Introduction:
Lodebar is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the narrative of King David's reign. It is a place of significance due to its association with Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. The name "Lodebar" is often interpreted to mean "no pasture" or "no word," suggesting a place of desolation or barrenness.

Biblical References:
Lodebar is primarily mentioned in the context of the account of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel. After the death of Saul and Jonathan, Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in obscurity in Lodebar. The key passages include:

· 2 Samuel 9:4-5 : "Where is he?" replied the king. And Ziba said, "Indeed, he is in the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar." So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar.

· 2 Samuel 17:27 : "When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim..."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Lodebar is believed to have been located east of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead. It was a part of the territory that was often associated with the tribe of Gad. The exact location of Lodebar remains uncertain, but it is generally thought to be near Mahanaim, another significant biblical site.

Significance in the Narrative of David and Mephibosheth:
The account of Mephibosheth is a powerful testament to King David's loyalty and kindness. Despite the potential threat that Saul's descendants could pose to his throne, David sought out Mephibosheth to show kindness for the sake of his covenant with Jonathan. Lodebar, as the place where Mephibosheth resided, symbolizes his fall from royal status to a life of obscurity and dependency.

David's actions in bringing Mephibosheth from Lodebar to Jerusalem and restoring to him the lands of Saul demonstrate the themes of grace and redemption. David's kindness to Mephibosheth is often seen as a reflection of God's grace towards humanity, offering restoration and honor to those who are undeserving.

Cultural and Theological Insights:
Lodebar's meaning, "no pasture" or "no word," can be seen as emblematic of Mephibosheth's condition before David's intervention. It represents a place of desolation, both physically and spiritually. Theologically, Lodebar can be viewed as a metaphor for the state of humanity without God's intervention—isolated, barren, and without hope.

The narrative also highlights the importance of covenant loyalty and the transformative power of grace. David's actions towards Mephibosheth serve as a model of how believers are called to act with kindness and integrity, honoring commitments and extending grace to others.

Conclusion:
While Lodebar itself is a minor geographical location in the biblical text, its role in the account of Mephibosheth and David provides rich insights into the themes of grace, redemption, and covenant faithfulness. Through the lens of Lodebar, the narrative underscores the transformative power of kindness and the fulfillment of God's promises through His chosen servants.Lodebar

(without pasture), a place named with Mahanaim, Rogelim and other transjordanic towns, (2 Samuel 17:27) and therefore no doubt on the east side of the Jordan. It was the native place of Machir-ben-Ammiel. (2 Samuel 9:4,5)

No pasture, (2 Samuel 17:27), a town in Gilead not far from Mahanaim, north of the Jabbok (9:4, 5). It is probably identical with Debir (Joshua 13:26). LO-DEBAR

lo'-de-bar, lo-de'-bar (lo dhebhar): A place in Gilead where dwelt Machir, son of Ammiel, who sheltered Mephibosheth, son of Saul, after that monarch's death (2 Samuel 9:4), until he was sent for by David. This same Machir met David with supplies when he fled to Gilead from Absalom (2 Samuel 17:27 f). Possibly it is the same place as Lidebir in Joshua 13:26 (Revised Version margin). No certain identification is possible; but Schumacher (Northern 'Ajlun, 101) found a site with the name Ibdar about 6 1/2 miles East of Umm Qeis, North of the great aqueduct, which may possibly represent the ancient city. Lidebir, at least, seems to be placed on the northern boundary of Gilead. The modern village stands on the southern shoulder of Wady Samar. There is a good spring to the East, a little lower down, while ancient remains are found in the neighborhood.

W. Ewing

3810. Lo Debar -- "pastureless," a place in Gilead
Lo Debar or Lo Debar or Lidbir or Lodebar. 3809, 3810. Lo Debar or Lo
Debar or Lidbir or Lodebar. 3811 . "pastureless," a place ...
/hebrew/3810.htm - 6k

David's Kindness to Jonathan's Son
... answered, "A son of Jonathan is still living, but he is lame in his feet." David
inquired, "Where is he?" Ziba replied, "He is in the house of Machir in Lodebar ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/davids kindness to jonathans son.htm

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... So when he had learned where and by whom he was brought up, he sent messengers to
Machir, to the city of Lodebar, for with him was the son of Jonathan brought ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

Lodebar (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lodebar (4 Occurrences). ... And Ziba said unto the king, Behold,
he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar. (KJV DBY). ...
/l/lodebar.htm - 9k

Ammiel (6 Occurrences)
... 12). (2) A Benjamite, the father of Machir, a friend of David, living at
Lodebar in Gilead (2 Samuel 9:4, 5; 2 Samuel 17:27). (3 ...
/a/ammiel.htm - 10k

Lo-debar (4 Occurrences)
Lo-debar. Lodebar, Lo-debar. Lodge . Easton's Bible Dictionary No pasture ...
See RSV). Lodebar, Lo-debar. Lodge . Reference Bible.
/l/lo-debar.htm - 9k

Ziba (13 Occurrences)
... Ziba tells David of Mephibosheth (Meribbaal), Jonathan's son, who is thereupon taken
to the king from Lodebar, East of the Jordan, and given Saul's estate. ...
/z/ziba.htm - 14k

Loddeus

/l/loddeus.htm - 6k

Gileadite (10 Occurrences)
... when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children
of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the ...
/g/gileadite.htm - 9k

Ro'gelim (2 Occurrences)
... when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children
of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the ...
/r/ro'gelim.htm - 6k

Rogelim (2 Occurrences)
... when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children
of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the ...
/r/rogelim.htm - 7k

Debar (4 Occurrences)
... when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children
of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the ...
/d/debar.htm - 7k

Makir (17 Occurrences)
... when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children
of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the ...
/m/makir.htm - 11k

What is the significance of Lo Debar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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