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GIBBETHON

(Heb. gibbĕṯôn)

A levitical city belonging to the tribe of Dan (Josh. 19:44; 21:23). During the Divided Monarchy Gibbethon was held by the Philistines. While the army of Nadab was attacking Gibbethon, Baasha assassinated Nadab and became king in his place (1 Kgs. 15:27). Some 26 years later, during the reign of Baasha’s son Elah, Omri laid siege to the city as commander of Israel’s army. During this attack Zimri assassinated the king and his descendants at Tirzeh. Upon hearing of Zimri’s coup, the troops made Omri king as they abandoned the siege and went to Tirzeh to overthrow Zimri (1 Kgs. 16:15-17).

Gibbethon appears in Thutmose III’s list of conquered cities during his campaign in 1468 b.c. and in the description of the campaign of Sargon II against the kings of Ashdod (712-13).

Two sites have been proposed for biblical Gibbethon: Râs Abū µamid/µumeid (140145) and Tell el-Melât/Tel Malot (137140), both ca. 5 km. (3 mi.) W of Gezer. Based on initial survey and excavation results, Tell el-Malât is the more likely site.

Steven M. Ortiz

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

GIBBETHON

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)