Biblical References and Location:

Dibon, also referred to as Dibon-Gad and Dimon, is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament. It is situated east of the Jordan River in the territory historically associated with the tribes of Gad and Reuben. The city is first mentioned in the context of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. In Numbers 21:30, the city is referred to as Dimon, highlighting its strategic importance in the region.

Allotment to Gad and Reuben:

Dibon was initially conquered by the Israelites during their campaign against the Amorite kings Sihon and Og. The city was subsequently allotted to the tribe of Gad, as recorded in Numbers 32:34 : "And the Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer." This allocation was part of the broader division of the Transjordanian lands among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

The city is also mentioned in Joshua 13:17 as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Reuben: "Heshbon, and all its cities on the plain, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon." This dual mention in the context of both Gad and Reuben suggests that Dibon may have been a shared or border city between these two tribes.

Historical and Archaeological Significance:

Dibon holds historical significance due to its mention in the Mesha Stele, an ancient Moabite stone inscription. The stele, discovered in the 19th century, provides an account from King Mesha of Moab, who claims to have fortified Dibon and other cities after rebelling against Israelite control. This inscription corroborates the biblical narrative of Moabite interactions with Israel and highlights Dibon's importance as a regional center.

Prophetic References:

The city of Dibon is also mentioned in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. In Isaiah 15:9 , the prophet Isaiah refers to Dimon in the context of a prophecy against Moab: "The waters of Dimon are full of blood, but I will bring more upon Dimon—a lion upon the fugitives of Moab and upon the remnant of the land." This passage underscores the city's vulnerability and the divine judgment pronounced upon Moab.

Similarly, in Jeremiah 48:18 , the prophet Jeremiah speaks of Dibon in his oracle against Moab: "Come down from your glory and sit on parched ground, O daughter dwelling in Dibon, for the destroyer of Moab has come against you; he has destroyed your fortresses." These prophetic references emphasize Dibon's role within the broader narrative of Moab's downfall and the fulfillment of divine judgment.

Cultural and Theological Insights:

Dibon's repeated mention in various biblical contexts highlights its cultural and theological significance. As a city associated with both Israelite and Moabite history, Dibon serves as a testament to the complex interactions between these neighboring peoples. The city's inclusion in prophetic literature further illustrates the theme of divine sovereignty and judgment, as God uses historical events to accomplish His purposes.

In summary, Dibon, also known as Dibon-Gad and Dimon, is a city of considerable importance in the biblical narrative. Its allocation to the tribes of Gad and Reuben, its historical significance as evidenced by the Mesha Stele, and its role in prophetic literature all contribute to its enduring legacy in the biblical account.Numbers 32:3,34
Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,
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Joshua 13:9,17
From Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the river, and all the plain of Medeba to Dibon;
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Who were the Moabites? | GotQuestions.org

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