Topical Bible: Sieges: Libnah

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Libnah, a city in the Shephelah region of ancient Judah, holds a notable place in biblical history due to its involvement in several significant sieges. The city is first mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua. According to the biblical narrative, Libnah was one of the cities captured by Joshua as he led the Israelites in their divinely ordained conquest of the Promised Land. The account in the Book of Joshua describes how the city was taken and its king defeated as part of a broader campaign against the southern Canaanite cities (Joshua 10:29-30): "Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Makkedah to Libnah and fought against Libnah. And the LORD also delivered that city and its king into the hand of Israel, and Joshua put all the people to the sword, leaving no survivors there. And he did to its king as he had done to the king of Jericho."

Libnah's strategic importance is further highlighted during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The city is mentioned in the context of the Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib. As recorded in 2 Kings 19:8 and Isaiah 37:8, Sennacherib was besieging Libnah when he received news of the approach of the Egyptian forces, prompting him to temporarily withdraw. The biblical text states (2 Kings 19:8): "When the Rabshakeh heard that the king of Assyria had left Lachish, he withdrew and found the king fighting against Libnah." This siege is part of the larger narrative of Sennacherib's campaign against Judah, which ultimately ended in divine intervention and the deliverance of Jerusalem.

Libnah's role in these sieges underscores its significance as a fortified city within the kingdom of Judah. Its repeated mention in military contexts suggests that it was a key defensive site, likely due to its location and fortifications. The city's ability to withstand sieges, at least temporarily, indicates its strategic and military importance in the region.

In addition to its military history, Libnah is also noted in the genealogical records of the Bible. It is mentioned as the hometown of Hamutal, the mother of King Jehoahaz and King Zedekiah of Judah (2 Kings 23:31, 24:18). This connection to the royal family further emphasizes Libnah's prominence within the kingdom of Judah.

Overall, the sieges of Libnah reflect the city's role as a significant military and strategic site in biblical history. Its repeated involvement in key military campaigns highlights its importance in the defense and political landscape of ancient Judah.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 10:29,30
Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, to Libnah, and fought against Libnah:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm