Lesha is a location mentioned in the genealogical records of the descendants of Noah, specifically within the Table of Nations found in the Book of Genesis. It is referenced in Genesis 10:19, which delineates the borders of the Canaanite territory. The verse states: "And the borders of Canaan extended from Sidon toward Gerar, as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lesha" (Genesis 10:19).

Geographical Context

Lesha is listed as a boundary marker in the description of the Canaanite lands. The precise location of Lesha is not definitively known today, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the biblical text. However, its inclusion in the list of boundary cities suggests it was a significant landmark during the time of the early post-Flood generations. The cities mentioned alongside Lesha, such as Sodom and Gomorrah, are more well-known, providing some context for its geographical setting in the ancient Near East.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The mention of Lesha in the Table of Nations is part of a broader narrative that outlines the dispersion of Noah's descendants and the establishment of various peoples and territories after the Flood. This passage serves to illustrate the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1). The delineation of Canaanite borders, including Lesha, underscores the historical and theological significance of the land that would later become central to the narratives of the patriarchs and the Israelite nation.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of Lesha within the context of Canaanite boundaries highlights the early establishment of territories that would later play a crucial role in biblical history. The Canaanites, descendants of Ham through Canaan, are often depicted in the Bible as adversaries of the Israelites. The boundaries described in Genesis 10:19 foreshadow the future interactions and conflicts between the Israelites and the inhabitants of these lands.

Interpretative Considerations

While Lesha itself is not a focal point of biblical narratives, its inclusion in the Table of Nations invites reflection on the broader themes of divine providence and the unfolding of God's plan through history. The genealogical and geographical records in Genesis serve as a foundation for understanding the origins and relationships of the peoples and nations that populate the biblical world.

In summary, Lesha is a minor yet integral part of the biblical account of the post-Flood world, contributing to the understanding of ancient territorial boundaries and the early history of the peoples who would interact with the descendants of Abraham.3962. Lesha -- a place on the boundary of Canaan
... 3961, 3962. Lesha. 3963 . a place on the boundary of Canaan. Transliteration:
Lesha Phonetic Spelling: (leh'-shah) Short Definition: Lasha. ... Lesha. 3963 . ...
/hebrew/3962.htm - 6kLesha (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lesha (1 Occurrence). Genesis 10:19 And the border
of the Canaanite was from Sidon, as one goes to Gerar ...
/l/lesha.htm - 6k

Leprous (27 Occurrences)

/l/leprous.htm - 15k

Leshem (1 Occurrence)

/l/leshem.htm - 7k

Gazah (16 Occurrences)
... 10:19 And the border of the Canaanite was from Sidon, as one goes to Gerar, up to
Gazah; as one goes to Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, up to Lesha...
/g/gazah.htm - 11k

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