Lexical Summary Gebim: Gebim Original Word: גֵּבִים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gebim Plural of geb; cisterns; Gebim, a place in Palestine -- Gebim. see HEBREW geb NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originpl. of geb Definition "trenches," a place N. of Jer. NASB Translation Gebim (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs גֵּבִים proper name, of a location see below גוב. גבל (according to Thes originally twist, wind, whence not only גַּבְלֻת, מִגְבָּלֹת, but also גְּבוּל (cord and then) boundary, as determined by measuring cord, or line, whence verb denominative גָּבַל bound, border, q. v. below; Late Hebrew גָּבַל, Aramaic גְּבַל mean mix, knead; Arabic גּבִים proper name, of a location (trenches) north from Jerusalem, with article ׳הַגּ Isaiah 10:31; site unknown. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Gebim was a small settlement in the hill country of Benjamin, most likely located along the ancient north–south ridge route that ascended toward Jerusalem. Although its precise site has not been conclusively identified, the context of Isaiah’s itinerary (Isaiah 10:28-32) places it between Madmenah and Nob, somewhere to the north or northeast of the capital, within a few miles’ distance. The name is linked with water storage or cisterns, suggesting a locale marked by hewn reservoirs that supplied travelers and herds in this semi-arid highland. Biblical Occurrence Gebim is mentioned once, in Isaiah 10:31, within a vivid prophetic oracle that tracks the advance of the Assyrian army toward Jerusalem: “Madmenah has fled; the people of Gebim take refuge” (Berean Standard Bible). Here Gebim’s inhabitants join a chain of northern villages abandoning their homes as the invaders draw near. Historical Context of Isaiah 10 Isaiah 10 records the Lord’s use of Assyria as the rod of His anger against a covenant-breaking Judah (Isaiah 10:5-6), yet simultaneously announces the eventual judgment of the arrogant empire (Isaiah 10:12-19). Verses 28-32 dramatize the invasion by naming successive towns: Aiath, Migron, Michmash, Geba, Ramah, Gibeah, Gallim, Laishah, Anathoth, Madmenah, Gebim, and Nob. Each place marks a step closer to Zion, building suspense until the Assyrian commander “shakes his fist at the mount of Daughter Zion, at the hill of Jerusalem” (Isaiah 10:32). Gebim therefore stands as a milestone on a military map that underscores both the immediacy of the threat and the certainty of divine intervention that follows in Isaiah 10:33-34. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty: Gebim’s fleeting notice reminds readers that every village and every moment of history lies under God’s governance. The Lord orchestrates even hostile armies to accomplish His purposes. Prophetic Implications Gebim forms part of a larger literary device that foreshadows the imminent—but ultimately thwarted—siege of Jerusalem under Sennacherib (compare Isaiah 36–37; 2 Kings 18–19). The detail authenticates Isaiah’s foresight and accents the accuracy of biblical prophecy: the invader progresses exactly as predicted yet stops short of triumph because “the zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this” (Isaiah 37:32). Ministry and Homiletical Application • Watchfulness: Congregations are reminded that spiritual assault advances incrementally. The list from Aiath to Gebim warns believers to heed early signs of compromise before danger reaches the gates. Archaeological and Scholarly Insights No definitive excavation has uncovered Gebim; proposals range from sites near modern Shu’afat to locations adjacent to the ancient route descending the Wadi Suweinit. The absence of material remains neither diminishes the textual witness nor its theological import. Instead, the lack of certainty keeps focus on the prophetic message rather than mere geography. Related Biblical Places • Michmash (1 Samuel 13:5-23) – A strategic pass contested by Saul and Jonathan; appears earlier in Isaiah’s list. Conclusion Though mentioned only once, Gebim contributes to a richly textured prophecy that magnifies God’s sovereignty, exposes the futility of self-reliance, and anticipates divine deliverance. Its fleeting appearance invites believers to read even the smallest biblical details as purposeful threads woven into the larger tapestry of redemption history. Forms and Transliterations הַגֵּבִ֖ים הגבים hag·gê·ḇîm haggêḇîm haggeVimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 10:31 HEB: מַדְמֵנָ֑ה יֹשְׁבֵ֥י הַגֵּבִ֖ים הֵעִֽיזוּ׃ NAS: The inhabitants of Gebim have sought refuge. KJV: the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee. INT: Madmenah the inhabitants of Gebim have sought 1 Occurrence |
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, Syriac 
= create, fashion; MV assume meaning massive, whence Arabic 
mountain (compare Assyrian gablu HA48), and גְּבוּל as originally earth-wall, etc., serving as boundary; this explains גַּבְלֻת etc. less well).