:15), taken and destroyed by Joshua immediately after Makkedah and before Lachish (Jos 10:29-32; Jos 10:39). It lay in the plain within the territory assigned to Judah (Jos 15:42), and became one of the Levitical towns in that tribe, as well as an asylum (Jos 21:13; 1Ch 6:57). In the reign of king Jehoram, Libnah is said to have revolted from him (2Ki 8:22; 2Ch 21:10). From the circumstance of this revolt having happened at the same time with that of the Edomites, it has been supposed by some to have reference to another town of the same name situated in that country. But such a conjecture is unnecessary and improbable, for it appears that the Philistines and Arabians revolted at the same time (2Ch 21:16). Libnah of Judah rebelled because it refused to admit the idolatries of Jehoram; and it is not said in either of the passages in which this act is recorded, as of Edom, that it continued in revolt “unto this day.” It may be inferred either that it was speedily reduced to obedience, or that, on the re-establishment of the true worship, it spontaneously returned to its allegiance, for we find it was the native place of the grandfather of two of the last kings of Judah (2Ki 23:31; 2Ki 24:18; Jer 52:1). It appears to have been a strongly fortified place, for the Assyrian king Sennacherib was detained some time before it when he invaded Judaea in the time of Hezekiah. SEE HEZEKIAH.
On completing or relinquishing the siege of Lachish which of the two is not quite certain Sennacherib laid siege to Libnah (2Ki 19:8; Isa 37:8). While there he was joined by Rabshakeh and the part of the army which had visited Jerusalem (2Ki 19:8; Isa 37:8), and received the intelligence of Tirhakah’s approach; and it would appear that at Libnah the destruction of the Assyrian army took place, though the statements of Herodotus (2:141) and of Josephus (Ant. 10:1, 4) place it at Pelusium (see Rawlinson, Herod. 1:480). Libnah was the native place of Hamutal or Hamital, the Queen of Josiah, and mother of Jehoahaz (2Ki 23:31) and Zedekiah (24:18; Jer 52:1). It is in this connection that its name appears for the last time in the Bible. It existed as a village in the time of Eusebius and Jerome, and is placed by them in the district of Eleutheropolis (Onomast. s.v. ; compare Josephus, Ant. 10:5, 2). Dr. Robinson was unable to discover the least trace of its site (Bib. Res. 2:389). Stanley inclines to find the site at Tell es-Safieh (Sinai and Pal. pages 207, 258); but this is probably Gath. Van de Velde suggests Arak el-Mensahiyeh, a hill about four miles west of Beit-jebrsin (Memoir, page 330), which seems to answer to the requirements of location. It stood near Lachish, west of Makkedah, and probably also west of Eleutheropolis (Keil, Comment. on Jos 10:29), and was situated in the district immediately west of the hill region, in the vicinity of Ether, Ashan, etc. (Jos 15:42).
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Libnah (2)
Some would locate this place at Beit-Jibrin, and others at Ibiza, on the coast road, but Tristram (Bible Places, page 44) and Trelawney Saunders (Map of the O.T.) accept the identification with Arakc el-Menshiyeh, which the Ordnance Map lays down at six and a half miles west of Beit- Jibrin, and the accompanying Memoirs describe thus (3:259): “A mud village on a flat plain, surrounded with arable land, and supplied by three wells. It is of moderate size, with two sacred places. The curious mound north of it is a remarkable feature in the landscape, two hundred and fifty feet high, and consisting of natural rock, but scarped, and appearing to have been artificially made steeper. On the top is a sacred mukdam, with a few hedges of prickly pear. This site is evidently ancient and important. The hills near it are of very white chalk, and the name Libnah signifies milk white.'”
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Libnah
transparency; whiteness. (1.) One of the stations of the Israelites in the wilderness (Num. 33:20, 21).
(2.) One of the royal cities of the Canaanites taken by Joshua (Josh. 10:29-32; 12:15). It became one of the Levitical towns in the tribe of Judah (21:13), and was strongly fortified. Sennacherib laid siege to it (2 Kings 19:8; Isa. 37:8). It was the native place of Hamutal, the queen of Josiah (2 Kings 23:31). It stood near Lachish, and has been identified with the modern Arak el-Menshiyeh.
Fuente: Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Libnah
(“whiteness”.)
