The term "Gibeathite" refers to an inhabitant of Gibeah, a city of significant historical and biblical importance in ancient Israel. Gibeah is most notably associated with the tribe of Benjamin and is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. The city is often identified with modern-day Tell el-Ful, located just north of Jerusalem.

Biblical References and Historical Context

Gibeah is first mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is described as part of the territory given to the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:28). The city gained notoriety in the narrative of the Levite and his concubine, a account that highlights the moral and social decay during the period of the Judges. This account, found in Judges 19-21, describes a horrific crime committed by the men of Gibeah, leading to a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes.

The Gibeathites, as residents of Gibeah, were directly involved in this conflict. The incident underscores the lawlessness and lack of centralized leadership in Israel during this time, as noted in Judges 21:25: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes."

Significant Figures

One of the most prominent figures associated with Gibeah is King Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul was a Benjamite from Gibeah, and the city served as his initial capital (1 Samuel 10:26). The Gibeathites, therefore, played a crucial role in the early monarchy of Israel. Saul's reign marked a transition from the tribal confederation to a centralized monarchy, although his kingship was fraught with challenges and ultimately rejected by God in favor of David.

Theological Implications

The narrative of the Gibeathites, particularly in the account of the Levite's concubine, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of moral relativism and the absence of godly leadership. The events at Gibeah illustrate the need for righteous governance and adherence to God's laws. The rise of Saul from Gibeah also highlights the complexities of human leadership and the divine sovereignty in appointing leaders.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological excavations at Tell el-Ful have provided insights into the historical setting of Gibeah. The site reveals evidence of occupation during the Iron Age, corresponding to the biblical timeline of the Judges and the early monarchy. These findings help corroborate the biblical narrative and offer a glimpse into the life and culture of the Gibeathites.

Conclusion

While the Gibeathites are not frequently mentioned by name in the biblical text, their association with significant events and figures in Israel's history underscores their importance. The accounts connected to Gibeah serve as powerful lessons on the need for justice, leadership, and faithfulness to God's covenant.GIBEATHITE

gib'-e-ath-it.

See SHEMAAH.

1395. Gibathi -- an inhabitant of Gibath (or Gibeah)
... Gibathi. 1396 . an inhabitant of Gibath (or Gibeah). Transliteration: Gibathi
Phonetic Spelling: (ghib-aw-thee') Short Definition: Gibeathite. ... Gibeathite. ...
/hebrew/1395.htm - 6kGibeathite (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GIBEATHITE. gib'-e-ath-it. See SHEMAAH.
Multi-Version Concordance Gibeathite (1 Occurrence). ...
/g/gibeathite.htm - 7k

Je'zi-el (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite,
and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the ...
/j/je'zi-el.htm - 6k

Jeziel (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite,
and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the ...
/j/jeziel.htm - 7k

Gibeath-ha-araloth (1 Occurrence)
Gibeath-ha-araloth. Gibeath-haaraloth, Gibeath-ha-araloth. Gibeathite . ... (BBE
JPS). Gibeath-haaraloth, Gibeath-ha-araloth. Gibeathite . Reference Bible.
/g/gibeath-ha-araloth.htm - 6k

Gibeath-moreh (1 Occurrence)
Gibeath-moreh. Gibeathite, Gibeath-moreh. Gibeath-shaul . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See JPS). Gibeathite, Gibeath-moreh. Gibeath-shaul . Reference
/g/gibeath-moreh.htm - 6k

Pelet (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite,
and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the ...
/p/pelet.htm - 8k

Berachah (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite;
and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu ...
/b/berachah.htm - 7k

Ber'acah (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite;
and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Beracah, and Jehu the ...
/b/ber'acah.htm - 6k

Beracah (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite,
and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the ...
/b/beracah.htm - 8k

Az'maveth (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite,
and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the ...
/a/az'maveth.htm - 8k

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