Biblical References and Historical Context

Dibon, an ancient city located east of the Jordan River, holds significant historical and biblical importance. It is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament. The city is identified with modern-day Dhiban in Jordan. Dibon was originally a Moabite city, as indicated in the Mesha Stele, an ancient Moabite stone inscription that records the victories of King Mesha of Moab.

Dibon in the Conquest and Settlement

During the Israelite conquest of Canaan, Dibon was captured by the Israelites and allotted to the tribe of Gad. Numbers 32:3 lists Dibon among the cities requested by the tribes of Reuben and Gad for their inheritance: "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon." The Gadites rebuilt and fortified the city, and it became known as Dibon-Gad (Numbers 32:34).

Prophetic References and Moabite Control

Despite its initial capture by the Israelites, Dibon later fell back into Moabite hands. The prophet Isaiah references Dibon in his oracle against Moab, highlighting the city's lamentation and mourning: "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" (Isaiah 15:9). Here, Dibon is referred to as Dimon, a play on words emphasizing the bloodshed and judgment upon Moab.

Jeremiah also prophesies against Moab, mentioning Dibon in the context of Moab's impending doom: "Moab will be destroyed, and her towns invaded; her finest young men will go down in the slaughter, declares the King, whose name is the LORD of Hosts" (Jeremiah 48:15). Dibon is included in the list of cities that will face destruction and desolation.

Archaeological Significance

The archaeological site of Dhiban has yielded significant findings, including the Mesha Stele, which corroborates the biblical narrative of Moabite control over Dibon. The stele provides insight into the historical and cultural context of the region during the time of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Theological Implications

Dibon's history reflects the broader narrative of Israel's struggle to maintain control over the territories east of the Jordan. The city's repeated change of hands between Israel and Moab serves as a testament to the ongoing conflict and the fulfillment of prophetic judgments against Moab. The biblical references to Dibon underscore themes of divine justice, the consequences of disobedience, and the sovereignty of God over the nations.Isaiah 15:2,9
He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.
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Jeremiah 48:18,22
You daughter that do inhabit Dibon, come down from your glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come on you, and he shall destroy your strong holds.
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Who were the Moabites? | GotQuestions.org

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