Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Gibeah, a significant city in ancient Israel, is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. Its name, meaning "hill" in Hebrew, reflects its geographical setting. Gibeah is most notably recognized as the hometown of King Saul, Israel's first king, and plays a pivotal role in several biblical narratives.Location and Historical Context Gibeah is identified with modern-day Tell el-Ful, located approximately three miles north of Jerusalem. Its strategic position on a hill made it a prominent site in the tribal territory of Benjamin. The city's history is deeply intertwined with the tribe of Benjamin, as it served as a central location for the tribe. Biblical References 1. The Outrage at Gibeah: One of the most infamous events associated with Gibeah is recorded in Judges 19-21. A Levite and his concubine stopped in Gibeah, where the men of the city committed a grievous sin against them. This atrocity led to a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes. Judges 19:22 states, "While they were enjoying themselves, some wicked men of the city surrounded the house, pounded on the door, and shouted to the old man who owned the house, 'Bring out the man who came to your house so we can have relations with him!'" 2. Saul's Reign: Gibeah is prominently featured in the narrative of Saul's kingship. It served as his capital and the center of his administration. 1 Samuel 10:26 notes, "Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him." This highlights Gibeah's role as a political and military hub during Saul's reign. 3. Military Significance: Gibeah's strategic location made it a site of military importance. In 1 Samuel 13:2 , it is recorded that "Saul chose three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with him at Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin." This passage underscores Gibeah's role in Israel's military campaigns. 4. Prophetic Denunciations: The prophets also mention Gibeah in their denunciations of Israel's sins. Hosea 9:9 states, "They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah; He will remember their iniquity; He will punish their sins." This reference to the events in Gibeah serves as a symbol of moral decay and divine judgment. Archaeological Insights Archaeological excavations at Tell el-Ful have provided insights into the city's layout and historical context. The remains suggest a fortified city, consistent with its biblical portrayal as a significant urban center. The findings include structures that date back to the Iron Age, aligning with the period of Saul's reign. Theological Significance Gibeah's narratives offer profound theological insights into themes of sin, judgment, leadership, and redemption. The events at Gibeah serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of moral corruption and the need for righteous leadership. Saul's association with Gibeah also highlights the complexities of his kingship and the challenges of leading God's people. In summary, Gibeah stands as a testament to the rich and complex history of ancient Israel, serving as a backdrop for significant biblical events and offering enduring lessons for faith and leadership. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary GibeahSmith's Bible Dictionary Gibeaha word employed in the Bible to denote a hill. Like most words of this kind it gave its name to several towns and places in Palestine, which would doubtless be generally on or near a hill. They are --
ATS Bible Dictionary GibeahA hill, 1. A city of Benjamin, 1 Samuel 13:15, and the birthplace and residence of Saul king of Israel; whence it is frequently called "Gibeah of Saul," 1 Samuel 11:4; 15:34; 23:19; 26:1; 2 Samuel 21:6; Isaiah 10:29. Gibeah was also famous for its sins; particularly for its sins; particularly for that committed by forcing the young Levite's wife, who went to lodge there; and for the war which succeeded it, to the almost entire extermination of the tribe of Benjamin, Jud 19:1- 30. Scripture remarks, that this occurred at a time when there was no king in Israel, and when every one did what was right in his own eyes. Dr. Robinson found traces of Gebeah in the small and ruinous village of Jeba, near Ramah, separated from Michmash on the north by a deep valley, and about six miles north by east from Jerusalem. 