Leshem is a biblical city mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is associated with the territory allotted to the tribe of Dan. The city is also known by the name "Laish" in other biblical passages, indicating a historical and geographical significance in the ancient Near East.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 19:47 : "But the territory of the Danites slipped from their control, so they went up and fought against Leshem, captured it, and struck it with the sword. They took possession of it, settled there, and renamed it after their father Dan."

This verse highlights the conquest and renaming of Leshem by the tribe of Dan. The Danites, originally allotted a different territory, found it difficult to maintain control over their initial inheritance. As a result, they sought to expand their territory by capturing Leshem, which they subsequently renamed Dan, in honor of their ancestral patriarch.

2. Judges 18:7, 27-29 : These passages describe the journey of the Danites as they seek a new homeland. They send spies to explore the land, and upon finding Laish, they note its prosperity and isolation. The Danites then attack and capture the city, renaming it Dan.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Leshem, or Laish, was located in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the sources of the Jordan River. The city was known for its strategic location and fertile surroundings, making it an attractive target for the Danites. The capture of Leshem allowed the tribe of Dan to establish a significant presence in the northern region, which was crucial for their survival and prosperity.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The account of Leshem reflects the broader narrative of the Israelite tribes as they settled in the Promised Land. It underscores themes of divine providence, tribal identity, and the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham. The renaming of Leshem to Dan signifies the importance of heritage and the continuity of the Israelite tribes in maintaining their ancestral lineage and divine inheritance.

The account of Leshem also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites in securing their territories amidst the existing Canaanite populations. It illustrates the dynamic nature of territorial boundaries and the ongoing struggle for land and identity in the biblical narrative.

Archaeological Insights:

Modern archaeological efforts have sought to identify the location of ancient Leshem/Laish. The site of Tel Dan, located in northern Israel, is widely considered to be the historical location of the city. Excavations at Tel Dan have uncovered significant artifacts and structures, providing valuable insights into the city's history and its role in the region during the biblical period.

Overall, Leshem holds a notable place in biblical history as a symbol of the Danites' perseverance and the unfolding of God's plan for the tribes of Israel.Leshem

a name; putting; a precious stone

Leshem

(precious stone), another form of Laish, afterward Dan, occurring in (Joshua 19:47)

LESHEM

le'-shem.

See LAISH.

3959. Leshem -- a place in Northern Palestine
... 3958, 3959. Leshem. 3960 . a place in Northern Palestine. Transliteration:
Leshem Phonetic Spelling: (leh'-shem) Short Definition: Leshem. ...
/hebrew/3959.htm - 6k

3958. leshem -- (a precious stone) perhaps amber or jacinth
... leshem. 3959 . (a precious stone) perhaps amber or jacinth. Transliteration: leshem
Phonetic Spelling: (leh'-shem) Short Definition: jacinth. ... leshem. 3959 . ...
/hebrew/3958.htm - 6k

Pamias. Paneas, the Spring of Jordan.
... "R. Isaac saith, Leshem is Pamias." The Gloss is, "Leshem is a city which the Danites
subdued (Judges 18:29): Pamias is a place whence Jordan ariseth.". ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 67 pamias paneas the.htm

Caesarea. Strato's Tower.
... shall publicly teach the law. R. Isaac said, Leshem is Panias, and Ekron
is Caesarea, the daughter of Edom." The Jews are scarce in ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 57 caesarea stratos tower.htm

Leshem (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia LESHEM. le'-shem. See LAISH. Multi-Version
Concordance Leshem (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:47 The ...
/l/leshem.htm - 7k

Leshem-dan (1 Occurrence)
Leshem-dan. Leshem, Leshem-dan. Less . Multi-Version Concordance
Leshem-dan (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:47 (But the limit ...
/l/leshem-dan.htm - 6k

Occupied (32 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:47 The border of the children of Dan went out beyond them; for the children
of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and took it, and struck it with ...
/o/occupied.htm - 16k

Laish (8 Occurrences)
... (1.) A city of the Sidonians, in the extreme north of Palestine (Judges 18:7, 14);
called also Leshem (Joshua 19:47) and Dan (Judges 18:7, 29; Jeremiah 8:16). ...
/l/laish.htm - 10k

Danites (15 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:47 And the border of the children of Dan was too strait for them; so the
children of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and took it, and smote it ...
/d/danites.htm - 11k

Difficulty (12 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:47 The border of the children of Dan went out beyond them; for the children
of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and took it, and struck it with ...
/d/difficulty.htm - 10k

Capturing (3 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:47 And the border of the sons of Dan goeth out from them, and the sons
of Dan go up and fight with Leshem, and capture it, and smite it by the mouth ...
/c/capturing.htm - 7k

Ancestor (5 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:47 The border of the children of Dan went out beyond them; for the children
of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and took it, and struck it with ...
/a/ancestor.htm - 8k

Strait (14 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:47 And the border of the children of Dan went out beyond them; for the
children of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and took it, and smote it ...
/s/strait.htm - 13k

Capture (53 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:47 And the border of the sons of Dan goeth out from them, and the sons
of Dan go up and fight with Leshem, and capture it, and smite it by the mouth ...
/c/capture.htm - 23k

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