Dibri is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Leviticus. He is noted as the father of Shelomith, a woman from the tribe of Dan. The account of Dibri and his family is brief but significant, as it is associated with a notable incident involving blasphemy and the administration of justice according to Mosaic Law.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Dibri is found in Leviticus 24:10-11. The passage describes an event where the son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian father blasphemed the Name of the LORD and cursed. This incident led to the establishment of a legal precedent for dealing with blasphemy among the Israelites.

Leviticus 24:10-11 states: "Now the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father went out among the Israelites, and a fight broke out in the camp between him and an Israelite. The son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name with a curse; so they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.)"

Context and Significance:

Dibri's mention in the Scriptures is primarily to identify the lineage and tribal affiliation of Shelomith, the mother of the blasphemer. The narrative underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity of God's Name among the Israelites and the seriousness with which violations of this commandment were treated.

The incident involving Shelomith's son serves as a critical moment in the establishment of legal and religious order within the Israelite community. It highlights the integration of justice and holiness in the community's life, as the LORD provided specific instructions to Moses on how to handle such transgressions.

Cultural and Theological Insights:

From a cultural perspective, the mention of an Egyptian father indicates the diverse backgrounds present within the Israelite community, likely a result of the Exodus from Egypt. This diversity, however, did not exempt individuals from adhering to the covenantal laws given to Israel.

Theologically, the account emphasizes the holiness of God's Name and the community's responsibility to uphold His commandments. The severe consequence faced by Shelomith's son—stoning by the congregation—reflects the gravity of blasphemy and the communal role in executing divine justice.

Tribal Affiliation:

Dibri is identified as a member of the tribe of Dan. The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and the first son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe's inheritance was located in the northern part of the Promised Land, although they initially settled in the central region.

Conclusion:

While Dibri himself is not a central figure in biblical narratives, his mention provides context for a significant legal and moral teaching within the Israelite community. The account of his grandson's transgression and the subsequent divine instructions underscore the importance of reverence for God's Name and the communal responsibility to uphold His laws.Leviticus 24:11
And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the Lord, and cursed. And they brought him to Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:)
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