Gibbethon is a city mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily within the context of the tribal allotments and the historical narratives of the Israelites. It is located in the territory assigned to the tribe of Dan, as detailed in the Book of Joshua. Gibbethon holds significance due to its association with the Levites and its role in the conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines.

Tribal Allotment and Levitical City

Gibbethon is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua as part of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel. Specifically, it is listed as one of the cities given to the tribe of Dan. In Joshua 19:44, the city is included in the allotment: "Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath." This indicates its geographical and tribal significance within the Promised Land.

Furthermore, Gibbethon was designated as a Levitical city. The Levites, who were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, were given specific cities to inhabit. Joshua 21:23 states, "From the tribe of Dan they gave Eltekeh, Gibbethon." This allocation underscores the city's role in supporting the Levitical priesthood and maintaining the spiritual life of the nation.

Historical and Military Significance

Gibbethon is notably mentioned in the context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines. The city became a focal point during the reigns of the kings of Israel. In 1 Kings 15:27, it is recorded that "Baasha son of Ahijah of the house of Issachar conspired against him, and Baasha struck him down at Gibbethon of the Philistines while Nadab and all Israel were besieging the city." This event marks a significant political and military turning point, as Baasha's assassination of King Nadab led to his own rise to power.

The city's strategic importance is further highlighted in 1 Kings 16:15, where it is mentioned again during the reign of King Elah: "In the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri reigned in Tirzah for seven days. Now the troops were encamped against Gibbethon of the Philistines." This passage illustrates the ongoing military campaigns and the city's role as a contested site between Israel and its adversaries.

Archaeological and Geographical Considerations

While the exact location of Gibbethon remains uncertain, it is generally believed to have been situated in the lowland region of the Shephelah, an area known for its fertile plains and strategic military value. The city's proximity to Philistine territory made it a frequent battleground in the power struggles of the era.

Theological Implications

Gibbethon's inclusion in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between divine providence, tribal inheritance, and human agency. The city's role as a Levitical city emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual centers within the land, while its military history reflects the challenges faced by the Israelites in securing and defending their God-given inheritance.

In summary, Gibbethon is a city of both religious and historical significance, illustrating the multifaceted nature of Israel's journey in the Promised Land. Its mention in the biblical text provides insight into the broader narrative of Israel's history and the divine orchestration of events within the Old Testament.Gibbethon

a back; a high house

Gibbethon

(a hill), a town allotted to the tribe of Dan, (Joshua 19:44) and afterwards given with its "suburbs" to the Kohathite Levites. ch. (Joshua 21:23)

Gibbethon

A city of the Philistines, within the bounds of the tribe of Dan, and assigned to the Levites, Joshua 19:44; 21:23. The Philistines, however, were not excluded; and in the time of Nadab they were its masters, and he was slain by Baasha while besieging it, 1 Kings 15:27; 16:15. Its after-history, and its site are unknown.

A height, a city of the Philistines in the territory of Dan, given to the Kohathites (Joshua 19:44; 21:23). Nadab the king of Israel, while besieging it, was slain under its walls by Baasha, one of his own officers (1 Kings 15:27). It was in the possession of the Philistines after the secession of the ten tribes (2 Chronicles 11:13, 14). GIBBETHON

gib'-e-thon (gibbethon): A city in the territory of Dan in the plain named with Eltekeh and Baalath (Joshua 19:44), and assigned to the Kohathite Levites (Joshua 21:23). Later we find it in the hands of the Philistines; and it was while besieging the city that Nadab was slain by Baasha (1 Kings 15:27). After 25 years Omri, the general of Baasha, was here made king of the army when news reached them of Zimri s regicide (1 Kings 16:15). It may possibly be identified with Kibbiah, which lies about 16 miles Southeast of Jaffa; but no certain identification is possible.

W. Ewing

1405. Gibbethon -- "mound," a city in Dan
... 1404, 1405. Gibbethon. 1406 . "mound," a city in Dan. Transliteration: Gibbethon
Phonetic Spelling: (ghib-beth-one') Short Definition: Gibbethon. ...
/hebrew/1405.htm - 6k

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... to assault Elah, and by that means he slew him when he was without his armed men
and his captains, for they were all busied in the siege of Gibbethon, a city ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim.
... Eltekah, and Gibbethon, and Baaleth; behold, these are Judah." (Here is a mistake
of the transcribers, for it should be written, of Dan, Joshua 19:44.) "Baalah ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 45 emmaus kiriath-jearim.htm

Concerning the Death of a Son of Jeroboam. How Jeroboam was Beaten ...
... In these two years he made an expedition against Gibbethon, a city of the Philistines,
and continued the siege in order to take it; but he was conspired ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 concerning the death.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Gibbethon (5 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GIBBETHON. ...Gibbethon (5 Occurrences). Joshua
19:44 Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/g/gibbethon.htm - 9k

Gib'bethon (5 Occurrences)
Gib'bethon. Gibbethon, Gib'bethon. Gibea . ... Gib'bethon (5 Occurrences). Joshua
19:44 and Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath; (See RSV). ...
/g/gib'bethon.htm - 7k

Eltekeh (2 Occurrences)
... 44, 'elteqe' (Joshua 21:23); Codex Vaticanus Alkatha; Codex Alexandrinus, Elketho):
A place in the territory of Dan named between Ekron and Gibbethon (Joshua 19 ...
/e/eltekeh.htm - 8k

Nadab (21 Occurrences)
... While engaged with all Israel in laying siege to Gibbethon, a town of southern Dan
(Joshua 19:44), a conspiracy broke out in his army, and he was slain by ...
/n/nadab.htm - 16k

Elteke (1 Occurrence)
... 44, 'elteqe' (Joshua 21:23); Codex Vaticanus Alkatha; Codex Alexandrinus, Elketho):
A place in the territory of Dan named between Ekron and Gibbethon (Joshua 19 ...
/e/elteke.htm - 7k

Omri (16 Occurrences)
... 1. His Accession: Omri is first mentioned as an officer in the army of Elah, which
was engaged in the siege of the Philistine town of Gibbethon. ...
/o/omri.htm - 20k

Attacking (73 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 15:27 And Baasha, the son of Ahijah, of the family of Issachar, made a secret
design against him, attacking him at Gibbethon, a town of the Philistines ...
/a/attacking.htm - 30k

Zimri (16 Occurrences)
... occasion for his crime was furnished by the absence of the army, which, under the
direction of Omri, was engaged in the siege of the Philistine town Gibbethon. ...
/z/zimri.htm - 18k

Plotted (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 15:27 Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against
him; and Baasha struck him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines ...
/p/plotted.htm - 12k

Besieging (9 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Kings 15:27 And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar,
conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the ...
/b/besieging.htm - 9k

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