Topical Encyclopedia Lebanon, a region known for its majestic cedar trees and mountainous terrain, holds a significant place in biblical history. Despite its proximity to the Promised Land, much of Lebanon remained unconquered by the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. This entry explores the biblical references and historical context surrounding Lebanon's partial conquest.Geographical and Historical Context Lebanon is situated to the north of Israel, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the Anti-Lebanon mountain range to the east. The region is renowned for its lush forests, particularly the cedars of Lebanon, which were highly prized in the ancient world for their quality and durability. These trees are frequently mentioned in the Bible as symbols of strength and beauty (Psalm 92:12; Isaiah 2:13). Biblical References The Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, were commanded by God to conquer the land of Canaan, which included parts of what is now modern-day Lebanon. However, the biblical narrative indicates that the Israelites did not fully subdue this region. In Joshua 13:1-6, the Lord speaks to Joshua, acknowledging the land that remains to be possessed, including "all the regions of the Philistines and the Geshurites, from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron in the north, all of it counted as Canaanite; the five rulers of the Philistines in Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron—the Avvites; in the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Arah of the Sidonians to Aphek, as far as the border of the Amorites; the land of the Gebalites; and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath." The Sidonians, a people dwelling in the coastal city of Sidon in southern Lebanon, were among those not driven out by the Israelites. Judges 3:1-3 lists the nations left to test Israel, including "the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath." Reasons for Incomplete Conquest Several factors contributed to the Israelites' inability to conquer Lebanon fully. The rugged terrain and fortified cities posed significant military challenges. Additionally, the Israelites' failure to obey God's command to drive out all the inhabitants of the land led to ongoing conflicts and influences from the remaining Canaanite populations. Judges 1:31-32 notes that the tribe of Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of several cities, including Sidon, leading to coexistence with the Canaanites. Spiritual and Theological Implications The incomplete conquest of Lebanon serves as a reminder of the Israelites' struggle with obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. The presence of unconquered territories and peoples often led to idolatry and spiritual compromise, as seen throughout the book of Judges. The cedars of Lebanon, while a symbol of natural beauty and strength, also became associated with the construction of pagan temples and altars, highlighting the tension between Israel's calling and their reality. In summary, Lebanon's partial conquest by the Israelites reflects both the physical challenges of the land and the spiritual challenges faced by God's people. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of obedience and the consequences of failing to fully trust in God's promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 13:2,5This is the land that yet remains: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri, Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 3:1-4 Library How Amaziah Made an Expedition against the Edomites and Amalekites ... The Israelites How after the Death of Cambyses and the Slaughter of the Magi but ... The Woman of Samaria Babylonia and Assyria Editor's Preface Canaan Chapter x The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ... Resources What is the significance of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the land of Canaan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Lebanon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lebanon of Great and Powerful Monarchs Lebanon: (Fragrance of) of the Graces of the Church Lebanon: (Glory of) of the Glory of the Church Lebanon: (Mourning of) of Deep Affliction Lebanon: (Shaking of Its Forests) Prodigious Growth of The Lebanon: "House of the Forest of" Lebanon: Bounded the Land of Canaan on the North Lebanon: Called: Mount Lebanon Lebanon: Called: That Goodly Mountain Lebanon: Called: The Mountains Lebanon: Celebrated For: Cedars Lebanon: Celebrated For: Flowers Lebanon: Celebrated For: Fragrance Lebanon: Celebrated For: Fragrance of Its Wines Lebanon: Celebrated For: Glorious Appearance Lebanon: Difficulties of Passing, Surmounted by Assyrian Army Lebanon: Fertility and Productiveness of Lebanon: Forests of, Infested With Wild Beasts Lebanon: Formerly Inhabited by the Hivites Lebanon: Furnished: Stones for Solomon's Temple Lebanon: Furnished: Wood for Second Temple Lebanon: Furnished: Wood for Solomon's Temple Lebanon: Great Part of, not Conquered by the Israelites Lebanon: Lofty Tops of, Covered With Snow Lebanon: Many Streams Came From Lebanon: Moses Anxious to Behold Lebanon: Northern Boundary of the Land of Canaan Lebanon: Solomon Built: Storehouses In Lebanon: Solomon Built: The House of the Forest of Lebanon: Solomon had Storage Cities In Related Terms |
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