Lexical Summary Lubim: Lubim Original Word: לוּבִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance A dry region; apparently a Libyan or inhabitant of interior AfricaOr Lubbiy (Dan. 11:43) {loob-bee'}; partrial from a name probably derived from an unused root meaning to thirst, i.e. A dry region; apparently a Libyan or inhabitant of interior Africa (only in plural): NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition inhab. of N. Africa NASB Translation Libya (1), Libyans (1), Lubim (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [לוּב], לוּבִים, לֻבִֿים name, of a people, plural Lybians, in North Africa, west of Egypt; — Nahum 3:9 ( + מּוּט), 2 Chronicles 12:3 (ᵐ5 Λιβυες; + מִצְרַיִם, סֻכִּיִּים, כּוּשִׁים), 2 Chronicles 16:8 ᵐ5 Λιβυες; (+ כּוּוִים); לֻבִֿים Daniel 11:43 (see Baer; with מִצְרַיִם, כֻּשִֿׁים), Theod. Λιβυων; probably = לְהָבִים (q. v.) Genesis 10:13 = 1 Chronicles 1:11 A ᵐ5L Λαβιειμ; read לוּבים perhaps also Jeremiah 46:9 (for HCT לוּדִים, compare StaJavan 5f.), ᵐ5 Λυδοι (מּוּט ib. = Λιβυες); ᵐ5 Sm Co StaJavan 6 Berthol read לוּב Ezekiel 30:5 (for HCT כּוּב, q. v.) See WMMAs.Eur.115. Topical Lexicon Name and Identity The term לוּבִי designates the people of Libya—North African neighbors west of Egypt—often rendered “Lubim” or “Libyans.” In Scripture they appear as a distinct ethnic group allied with Egypt and Cush (Ethiopia/Sudan). Egyptian reliefs and Classical writers confirm that Libyan warriors served as mercenaries for the Pharaohs, matching the Biblical portrayal of a semi-nomadic, war-ready people dwelling along the southern Mediterranean coast. Occurrences in Scripture 1. 2 Chronicles 12:3 records Shishak’s invasion of Judah with “the Lubim, the Sukkites, and the Cushites.” Historical Background Archaeology places Libyan tribes—chiefly the Meshwesh and Tjehenu—along Egypt’s western frontier from the Late Bronze Age onward. Their feared archers and charioteers often hired out to Egyptian kings, explaining why Solomonic-era Judah faced them in Shishak’s coalition (circa 925 B.C.). Libyan dynasties later ruled parts of Egypt (Twenty-second and Twenty-third Dynasties), so their political identity blended with Egypt yet remained distinct enough for Biblical writers to name them separately. Military Role in Old Testament Conflicts The Chronicler twice highlights overwhelming Lubian manpower. Shishak’s force (2 Chronicles 12) overwhelms Rehoboam, underscoring divine chastisement for forsaking the LORD. By contrast, the deliverance under Asa (2 Chronicles 16) demonstrates that no coalition—however vast—can prevail when God defends His covenant people. The pairing “Cushites and Libyans” suggests a trans-Nile confederation extending from Nubia to Cyrenaica, symbolizing the breadth of opposition the LORD can overturn. Prophetic and Eschatological Notes Daniel 11:43 places the Libyans in an eschatological horizon, portraying their submission to a northern invader who captures Egypt’s treasures. Whether read historically (the Seleucid Antiochus IV or a later Hellenistic king) or futuristically (a final antichrist figure), the passage affirms God’s foreknowledge of regional powers and their eventual subjugation. Nahum 3:9 shows the collapse of worldly security: even when mighty Thebes counted Libya among her allies, she fell. God’s judgments reach beyond Israel to the nations, fulfilling His sovereignty declared in Genesis 10’s table of nations. Theological and Ministry Reflections 1. God Rules Over the Nations: The rise and fall of Libyan armies illustrates Psalm 22:28, “For dominion belongs to the LORD.” Modern readers can trust that present-day geopolitical shifts likewise serve His purposes. Summary The לוּבִי stand as a testimony that distant peoples are neither overlooked in redemptive history nor beyond divine judgment and grace. From Shishak’s coalition to Daniel’s prophecy, their presence underscores the global stage upon which God vindicates His name and invites all nations to acknowledge Him. Forms and Transliterations וְהַלּוּבִ֗ים וְלֻבִ֥ים וְלוּבִ֔ים והלובים ולבים ולובים לוּבִ֥ים לובים lū·ḇîm lūḇîm luVim vehalluVim veluVim wə·hal·lū·ḇîm wə·lu·ḇîm wə·lū·ḇîm wəhallūḇîm wəluḇîm wəlūḇîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 12:3 HEB: עִמּוֹ֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם לוּבִ֥ים סֻכִּיִּ֖ים וְכוּשִֽׁים׃ NAS: number: the Lubim, the Sukkiim KJV: with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, INT: from Egypt the Lubim the Sukkiim and the Ethiopians 2 Chronicles 16:8 Daniel 11:43 Nahum 3:9 4 Occurrences |
    |