from an unused root of uncertain signification; Lod, a place in Palestine; Lod.
Transliteration:Lôd
Pronunciation:lode
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term לֹד (Lôd), Strong's number `{{H3850}}`, refers exclusively to a specific geographical location, a town in ancient Palestine. The base definition provided indicates that its etymology stems "from an unused root of uncertain signification," meaning the precise origin or inherent meaning of the name itself is not recoverable from known Hebrew linguistic patterns. Therefore, לֹד does not possess a semantic range in the typical sense of a verb, adjective, or common noun that might convey various shades of meaning. Its core meaning is singular and fixed: it is the proper name of a town, consistently denoting this particular settlement throughout biblical literature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The town of Lod is mentioned four times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in post-exilic texts, with one earlier reference establishing its ancient roots:
* **[[1 Chronicles 8:12]]**: This verse attributes the building of Lod (along with Ono) to the sons of Elpaal, a Benjaminite. This early mention places Lod firmly within the tribal territory or sphere of influence of Benjamin and suggests its existence as an established settlement long before the Babylonian exile. It underscores its historical significance as an ancient Israelite town.
* **[[Ezra 2:33]]**: Lod appears in the list of towns whose inhabitants returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. Specifically, it is grouped with Had*id* and Ono, indicating a cluster of settlements that were repopulated by the returning Jewish community. The number of returning inhabitants from Lod, Had*id*, and Ono combined is given as 725, signifying a notable contingent.
* **[[Nehemiah 7:37]]**: This passage provides a parallel list to Ezra 2, confirming the repopulation of Lod (again with Had*id* and Ono) after the exile. The consistency across these lists emphasizes Lod's importance in the post-exilic restoration.
* **[[Nehemiah 11:35]]**: Lod is listed among the towns where the "sons of Benjamin" settled after the return from exile. This reiterates its association with the tribe of Benjamin and highlights its role as a key settlement in the re-establishment of Jewish life in the land, particularly for this tribe.
Geographically, Lod was situated in the fertile plain of Sharon, northwest of Jerusalem, strategically located on a major ancient trade route connecting Egypt with Mesopotamia. Its consistent mention in the post-exilic return lists underscores its status as a significant, albeit not primary, center of Jewish life and repopulation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that לֹד (Lôd) is a proper noun referring to a place, its "related words" are primarily other geographical locations or tribal affiliations mentioned in conjunction with it.
* **Ono (אוֹנוֹ)**: Frequently mentioned alongside Lod, particularly in the lists of returning exiles ([[Ezra 2:33]], [[Nehemiah 7:37]]). This suggests a close proximity and perhaps shared historical or administrative ties.
* **Had*id* (חָדִיד)**: Also consistently grouped with Lod and Ono ([[Ezra 2:33]], [[Nehemiah 7:37]]).
* **Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין)**: The tribe with which Lod is explicitly associated, particularly in [[1 Chronicles 8:12]] and [[Nehemiah 11:35]], indicating its location within or near Benjaminite territory and its role in the tribe's settlement.
* **Concepts of Return and Rebuilding**: The repeated appearance of Lod in the lists of those who returned from exile links it intrinsically to the broader themes of the "Aliyah" (return) and the rebuilding of the land and community after the Babylonian captivity.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical location, the theological significance of Lod is primarily contextual and symbolic rather than intrinsic to its name.
* **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration**: The repopulation of Lod, along with other towns, serves as a tangible testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to restore His people to the land after the exile. It demonstrates the practical outworking of prophecies concerning the return from Babylon.
* **Continuity of Israelite Presence**: The ancient origins of Lod, as noted in 1 Chronicles, coupled with its re-establishment in the post-exilic period, underscores the enduring presence of the Israelite people in the land promised to their ancestors, despite periods of judgment and dispersion. Lod becomes a small but significant detail in the larger narrative of God preserving His people and their heritage.
* **Re-establishment of Community**: Lod's inclusion in the lists of returning exiles highlights the communal effort and divine provision involved in the re-establishment of a functioning Jewish society in the land. Each repopulated town, including Lod, contributed to the re-weaving of the social and religious fabric of post-exilic Judah.
### Summary
Lod (לֹד, `{{H3850}}`) is an ancient town in the plain of Sharon, associated with the tribe of Benjamin, whose name derives from an uncertain root. While its etymological meaning remains obscure, its biblical occurrences consistently mark it as a significant settlement. Lod is notably mentioned in the lists of those who returned from Babylonian exile, alongside Ono and Had*id*, and is identified as a place where the Benjaminites resettled. Theologically, Lod serves as a concrete example of God's faithfulness in restoring His people to the promised land and reflects the broader theme of the re-establishment and continuity of the Israelite community after the exile.
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