1. The Blanche Garde of the crusaders (Stanley). A city in the shephelah or low hills S.W. of Palestine, taken by Joshua, though not one of the leagued cities, because he would not leave so strong a city unsubdued in his rear, after destroying Makkedah on his way to Lachish. A priests’ city with its “suburbs” (Jos 10:29-30; Jos 10:32-39; Jos 12:15; Jos 15:42; Jos 21:13). It revolted from Judah at the same time as Edom, in the reign of Jehoram, Jehoshaphat’s son, “because he had forsaken the Lord God of his fathers” (2Ki 8:22; 2Ch 21:10-11). Its remoteness from the capital, which Jehoram had corrupted into idolatry, and the presence of the sacred ministers in it, made its people desire separation from the idolaters; hence its revolt, as the scripture quoted implies. The explanation of the revolt, though satisfactory, is one inferred from comparing independent scriptures (2Ch 21:10; 2Ki 8:18; Jos 15:42; Jos 21:13), an undesigned propriety confirming the truth.
After Lachish Sennacherib besieged Libnah, and there heard of what alarmed him, Tirhakah’s advance (2Ki 19:8; Isa 37:8). Rabshakeh joined him there, and probably brought with him the portion of the Assyrian army which had been before Jerusalem. At Libnah near Egypt G. Rawlinson thinks the miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army took place: not at Jerusalem; so Jehovah’s promise (Isa 37:33), “Sennacherib shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields “; then verse 36 will mean, “when they (Sennacherib and the surviving Assyrians) arose early in the morning, behold they (the smitten Assyrians) were all dead corpses.” Herodotus (ii. 141) gives the Egyptian story, that Sennacherib retreated from Pelusium, the Egyptian gods having sent field mice which gnawed their bowstrings and shield straps, a corruption of Jehovah’s promise above. Hamutal, Josiah’s queen, mother of Jehoahaz and Zedekiah, was of Libnah (2Ki 23:31; 2Ki 24:18.)
E. Wilton identifies Libnah with Lebben, five miles S. of Gaza, near the northern bank of wady Sheriah, a good point from which Sennacherib could watch Tirhakah’s advance from the Egyptian quarter. The smallness of the remains is due to the buildings having been of large sun-dried bricks, soon disintegrating, not stone. Condor (Palestine Exploration, July, 1875) identifies it with Belt Jibrin. Warren (Palestine Exploration, July, 1875) identifies Libnah with Ibna, a ruin on a hill at the sea coast, between Jaffa and Ashdod, and identical with Jabneel or Jabnab. As Libnah was a priests’ town, so Jamnia became latterly the seat of the Sanhedrin and head quarters of Hebrew learning. Libnah (whiteness) perhaps is named from some natural feature, as white poplars; as Rithmah is from retem “the juniper.” El Benawy is mentioned for it in Palestine Exploration Quarterly Statement, January, 1878, p. 19.
2. A station of Israel between Sinai and Kadesh, the fifth after Sinai. The Laban of Deu 1:1, near the Arabah and Elanitic gulf. Now el Beyaneh (“the distinct.,” Arabic), part of the mountain plateau and valley W. of the Arabah.
Fuente: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
Libnah
LIBNAH.1. An unidentified station in the desert wanderings (Num 33:20). 2. A Canaanite city taken by Joshua after Makkedah and before Lachish (Jos 10:29 etc.), named between Arad and Adullam (Jos 12:16), and between Makkedah and Ether in the Shephlah (Jos 15:42). It was given to the Levites (Jos 21:18, 1Ch 6:67). Taking advantage of an Edomite revolt, it rose against Judah under Joram (2Ki 8:22). It was besieged by Sennacherib (2Ki 19:8 = Isa 37:8). Hamutal, mother of Jehoahaz and Zedekiah, was a native of Libnah (2Ki 23:31; 2Ki 24:18, Jer 52:1). The district is clearly indicated, but the site is still unknown. Conder (PEFSt [Note: Quarterly Statement of the same.] , 1897, p. 69) suggests el-Benawy, 10 miles S.E. of Lachish (Tell el-Hesy).
W. Ewing.
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Libnah
libna (, libhnah whiteness, transparency, pavement (compare Exo 24:10 where , libhnath, is translated paved work or a compact foundation); , Lebna):
(1) A desert camp of the Israelites between Rimmon-perez and Rissah (Num 33:20, Num 33:21). Probably the same as Laban (Deu 1:1). See WANDERINGS OF ISRAEL.
