Topical Encyclopedia La'ishah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. It is associated with the tribe of Dan and their quest for a permanent inheritance in the Promised Land. The narrative surrounding La'ishah provides insight into the challenges faced by the Israelite tribes during the period of the Judges, as well as the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.Biblical Reference: The primary reference to La'ishah is found in Judges 18. The Danites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, were seeking a territory to settle in because they had not yet received their full inheritance. The tribe sent out five men to explore the land and find a suitable place for settlement. These scouts came upon La'ishah, which is described as follows: "When they came to La'ishah, they saw that the people there were living in safety, like the Sidonians, at peace and secure. There was no ruler to put them to shame for anything in the land, and they were far from the Sidonians and had no dealings with anyone." (Judges 18:7) The description of La'ishah highlights its peaceful and secure nature, making it an attractive target for the Danites. The inhabitants lived in a manner similar to the Sidonians, suggesting a degree of prosperity and tranquility. However, their isolation and lack of strong alliances made them vulnerable. Historical and Geographical Context: La'ishah, also known as Laish, is identified with the city of Leshem, which was later renamed Dan after the tribe conquered it. The city was located in the northern part of Canaan, near the sources of the Jordan River. This strategic location provided access to water and trade routes, contributing to its appeal. The capture of La'ishah by the Danites is a significant event in the history of Israel. It marks the expansion of the tribe's territory and the establishment of the city of Dan, which became an important center in the northern kingdom of Israel. The conquest is recounted in Judges 18:27-29: "Then they took what Micah had made, and his priest, and came to La'ishah, to a people quiet and unsuspecting, and struck them with the edge of the sword and burned the city with fire. There was no deliverer, because it was far from Sidon, and they had no dealings with anyone. It was in the valley that belongs to Beth-rehob. Then they rebuilt the city and lived in it. They named the city Dan, after their ancestor Dan, who was born to Israel; however, the city was formerly named La'ishah." (Judges 18:27-29) Theological Significance: The account of La'ishah underscores themes of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises. The Danites' successful conquest of the city demonstrates God's faithfulness in providing for His people, even when they faced obstacles and uncertainties. The narrative also serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and reliance on God's guidance in the pursuit of His promises. Furthermore, the account of La'ishah illustrates the complexities of the Israelite settlement in Canaan. The period of the Judges was marked by a lack of centralized leadership and frequent conflicts with surrounding peoples. The capture of La'ishah by the Danites reflects the broader struggle of the tribes to secure their inheritance and establish a stable presence in the land. In summary, La'ishah is a significant location in the biblical narrative, representing both the challenges and triumphs of the Israelite tribes during the conquest of Canaan. Its account is a testament to God's provision and the unfolding of His plan for His people. Concordance La'ishah (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 10:30 Thesaurus La'ishah (1 Occurrence)La'ishah. Laishah, La'ishah. Lake . Multi-Version Concordance La'ishah (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 10:30 Give a loud cry, daughter of ... /l/la'ishah.htm - 6k Laishah (1 Occurrence) Lake (45 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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