Lebonah is a city mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. It is situated on the ancient highway that connects Beth-El to Shechem, a significant route in the central hill country of Israel. This location places Lebonah within the tribal territory of Ephraim, an area known for its historical and religious significance in the biblical narrative.

Biblical Reference:

Lebonah is referenced in Judges 21:19, which provides a geographical context for the events surrounding the tribe of Benjamin. The verse states: "But look, there is the annual feast of the LORD in Shiloh, which lies north of Bethel, east of the road that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah." (Judges 21:19). This passage highlights Lebonah's proximity to Shiloh, a central worship site during the period of the Judges, where the Tabernacle was located.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Lebonah's location on the road from Beth-El to Shechem suggests it was part of a vital trade and travel route in ancient Israel. This road would have been frequented by travelers, traders, and pilgrims, making Lebonah a place of some strategic importance. The mention of Lebonah in the context of the annual feast in Shiloh indicates that it was a recognizable landmark for those journeying to this significant religious event.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The proximity of Lebonah to Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed during the time of the Judges, underscores its connection to the religious life of Israel. The annual feast mentioned in Judges 21:19 was likely one of the three major pilgrimage festivals—Passover, Shavuot, or Sukkot—when Israelites would travel to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices.

Archaeological Insights:

While there is limited archaeological evidence directly identifying Lebonah, scholars and archaeologists have attempted to locate it based on biblical descriptions and historical geography. Some suggest that the modern village of Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, located in the West Bank, may correspond to ancient Lebonah. This identification is based on the similarity of the name and its location along the ancient route described in the biblical text.

Conclusion:

Lebonah serves as a geographical marker in the biblical narrative, providing insight into the travel and worship practices of ancient Israel. Its mention in the context of the annual feast at Shiloh highlights its role in the religious and cultural life of the Israelites during the period of the Judges.Judges 21:19
Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly in a place which is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.
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