(2) A town in the Shephelah of Judah (Jos 15:42). Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah: and Yahweh delivered it also, and the king thereof, into the hand of Israel… And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it (Jos 10:29-31; Jos 12:15). It was one of the cities given to the children of Aaron (Jos 21:13; 1Ch 6:57). In the reign of Joram, Libnah joined the Edomites in a revolt against the king of Judah (2Ki 8:22; 2Ch 21:10). In the reign of Hezekiah, Libnah was besieged by Sennacherib (2Ki 19:8; Isa 37:8). The wife of King Josiah was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah, she was the mother of Jehoahaz and Zedekiah (2Ki 23:31; 2Ki 24:18; Jer 52:1).
The site of this important stronghold remains unknown. In the Eusebius, Onomasticon it is described, under the name Lobana or Lobna, as near Eleutheropolis (Beit Jebrn). All the indications point to a site in the Southwest of the Shephelah, not very far from Lachish. The Palestine Exploration Fund surveyors suggested (PEF, III, 259) the commanding site Arak el Menshyeh, or rather the white chalky mound 250 ft. high to the North of this village, and Stanley proposed Tell es Safi. (Both these identifications are due to the interpretation of Libnah as meaning whiteness.) In the PEFS (1897, Sh XX) Conder suggests a ruin called el Benawy, 10 miles Southeast of Lachish.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Libnah
Libnah, one of the royal cities of the Canaanites, taken by Joshua immediately after Makkedah (Jos 10:21; Jos 10:29). It lay within the territory assigned to Judah (Jos 15:42), and became one of the Levitical towns in that tribe (Jos 21:13; 1Ch 6:57). It was a strongly fortified place. The Assyrian King Sennacherib was detained some time before it when he invaded Judea in the time of Hezekiah; and it was before it that he sustained that dreadful stroke which constrained him to withdraw to his own country (2Ki 19:8; Isa 37:8). In the reign of King Jehoram, Libnah is said to have revolted from him (2Ki 8:22; 2Ch 21:10). Libnah existed as a village in the time of Eusebius and Jerome, and is placed by them in the district of Eleutheropolis.
Fuente: Popular Cyclopedia Biblical Literature
Libnah
[Lib’nah]
1. One of the stations at which the Israelites encamped. Num 33:20-21.
2. City in the south-west taken by Joshua and its inhabitants totally destroyed. It was allotted to Judah and was afterwards given to the priests. It revolted from Jehoram. Afterwards it was besieged by Sennacherib, but apparently was not taken. Jos 10:29-39; Jos 21:13; 1Ch 6:57; 2Ch 21:10; Isa 37:8; Jer 52:1. Not identified.
Fuente: Concise Bible Dictionary
Libnah
H3841
1. A station of the Israelites in the desert
Num 33:20
2. A city of Judah:
– Captured by Joshua
Jos 10:29-32; Jos 10:39; Jos 12:15
– Allotted to the priests
Jos 21:13; 1Ch 6:57
– Sennacherib besieged; his army defeated near
2Ki 19:8; 2Ki 19:35; Isa 37:8-36
Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible
Libnah
Libnah (lb’nah), whiteness. 1. The fifth station at which Israel encamped on their journey from Sinai; situated between Rimmon-parez and Rissah, Num 33:20-21, but not yet identified. 2. A city of Canaan, in the lowland of Judah, was taken by Joshua, Jos 10:29-32; Jos 10:39; Jos 12:15, and assigned to the priests, Jos 15:42; Jos 21:13; 1Ch 6:57; revolted against Joram, 2Ki 8:22; 2Ch 21:10; was besieged by Sennacherib, 2Ki 19:8; Isa 37:8.
Fuente: People’s Dictionary of the Bible
Libnah
Lib’nah. (whiteness).
1. A royal city of the Canaanites, which lay in the southwest part of the Holy Land, taken by Joshua immediately after the rout of Beth-horon. It was near Lachish, west of Makkedah. It was appropriated with its “suburbs” to the priests. Jos 21:13; 1Ch 6:57. In the reign of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, it “revolted” from Judah at the same time with Edom. 2Ki 8:22; 2Ch 21:10. Probably, the modern Ayak el-Menshiyeh.
2. One of the stations, at which the Israelites encamped on their journey, between the wilderness of Sinai and Kadesh. Num 33:20-21.
Fuente: Smith’s Bible Dictionary
LIBNAH
a city of Canaan
Jos 10:29; Jos 21:13; 2Ki 8:22; 2Ki 19:8; Isa 37:8
Fuente: Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
Libnah
a city in the southern part of the tribe of Judah, Jos 15:42, of which a cession was made to the priests for their habitation, and which was declared a city of refuge, 1Ch 6:57.