2. A town of Judah, Joshua 15:57, which lay about ten miles southwest of Jerusalem. The prophet Habakkuk is said to have been buried here. 3. In mount Ephraim, called Gibeah of Phinehas, where Eleazar the son of Aaron was buried, Joshua 24:33. It is found in the narrow valley El-Jib, midway between Jerusalem and Shechem. Easton's Bible Dictionary A hill or hill-town, "of Benjamin" (1 Samuel 13:15), better known as "Gibeah of Saul" (11:4; Isaiah 10:29). It was here that the terrible outrage was committed on the Levite's concubine which led to the almost utter extirpation of the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 19; 20), only six hundred men surviving after a succession of disastrous battles. This was the birthplace of Saul, and continued to be his residence after he became king (1 Samuel 10:26; 11:4; 15:34). It was reckoned among the ancient sanctuaries of Palestine (10:26; 15:34; 23:19; 26:1; 2 Samuel 21:6-10), and hence it is called "Gibeah of God" (1 Samuel 10:5, R.V. marg.). It has been identified with the modern Tell el-Ful (i.e., "hill of the bean"), about 3 miles north of Jerusalem. Gibeah of Judah (Joshua 15:57), a city in the mountains of Judah, the modern Jeba, on a hill in the Wady Musurr, about 7 1/2 miles west-south-west of Bethlehem. Gibeah of Phinehas (Joshua 15:57, R.V. marg.), a city on Mount Ephraim which had been given to Phinehas (24:33 "hill, " A.V.; R.V. marg. and Hebrews, "Gibeah."). Here Eleazar the son of Aaron was buried. It has been identified with the modern Khurbet Jibia, 5 miles north of Guphna towards Shechem. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GIBEAHgib'-e-a (gibh`ah, "hill"): The Hebrew word denotes generally an eminence or hill, in distinction from har, which is used for mountain, or mountain range. It occurs, however, in two instances, as a place-name. Under GEBA (which see) we have seen that Geba, Gibeah, and Gibeon are liable to be confused. This arises from their resemblance in form and meaning. Strong's Hebrew 1193. Baal Tamar -- "possessor of palms," a place near Gibeah... Baal Tamar. 1194 . "possessor of palms," a place near Gibeah. Transliteration: Baal Tamar Phonetic Spelling: (bah'-al taw-mawr') Short Definition: Baal-tamar. ... /hebrew/1193.htm - 6k 4051. Migron -- an area near Gibeah, also a place North of ... 1395. Gibathi -- an inhabitant of Gibath (or Gibeah) 1390. Gibah -- "hill," three cities in Palestine 1387. Geba -- a Levitical city of Benjamin 1388. Giba -- a descendant of Caleb Library Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah. The Crime Committed by the Inhabitants of Gibeah against the Wife ... Jonathan's Brave Deed How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ... How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ... How Samuel Found a Leader The Judges. The Exile. Death and Life from the Ark 'Fruit which is Death' Thesaurus Gibeah (52 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary A hill or hill-town, "of Benjamin" (1 Samuel 13:15), better known as "Gibeah of Saul" (11:4; Isaiah 10:29). ...Gibeah of Judah. ... /g/gibeah.htm - 30k Gibeah-haaraloth Gib'e-ah (45 Occurrences) Benjamites (24 Occurrences) Gibeath (2 Occurrences) Meadow (8 Occurrences) Liers (11 Occurrences) Country Abinadab (12 Occurrences) Liers-in-wait (10 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of Gibeah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Saul is also among the prophets? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the tribe of Benjamin? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Gibeah (52 Occurrences)Joshua 15:57 Joshua 18:28 Joshua 24:33 Judges 19:12 Judges 19:13 Judges 19:14 Judges 19:15 Judges 19:16 Judges 20:4 Judges 20:5 Judges 20:9 Judges 20:10 Judges 20:13 Judges 20:14 Judges 20:15 Judges 20:19 Judges 20:20 Judges 20:21 Judges 20:25 Judges 20:29 Judges 20:30 Judges 20:31 Judges 20:33 Judges 20:34 Judges 20:36 Judges 20:37 Judges 20:43 1 Samuel 7:1 1 Samuel 10:10 1 Samuel 10:26 1 Samuel 11:4 1 Samuel 13:2 1 Samuel 13:3 1 Samuel 13:15 1 Samuel 13:16 1 Samuel 14:2 1 Samuel 14:5 1 Samuel 14:16 1 Samuel 15:34 1 Samuel 22:6 1 Samuel 23:19 1 Samuel 26:1 2 Samuel 6:3 2 Samuel 6:4 2 Samuel 21:6 2 Samuel 23:29 1 Chronicles 11:31 2 Chronicles 13:2 Isaiah 10:29 Hosea 5:8 Hosea 9:9 Hosea 10:9 Subtopics Gibeah: Another Town in Benjamin, Also Called Gibeath, In Gibeah: of Saul: Destroyed by the Israelites Gibeah: of Saul: The Ark of the Covenant Conveyed To, by the Philistines Gibeah: of Saul: The City of Saul Gibeah: of Saul: The People's Wickedness Related Terms |