The Giblites were an ancient people mentioned in the Bible, primarily associated with the region of Gebal, known today as Byblos, located in modern-day Lebanon. They are referenced in the context of their skilled craftsmanship and their geographical location within the land promised to the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 13:5 · The Giblites are mentioned in the delineation of the land that remained to be conquered by the Israelites. The passage states: "the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath." This indicates that the Giblites inhabited a region that was part of the broader territory intended for the tribes of Israel, though it was not fully possessed by them at the time.

2. 1 Kings 5:18 · The Giblites are noted for their involvement in the construction of Solomon's Temple. The verse reads: "So Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders, along with the men of Gebal, did the cutting and prepared the timber and stone to build the temple." This highlights their reputation as skilled craftsmen, particularly in stone and timber work, contributing to one of the most significant construction projects in Israel's history.

3. Ezekiel 27:9 · In a lament over the city of Tyre, the Giblites are again recognized for their craftsmanship: "The elders of Gebal and their skilled workers were within you, repairing your leaks." This passage underscores their expertise in shipbuilding and repair, further emphasizing their role as artisans and laborers in the ancient Near East.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Giblites, as inhabitants of Gebal, were part of the broader Canaanite culture. Gebal, or Byblos, was a significant city in the ancient world, known for its trade and production of papyrus, which contributed to the spread of writing and literacy. The city's name, Byblos, is the origin of the word "Bible," reflecting its historical importance in the dissemination of written texts.

The Giblites' skills in construction and craftsmanship were highly regarded, as evidenced by their involvement in major building projects like Solomon's Temple. Their expertise in working with materials such as stone and timber was likely a result of the natural resources available in their region, as well as their long-standing tradition of craftsmanship.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of the Giblites in the Bible serves as a reminder of the diverse peoples and cultures that interacted with the Israelites throughout their history. The inclusion of the Giblites in the construction of the Temple signifies the cooperation between Israel and its neighbors in achieving a common goal, reflecting the broader theme of God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples.

The Giblites' presence in the biblical narrative also illustrates the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel regarding the land, as well as the challenges faced in fully realizing those promises. Their skilled labor in the service of Israel's religious and cultural heritage underscores the interconnectedness of God's creation and the various roles different peoples play in His divine plan.Giblites

Joshua 13:5. See GEBAL.

GIBLITES

gib'-lits.

See GEBALITES.

1382. Gibli -- inhab. of Gebal
... Giblites, stone-squarer. : patrial from Gbal; a Gebalite, or inhabitant of Gebal --
Giblites, stone-squarer. see HEBREW Gbal. 1381, 1382. Gibli. 1383 . ...
/hebrew/1382.htm - 6k

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4. <. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Giblites (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GIBLITES. gib'-lits. See GEBALITES.
Multi-Version Concordance Giblites (2 Occurrences). Joshua ...
/g/giblites.htm - 7k

Giblite (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 13:5 And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising,
from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath. ...
/g/giblite.htm - 6k

Gebalites (2 Occurrences)
... (1 Kings 5:18 RV, in AV incorrectly rendered, after the Targum, "stone-squarers, "
but marg. "Giblites"), the inhabitants of Gebal (2). Int. ...
/g/gebalites.htm - 8k

Lebanon (66 Occurrences)
... The ancient inhabitants were Giblites and Hivites (Joshua 13:5; Judges
3:3). It was part of the Phoenician kingdom (1 Kings 5:2-6). ...
/l/lebanon.htm - 45k

Gibon (1 Occurrence)

/g/gibon.htm - 6k

Gebal (3 Occurrences)
... It is mentioned by Jos (13:5) as the land of the Gebalites (which see) (the King
James Version "Giblites"), and the Gebalites are also mentioned in 1 Kings 5 ...
/g/gebal.htm - 11k

Baalgad (3 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:5 And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising,
from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath. (KJV). ...
/b/baalgad.htm - 8k

Sun-rising (14 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:5 and the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sun-rising,
from Baal-Gad at the foot of mount Hermon to the entrance into Hamath; (DBY ...
/s/sun-rising.htm - 10k

Sunrising (15 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:5 And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising,
from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath. ...
/s/sunrising.htm - 12k

Hewing (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 5:18 and the builders of Solomon, and the builders of Hiram, and the Giblites
hew, and prepare the wood and the stones to build the house. (See RSV). ...
/h/hewing.htm - 8k

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