The Libnites were a clan within the tribe of Levi, specifically descending from Gershon, one of Levi's three sons. The Levites held a unique position among the tribes of Israel, being set apart for religious duties and service to the Tabernacle, and later the Temple. The Libnites, as part of the Gershonite division, were responsible for specific tasks related to the care and transportation of the Tabernacle during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings.

Biblical References:

1. Genealogy and Duties:
The Libnites are first mentioned in the genealogical records of the Levites. In Numbers 3:17-21 , the sons of Levi are listed, and the descendants of Gershon are identified, including the Libnites: "These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. These were the names of the sons of Gershon by their clans: Libni and Shimei."

The duties of the Gershonites, including the Libnites, are detailed in Numbers 3:25-26 : "The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting involved the tabernacle, the tent and its covering, the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes—all the service for these items."

2. Census and Organization:
During the census of the Levites, the Libnites are again mentioned as part of the Gershonite families. Numbers 4:24-28 outlines their responsibilities: "This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport: They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with its covering, the covering of fine leather on top of it, the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the gate of the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, their ropes, and all the equipment for their service. The Gershonites are to perform all their tasks under the direction of Aaron and his sons."

3. Settlement:
After the conquest of Canaan, the Levites were given specific cities to dwell in, as they did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. The Libnites, as part of the Gershonite Levites, were allocated cities in the territories of other tribes. Joshua 21:27 states: "To the Gershonites, one of the clans of the Levites, were given from the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah—two cities, along with their pasturelands."

Historical and Theological Significance:

The Libnites, as part of the Levitical priesthood, played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel. Their responsibilities in maintaining and transporting the Tabernacle underscored the importance of worship and the presence of God among His people. The division of labor among the Levites, including the Libnites, highlights the organized and communal nature of Israelite worship, where each clan had specific roles to ensure the proper functioning of the sacred space.

The allocation of cities to the Libnites and other Levites also reflects the integration of the priestly tribe within the broader community of Israel, serving as spiritual leaders and teachers throughout the land. This distribution ensured that the knowledge of God's laws and the practice of worship were accessible to all Israelites, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people.LIBNITES

lib'-nits (ha-libhni).

See LIBNI.

3846. Libniy -- descendant of Libni
... 3845, 3846. Libniy. 3846a . descendant of Libni. Transliteration: Libniy Phonetic
Spelling: (lib-nee') Short Definition: Libnites. Libnites ...
/hebrew/3846.htm - 5k

3846a. Libni -- descendant of Libni
... descendant of Libni. Transliteration: Libni Short Definition: Libnites. Word Origin
from Libni Definition desc. of Libni NASB Word Usage Libnites (2). ...
/hebrew/3846a.htm - 5k

Libnites (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia LIBNITES. lib'-nits (ha-libhni). See LIBNI.
Multi-Version Concordance Libnites (2 Occurrences). ...
/l/libnites.htm - 7k

Libnite (2 Occurrences)
... Libnite (2 Occurrences). Numbers 3:21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites,
and the family of the Shimeites: these are the families of the Gershonites. ...
/l/libnite.htm - 7k

Clans (120 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Numbers 3:21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family
of the Shimeites: these are the families of the Gershonites. (See NIV). ...
/c/clans.htm - 34k

Korahite (3 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:58 These are the families of Levi: the family of the Libnites, the family
of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites ...
/k/korahite.htm - 7k

Korathites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:58 These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites,
the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the ...
/k/korathites.htm - 7k

Korathite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:58 These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites,
the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the ...
/k/korathite.htm - 6k

Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:58 These are the families of Levi: the family of the Libnites, the family
of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites ...
/k/ko'rahites.htm - 8k

Libni (5 Occurrences)
... Families who traced their descent from Libni are called Libnites (Numbers 3:21;
Numbers 26:58). (2) A son of Merari (1 Chronicles 6:29). See LADAN. ...
/l/libni.htm - 8k

Gershonites (17 Occurrences)
... Numbers 3:21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of
the Shimeites: these are the families of the Gershonites. ...
/g/gershonites.htm - 14k

Gershon (23 Occurrences)
... Numbers 3:21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of
the Shimeites: these are the families of the Gershonites. ...
/g/gershon.htm - 16k

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