Topical Encyclopedia The Giblites, mentioned in the Bible, were an ancient people associated with the city of Gebal, known today as Byblos, located in modern-day Lebanon. This city was one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and played a significant role in the ancient Near East, particularly in maritime trade and the development of the Phoenician alphabet.Biblical References The Giblites are specifically mentioned in the Old Testament in the context of the territorial boundaries of the Promised Land. In Joshua 13:5, the Berean Standard Bible states: "the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath." This passage indicates that the Giblites inhabited a region that was part of the land promised to the Israelites, although it was not fully conquered during the initial settlement period. In 1 Kings 5:18 , the Giblites are noted for their craftsmanship: "So Solomon’s and Hiram’s builders, along with the men of Gebal, did the cutting and prepared the timber and stone to build the temple." This verse highlights the Giblites' expertise in stone-cutting and construction, skills that were highly valued in the building of Solomon's Temple. Their collaboration with King Solomon and King Hiram of Tyre underscores their importance in the region and their contribution to one of the most significant projects in Israel's history. Historical and Cultural Context The city of Gebal, or Byblos, was a major center of trade and culture in the ancient world. It was particularly known for its production of papyrus, which was exported throughout the Mediterranean. The name "Byblos" itself is derived from the Greek word for papyrus, reflecting the city's economic significance. The Giblites, as inhabitants of this influential city, were likely involved in various aspects of trade, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange. Their skills in construction and stone-cutting, as mentioned in the biblical account, suggest a society with advanced knowledge in engineering and architecture. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the mention of the Giblites in the Bible serves as a reminder of the diverse peoples and cultures that interacted with the Israelites throughout their history. The inclusion of the Giblites in the narrative of the Promised Land's boundaries and their role in the construction of the Temple illustrates the interconnectedness of different nations and the fulfillment of God's promises through various means. The Giblites' collaboration in building the Temple can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the future inclusion of Gentiles in the worship of the God of Israel, a theme that is further developed in the New Testament. Their contribution to the Temple, a central place of worship, signifies the broader participation of non-Israelites in God's redemptive plan. Conclusion The Giblites, though mentioned briefly in the biblical text, represent a significant cultural and historical presence in the ancient Near East. Their skills and contributions to the construction of Solomon's Temple highlight their importance and the broader interactions between Israel and its neighboring peoples. Smith's Bible Dictionary The Giblites[GEBAL] Strong's Hebrew 1382. Gibli -- inhab. of Gebal... Giblites, stone-squarer. : patrial from Gbal; a Gebalite, or inhabitant of Gebal -- Giblites, stone-squarer. see HEBREW Gbal. 1381, 1382. Gibli. 1383 . ... /hebrew/1382.htm - 6k Library Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |