Gibbethon
“Height or lofty place”
Summary
A Levitical city in the territory of Dan that was frequently contested between Israel and the Philistines.
☩Territory and Assignment
Gibbethon was originally allotted to the tribe of Dan and was given with its suburbs to the Kohathite Levites. The name means 'lofty place' or 'height,' indicating its elevated position. As a border town near Philistine territory, it was strategically important and frequently changed hands between Israel and the Philistines.
☩Historical Significance
Gibbethon appears twice in the turbulent history of the northern kingdom of Israel. While Nadab son of Jeroboam was besieging this Philistine-held city, Baasha conspired against him and slew him there, seizing the throne of Israel. Approximately twenty-five years later, when the Israelite army was again encamped against Gibbethon, news arrived that Zimri had murdered King Elah. The army proclaimed their general Omri king, and the siege was abandoned as he marched to suppress Zimri's revolt.
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Gibbethon," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Gibbethon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.George Morrish, "Gibbethon," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Gibbethon," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).