Topical Bible: Nebo: A City in Territory of the Tribe of Judah

◄ Nebo: A City in Territory of the Tribe of Judah ►

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Nebo is a city mentioned in the Old Testament, located within the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. This city is distinct from the more frequently referenced Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. The city of Nebo is part of the rich tapestry of locations that played a role in the history and settlement of the Israelites in Canaan.

Biblical References:

The city of Nebo is mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period, particularly in the book of Ezra. In Ezra 2:29 , it is listed among the places from which the exiles returned: "the men of Nebo, 52." This reference indicates that Nebo was a recognized settlement during the time of the return from Babylonian captivity, contributing to the restoration of the Jewish community in their ancestral lands.

Additionally, the city is mentioned in Nehemiah 7:33 , which parallels the account in Ezra: "the men of Nebo, 52." This repetition underscores the significance of Nebo as a part of the collective memory and identity of the returning exiles.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Nebo, as a city within Judah, would have been part of the southern kingdom during the divided monarchy. Its inclusion in the lists of returning exiles suggests that it was a place of some importance, likely serving as a home to a community that maintained its identity even during the Babylonian exile.

The exact location of Nebo within Judah is not definitively known today, and it is not as prominently featured in biblical narratives as other cities like Jerusalem or Hebron. However, its mention alongside other cities in the post-exilic records highlights its role in the re-establishment of Jewish life and worship in the land of Israel.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Nebo in the context of the return from exile is significant. It represents the fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people to their land, as prophesied by prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah. The return of the exiles to cities like Nebo is a testament to God's faithfulness and the enduring hope of restoration and renewal for the people of Israel.

The city of Nebo, though not central to the grand narrative of the Bible, serves as a reminder of the many communities and individuals who played a part in the unfolding account of God's covenant with His people. It reflects the broader theme of redemption and the re-establishment of God's chosen people in their promised inheritance.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 2:29
The children of Nebo, fifty and two.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 7:33
The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Israelites
... the sky, Rimmon the god of the air, Nebo the interpreter ... as the rest of his brethren;
no territory was assigned ... of Judah, and it was only in the city of Laish ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of the numerous states which shared the territory of Syria ... Thy wife shall be an harlot
in the city, and thy ... the gods,"to Bel, to Zirbanit, to Nebo, to Tashmit ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... land from the summit of Mount Nebo, but he had ... of Simeon in the reduction of the
city of Zephath ... obtaining, for a lengthened period, any extension of territory. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... as Assur and Sin, Shamash, Bel, Nebo, and Nergal ... annual progress outside the walls
of the city. ... approach, and invaded the neighbouring territory, probably that ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... morning sufficed to disperse them, and the Assyrians, entering the city with the ...
name of Dur-Atkharas was changed to that of Dur-Nebo, the territory of the ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... with the government of a mountain tribe dwelling to the ... The administration of the
affairs of each city was entrusted ... of Bran-chidse, in the territory of Miletus ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... of ditches and channels which intersected the territory belonging to ... ever becoming
the capital; the new city was so ... did that of Merodach or of Nebo, and prided ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm