Topical Encyclopedia The Geb'alites, also known as the Giblites, are a people mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the Old Testament. They are associated with the ancient city of Gebal, known today as Byblos, located on the coast of modern-day Lebanon. The Geb'alites are primarily referenced in the context of their skilled craftsmanship and their interactions with the Israelites.Biblical References The Geb'alites are first mentioned in the Book of Joshua, where they are listed among the inhabitants of the land that was promised to the Israelites. Joshua 13:5 states, "the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath." This passage indicates that the territory of the Geb'alites was part of the land that God instructed the Israelites to conquer and possess. In 1 Kings 5:18 , the Geb'alites are noted for their role in the construction of Solomon's Temple. The verse reads, "So Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders, along with the Gebalites, quarried the stone and prepared the timber and stone to build the temple." This highlights their expertise in stone-cutting and construction, skills that were highly valued in the ancient world. Historical and Cultural Context The city of Gebal, or Byblos, was one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a significant center of trade and culture in the ancient Near East. It was known for its production of papyrus and its role in the spread of the Phoenician alphabet, which greatly influenced the development of writing systems in the Mediterranean region. The Geb'alites, as inhabitants of this influential city, were likely involved in maritime trade and cultural exchanges with neighboring regions. Their skills in construction and craftsmanship were renowned, as evidenced by their contribution to the building of Solomon's Temple, a project that required the finest materials and the most skilled laborers. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the mention of the Geb'alites in the Bible underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites regarding the land of Canaan. The inclusion of the Geb'alites in the narrative of Solomon's Temple construction also illustrates the cooperation between Israel and its neighbors during a period of peace and prosperity under Solomon's reign. The Geb'alites' expertise and their role in the temple's construction can be seen as a testament to the diverse means by which God accomplishes His purposes, utilizing the skills and resources of various peoples to achieve His divine plans. Concordance Geb'alites (1 Occurrence)Joshua 13:5 Thesaurus Geb'alites (1 Occurrence)Geb'alites. Gebalites, Geb'alites. Geber . Multi-Version Concordance Geb'alites (1 Occurrence). Joshua 13:5 and the land of the ... /g/geb'alites.htm - 6k Gebalites (2 Occurrences) Geber (9 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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