Libyans
“Libyans, people of Libya”
☩Biblical References
The Libyans (Hebrew 'Lubim') appear as allies of Egypt. When Shishak invaded Judah, his army included Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites (2 Chronicles 12:3). Similarly, when Zerah the Ethiopian attacked Judah, he led 'an army of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots' including Libyans (2 Chronicles 14:9; 16:8). They served as mercenaries renowned as soldiers alongside Put and Cush.
☩Prophetic Judgment
The prophets include Libya among nations facing judgment. Ezekiel prophecies that Ethiopia, Put, Lud, and Libya would fall by the sword with Egypt (Ezekiel 30:5). Jeremiah mentions 'the Ethiopians and the Libyans, that handle the shield' among Egypt's defenders at the battle of Carchemish (Jeremiah 46:9). Nahum warns Nineveh that Egypt's allies including Put and Lubim did not save her (Nahum 3:9).
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Libyans," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Libya," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).