The Hebrew word Lᵉbôwnâh, represented by H3829, identifies Lebonah, a place in Palestine. It is a highly specific term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the entirety of scripture. Its sole function is to serve as a geographical landmark.
The single appearance of H3829 is in the book of Judges, where it is used to provide precise directions. In the narrative, when describing the location for a yearly feast of the LORD, the place is identified as being "on the south of Lebonah" Judges 21:19. This reference anchors the event in a real-world, verifiable location, using Lebonah as a known point to orient the reader.
The context of this verse links H3829 to several other significant places and concepts:
- H7887 Shîylôh (Shiloh): This is the place that Lebonah helps to locate. Shiloh was a major religious center in early Israel, where the "feast of the LORD" was held Judges 21:19 and where the ark of the covenant was kept for a time 1 Samuel 4:3.
- H1008 Bêyth-ʼÊl (Beth-el): Defined as the "house of God," this city is a key part of the directions. The highway described in the verse "goeth up" from Bethel Judges 21:19.
- H7927 Shᵉkem (Shechem): This city, whose name means "ridge," was the destination of the highway mentioned in relation to Lebonah, further defining the location Judges 21:19.
- H4546 mᵉçillâh (highway): This word for a "thoroughfare" or "highway" forms one of the boundaries in the geographical description, illustrating the specific and practical nature of the directions provided Judges 21:19.
The significance of H3829 is entirely derived from its geographical and historical context:
- Geographical Anchor: The primary role of Lebonah in scripture is to function as a precise landmark. Its mention, along with Bethel, Shechem, and the highway, gives a clear and detailed map to the location of a yearly religious festival Judges 21:19.
- Context of Worship: Though not a site of worship itself, Lebonah is explicitly connected to the "feast of the LORD" (H2282), placing it firmly in the orbit of Israel's sacred observances.
- A Landmark in Israel: Its position relative to major historical centers like Bethel (H1008) and Shechem (H7927) situates Lebonah within a critical corridor of ancient Israelite territory, underscoring the groundedness of the biblical narrative.
In summary, H3829 Lᵉbôwnâh is a place name whose importance lies not in theological depth but in its singular function as a geographical pinpoint. Mentioned just once, it serves to ground the biblical account in a tangible location, demonstrating the text's detailed awareness of the Palestinian landscape and its connection to Israel's history and religious life.
TRV