Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Reference: Shihorlibnath is mentioned in the Old Testament within the context of the territorial allotments to the tribes of Israel. Specifically, it is found in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes. The reference to Shihorlibnath is located in Joshua 19:26. Scriptural Citation: Joshua 19:26 : "Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal. On the west the border touched Carmel and Shihor-libnath." Geographical Context: Shihorlibnath is identified as a boundary marker in the delineation of the territory assigned to the tribe of Asher. The passage in Joshua describes the borders of Asher's inheritance, which included a portion of the western coastal region of Canaan. The mention of Carmel in the same verse suggests that Shihorlibnath was located in proximity to the well-known Mount Carmel, a significant landmark in the region. Etymology and Meaning: The name "Shihorlibnath" is composed of two elements. "Shihor" is often associated with a body of water, possibly a river or stream, and is sometimes linked to the Nile or other significant water sources in biblical texts. "Libnath" may derive from a root meaning "white" or "whiteness," possibly referring to a geographical feature such as a white stone or chalky area. Together, the name could imply a "black-white" contrast, possibly describing a specific natural feature or landmark. Historical and Cultural Significance: While Shihorlibnath itself is not extensively detailed in biblical narratives, its inclusion in the territorial descriptions underscores the importance of precise boundary markers in the ancient Near Eastern context. The division of land among the tribes was a fulfillment of God's promise to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and each boundary held significance for the identity and heritage of the respective tribes. Theological Implications: The mention of Shihorlibnath, like other geographical markers in the Bible, serves as a testament to the historical reality of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land. It reflects the faithfulness of God in delivering the land to His people as promised. The detailed recording of such locations in Scripture highlights the importance of land and inheritance in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Archaeological Considerations: The exact location of Shihorlibnath remains uncertain, as it is not prominently featured in archaeological findings or extra-biblical records. However, its mention alongside Carmel provides a general geographical context that aids in understanding the territorial extent of the tribe of Asher. Archaeological efforts in the region continue to explore and uncover sites that may correspond to biblical locations, contributing to a deeper understanding of the historical landscape of ancient Israel. Smith's Bible Dictionary Shihorlibnath(black of whiteness), named only in (Joshua 19:26) as one of the landmarks of the boundary of Asher. (probably the little stream called on the map of Pal. Ord. Survey Wady en Nebra , "which enters the Mediterranean a little south of Athlit." The name would come from the turgid character of the stream contrasted with the white and glistening sands of its shore. --ED.) Easton's Bible Dictionary Black-white, a stream on the borders of Asher, probably the modern Nahr Zerka, i.e., the "crocodile brook," or "blue river", which rises in the Carmel range and enters the Mediterranean a little to the north of Caesarea (Joshua 19:26). Crocodiles are still found in the Zerka. Thomson suspects "that long ages ago some Egyptians, accustomed to worship this ugly creature, settled here (viz., at Caesarea), and brought their gods with them. Once here they would not easily be exterminated" (The Land and the Book). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHIHOR-LIBNATHshi'-hor-lib'-nath shichor libhnath; Codex Vaticanus to Seion kai Labanath; Codex Alexandrinus Seior, etc.): A place named on the boundary of Asher (Joshua 19:26). It seems to mark with Carmel the western limit, and may have been on the South of that mountain. Peshitta, Syriac, and Eusebius (Onomasticon) take this as two distinct names attaching to cities in this region. So far, however, no trace of either name has been found in the course of very careful exploration. More probably Shihor was the name of a river, "Libnath" distinguishing it from the Nile, which was called Shihor of Egypt. It may have been called Shihor because, like the Nile, it contained crocodiles. The boundary of Asher included Dor (TanTurah), so the river may be sought South of that town. Crocodiles are said still to be found in the Kishon; but this river runs North of Carmel. The Crocodeilon of Ptolemy (V. xv0.5; xvi.2) and Pliny (v.19), which the latter makes the southern boundary of Phoenicia, may possibly be Nahr ez-Zerqa, which enters the sea about 5 miles South of TanTurah. Here also it is said the crocodile is sometimes seen. Perhaps therefore we may identify this stream with Shihor-libnath. Thesaurus Shihorlibnath (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Shihorlibnath (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:26 Allammelech, Amad, Mishal. It reached to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath. ... /s/shihorlibnath.htm - 8k Shihor (5 Occurrences) Shihor-libnath (1 Occurrence) Libnath (1 Occurrence) Reacheth (23 Occurrences) Mishal (2 Occurrences) Misheal (1 Occurrence) Alammelech (1 Occurrence) Allammelech (1 Occurrence) Amad (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Shihorlibnath (1 Occurrence)Joshua 19:26 Subtopics Related Terms |
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