### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gibbᵉthôwn**, represented by `{{H1405}}`, denotes "a hilly spot." It appears 6 times across 5 verses in the Bible. This term identifies Gibbethon, a specific place in Palestine that serves as a significant location in the biblical narrative, particularly during the period of Israel's monarchy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1405}}` is first mentioned as a city allotted to the tribe of Dan `{{H1835}}` [[Joshua 19:44]] and subsequently designated as a Levitical city with its suburbs `{{H4054}}` [[Joshua 21:23]]. Later, it becomes a point of major conflict, described as a city that "belonged to the Philistines" `{{H6430}}` [[1 Kings 15:27]]. It was during a siege of Gibbethon by King Nadab `{{H5070}}` and all Israel `{{H3478}}` that Baasha `{{H1201}}` conspired `{{H7194}}` against and smote `{{H5221}}` the king. The city remained a strategic military location, as the people `{{H5971}}` of Israel were still encamped `{{H2583}}` against it when Zimri `{{H2174}}` began his brief reign [[1 Kings 16:15]]. It was from Gibbethon that Omri `{{H6018}}` went up `{{H5927}}` to besiege `{{H6696}}` Tirzah `{{H8656}}` [[1 Kings 16:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context surrounding Gibbethon:
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (Philistine): An inhabitant of Pelesheth. This term identifies the people who controlled Gibbethon during the period of the kings, making it a site of conflict for Israel [[1 Kings 15:27]].
* `{{H6696}}` **tsûwr** (to besiege): A primitive root meaning to confine or besiege. This action is central to Gibbethon's role in the narrative, as Israel laid siege `{{H6696}}` to the city on multiple occasions ([[1 Kings 15:27]], [[1 Kings 16:17]]).
* `{{H1835}}` **Dân** (Dan): The name of one of Jacob's sons and the tribe descended from him. Gibbethon was originally located within the territory allotted to this tribe [[Joshua 19:44]] and was given from it to the Levites [[Joshua 21:23]].
### Theological Significance
The strategic importance of `{{H1405}}` is demonstrated through its repeated appearance as a site of conflict and political change.
* **A Contested City:** Gibbethon was a key battleground between Israel `{{H3478}}` and the Philistines `{{H6430}}`. Israel's efforts to lay siege `{{H6696}}` to the city highlight a prolonged struggle for control over the region ([[1 Kings 15:27]], [[1 Kings 16:15]]).
* **A Stage for Treason:** The city was the backdrop for a pivotal moment of regicide. It was at the siege of Gibbethon that Baasha `{{H1201}}` of the house `{{H1004}}` of Issachar `{{H3485}}` smote `{{H5221}}` King Nadab `{{H5070}}` and seized the throne [[1 Kings 15:27]].
* **The Rise of a Dynasty:** The Israelite encampment at Gibbethon was also the setting from which the army proclaimed Omri `{{H6018}}` king, who then went up `{{H5927}}` from there to overthrow the usurper Zimri `{{H2174}}` in Tirzah `{{H8656}}` [[1 Kings 16:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1405}}` is far more than a simple geographical location. It is a symbol of the ongoing territorial struggle between Israel and the Philistines. As the setting for both a successful conspiracy and the launch of a new royal dynasty, Gibbethon represents a crucial nexus of military conflict and internal political instability in the history of the Israelite kingdom.
TRV