Topical Encyclopedia Biblical References:Shihor-libnath is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. The reference can be found in Joshua 19:26, which states: "Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal. On the west the border touched Carmel and Shihor-libnath." Geographical Context: Shihor-libnath is identified as a boundary marker in the delineation of the tribal territories of Israel. It is associated with the territory allotted to the tribe of Asher. The precise location of Shihor-libnath is not definitively known, but it is generally considered to be in the western part of the land of Canaan, near the Mediterranean coast. The mention of Carmel in the same verse suggests proximity to Mount Carmel, a significant landmark in the region. Etymology and Meaning: The name "Shihor-libnath" is composed of two elements. "Shihor" is often understood to mean "black" or "dark," possibly referring to a body of water or a river. "Libnath" is less clear in its meaning but may be related to the Hebrew word for "white" or "whiteness." The combination of these terms could suggest a geographical feature characterized by contrasting colors, such as a river with dark waters flowing through a region of white limestone or sand. Historical and Theological Significance: In the context of the tribal allotments described in the Book of Joshua, Shihor-libnath serves as a boundary marker, helping to define the extent of the land given to the tribe of Asher. The delineation of tribal territories was a crucial aspect of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land, as it established the framework for the distribution of land among the twelve tribes of Israel. From a theological perspective, the allocation of land to the tribes of Israel is seen as the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The specific mention of boundary markers like Shihor-libnath underscores the importance of land inheritance in the covenant relationship between God and His people. Each tribe's inheritance was not only a matter of practical living space but also a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and provision. Archaeological and Scholarly Insights: While the exact location of Shihor-libnath remains uncertain, scholars and archaeologists continue to study the geographical and historical context of the region to gain a better understanding of its significance. The lack of definitive archaeological evidence makes it challenging to pinpoint Shihor-libnath, but ongoing research and exploration may provide further insights into its location and role in ancient Israelite society. In summary, Shihor-libnath is a biblical geographical term that serves as a boundary marker in the tribal allotments of the Book of Joshua. Its mention highlights the importance of land distribution in the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites and reflects the broader theological themes of covenant and inheritance in the biblical narrative. Easton's Bible Dictionary Black-white, a stream on the borders of Asher, probably the modern Nahr Zerka, i.e., the "crocodile brook," or "blue river", which rises in the Carmel range and enters the Mediterranean a little to the north of Caesarea (Joshua 19:26). Crocodiles are still found in the Zerka. Thomson suspects "that long ages ago some Egyptians, accustomed to worship this ugly creature, settled here (viz., at Caesarea), and brought their gods with them. Once here they would not easily be exterminated" (The Land and the Book). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHIHOR-LIBNATHshi'-hor-lib'-nath shichor libhnath; Codex Vaticanus to Seion kai Labanath; Codex Alexandrinus Seior, etc.): A place named on the boundary of Asher (Joshua 19:26). It seems to mark with Carmel the western limit, and may have been on the South of that mountain. Peshitta, Syriac, and Eusebius (Onomasticon) take this as two distinct names attaching to cities in this region. So far, however, no trace of either name has been found in the course of very careful exploration. More probably Shihor was the name of a river, "Libnath" distinguishing it from the Nile, which was called Shihor of Egypt. It may have been called Shihor because, like the Nile, it contained crocodiles. The boundary of Asher included Dor (TanTurah), so the river may be sought South of that town. Crocodiles are said still to be found in the Kishon; but this river runs North of Carmel. The Crocodeilon of Ptolemy (V. xv0.5; xvi.2) and Pliny (v.19), which the latter makes the southern boundary of Phoenicia, may possibly be Nahr ez-Zerqa, which enters the sea about 5 miles South of TanTurah. Here also it is said the crocodile is sometimes seen. Perhaps therefore we may identify this stream with Shihor-libnath. Strong's Hebrew 7884. Shichor Libnath -- a stream in Asher... a stream in Asher. Transliteration: Shichor Libnath Phonetic Spelling: (shee-khore' lib-nawth') Short Definition: Shihor-libnath. ... Shihor-libnath. ... /hebrew/7884.htm - 6k Thesaurus Shihorlibnath (1 Occurrence)... Perhaps therefore we may identify this stream with Shihor-libnath. W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Shihorlibnath (1 Occurrence). ... /s/shihorlibnath.htm - 8k Shihor-libnath (1 Occurrence) Shihor (5 Occurrences) Shihor-lib'nath (1 Occurrence) Libnath (1 Occurrence) Westwards (6 Occurrences) Reacheth (23 Occurrences) Mishal (2 Occurrences) Misheal (1 Occurrence) Alammelech (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Shihor-libnath (1 Occurrence)Joshua 19:26 Subtopics Shihor-Libnath: A Place on the Border of the Tribe of Asher Related Terms |