Definition and Meaning:
Leb-kamai is a cryptic term found in the book of Jeremiah, specifically in Jeremiah 51:1. The term is understood to be a code name for the land of Chaldea, or Babylon. In Hebrew, "Leb-kamai" is an example of the Atbash cipher, a form of cryptographic substitution where the first letter of the alphabet is replaced with the last, the second with the second last, and so on. When the Atbash cipher is applied to "Leb-kamai," it translates to "Chaldeans."

Biblical Reference:
Jeremiah 51:1 : "This is what the LORD says: 'Behold, I will stir up against Babylon and against the people of Leb-kamai a spirit of destruction.'"

Context and Interpretation:
The prophecy in Jeremiah 51 is part of a larger oracle against Babylon, a dominant empire known for its conquest of Judah and the subsequent Babylonian Exile of the Jewish people. The use of the term "Leb-kamai" serves as a veiled reference to Babylon, possibly to protect the message from Babylonian authorities or to add a layer of mystery to the prophecy.

Jeremiah's prophecy foretells the downfall of Babylon, emphasizing God's sovereignty and justice. The use of cryptic language like "Leb-kamai" underscores the certainty of divine judgment against nations that oppose God's will and oppress His people. This prophecy would have been a source of hope and encouragement to the exiled Israelites, assuring them of God's ultimate plan to restore them and judge their oppressors.

Theological Significance:
The use of "Leb-kamai" in Jeremiah highlights the theme of divine retribution and the fulfillment of God's promises. It serves as a reminder of God's control over history and His ability to bring about justice in His timing. The prophecy against Babylon, including the reference to "Leb-kamai," is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant people, assuring them that no earthly power can thwart His purposes.

Historical and Cultural Background:
Babylon, known for its grandeur and military prowess, was a significant power in the ancient Near East. It played a crucial role in the history of Israel, particularly during the period of the Babylonian Exile (circa 586-538 BC). The fall of Babylon, as prophesied by Jeremiah, occurred in 539 BC when the Persian king Cyrus the Great conquered the city, marking a pivotal moment in biblical history and the eventual return of the Jewish exiles to their homeland.

Related Topics:
· Babylon in the Bible
· Prophecies of Jeremiah
· The Babylonian Exile
· Atbash Cipher in Biblical Texts
· Divine Judgment and Justice3846b. Leb Qamay -- "the heart of (those who are) rising up ...
... "the heart of (those who are) rising up against Me," cryptic name for Chaldea (Babylon).
Transliteration: Leb Qamay Short Definition: Leb-kamai. ...
/hebrew/3846b.htm - 6kLebkamai (1 Occurrence)
...Lebkamai (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 51:1 Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will raise up
against Babylon, and against those who dwell in Lebkamai, a destroying wind. ...
/l/lebkamai.htm - 6k

Leb-kamai (1 Occurrence)
Leb-kamai. Lebkamai, Leb-kamai. Lebo . Multi-Version Concordance Leb-kamai
(1 Occurrence). ... (ASV JPS NAS). Lebkamai, Leb-kamai. Lebo . Reference Bible.
/l/leb-kamai.htm - 6k

Lebo (12 Occurrences)

/l/lebo.htm - 9k

Kamai (1 Occurrence)
... Kamai (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 51:1 Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will raise up against
Babylon, and against those who dwell in Lebkamai, a destroying wind. ...
/k/kamai.htm - 6k

Lebbeus (1 Occurrence)

/l/lebbeus.htm - 6k

Leb (1 Occurrence)
... Leb (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 51:1 Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will raise up against
Babylon, and against those who dwell in Lebkamai, a destroying wind. ...
/l/leb.htm - 6k

Arouse (24 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Jeremiah 51:1 Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will raise up against Babylon,
and against those who dwell in Lebkamai, a destroying wind. (See NAS). ...
/a/arouse.htm - 12k

Destroying (64 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Jeremiah 51:1 Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will raise up against Babylon,
and against those who dwell in Lebkamai, a destroying wind. ...
/d/destroying.htm - 27k

Games (2 Occurrences)
... In the same way in the last passage the consonants composing the word Lebkamai l,
b, k, margin, y, suggest k, s, d, y, margin, that is, Kasdim or Chaldees. ...
/g/games.htm - 40k

What is the Atbash code, and why is it used in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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