or לֻחוֹת; (Jeremiah 48:5), from the same as לוּחַ; floored; Luchith, a place East of the Jordan; Luhith.
Transliteration:Lûwchîyth
Pronunciation:loo-kheeth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The word H3872 (Lûwchîyth) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its etymology is rooted in לוּחַ (luach, `{{H3871}}`), which means "tablet," "board," or "plank" (e.g., the tablets of the Law, [[Exodus 31:18]]). The Strong's definition "floored" for H3872 suggests a direct connection to this root, implying a place characterized by flat, board-like surfaces, or perhaps constructed with planks. As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to its identification as a specific location within Moab. The name itself likely describes a physical characteristic of the place, such as its terrain (e.g., a plateau, a paved ascent) or structures (e.g., built with boards or planks).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H3872 (Lûwchîyth) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the context of prophetic oracles concerning the judgment of Moab.
1. [[Isaiah 15:5]]: "My heart cries out for Moab; her fugitives flee to Zoar, to Eglath-shelishiyah. For by the ascent of Luhith they go up with weeping; on the road to Horonaim they raise a cry of destruction."
2. [[Jeremiah 48:5]]: "For by the ascent of Luhith they go up with weeping; for on the road to Horonaim they hear the cry of destruction."
In both passages, Luhith is described as an "ascent" (מַעֲלֵה, ma'aleh), indicating a rising path or slope. This ascent is part of a route taken by the fleeing Moabites, suggesting it was a significant topographical feature on their escape path from invading forces. The context is one of profound lamentation, destruction, and desperate flight, as the people of Moab are being judged and scattered. The "ascent of Luhith" is portrayed as a place of intense sorrow and weeping, a poignant symbol of Moab's downfall. The parallel phrasing in Isaiah and Jeremiah underscores the certainty and severity of this desolation. The name "Luhith" itself, potentially meaning "floored" or "boarded," might have alluded to a well-trodden or paved ascent, or one leading to a plateau, making the imagery of weeping fugitives even more stark as they ascend this path of sorrow.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is לוּחַ (luach, `{{H3871}}`), meaning "tablet," "board," or "plank." This root is used for the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments ([[Exodus 24:12]], [[Deuteronomy 5:22]]), wooden boards for the tabernacle ([[Exodus 26:15]]), and even writing tablets ([[Isaiah 30:8]]). The connection suggests that Luhith might have been an area characterized by flat, board-like terrain, or perhaps a place known for structures built with planks or paving.
Other related concepts include:
* **Ascent/Descent:** The term "ascent" (מַעֲלֵה, ma'aleh) links Luhith to other significant biblical ascents, such as the "ascent of Akrabbim" ([[Numbers 34:4]]) or the "ascent of Ziz" ([[2 Chronicles 20:16]]), often marking strategic or difficult geographical passages.
* **Moab:** As a place within Moabite territory, Luhith is intrinsically linked to the history, geography, and prophetic pronouncements concerning Moab. Its mention in the oracles against Moab places it within the broader theological narrative of divine judgment on nations.
* **Flight and Lamentation:** The description of "weeping" and "cry of destruction" connects Luhith to the broader biblical themes of exile, judgment, and the profound sorrow accompanying national defeat, which are prevalent in various prophetic books.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical place name, the theological significance of H3872 (Lûwchîyth) is primarily derived from its context within prophetic literature. It serves as a tangible marker in the unfolding of divine judgment against Moab.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment:** The explicit mention of Luhith as a place of weeping underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment upon Moab. Even specific topographical features become stages for the outworking of divine decree. The flight up the "ascent of Luhith" is not merely a military retreat but a divinely orchestrated consequence of Moab's pride and idolatry.
2. **Lamentation as a Consequence of Sin:** The imagery of "weeping" on the ascent of Luhith highlights the sorrow and despair that accompany separation from God's favor. It serves as a stark reminder that disobedience and rebellion against God lead to suffering and lamentation, even for nations outside of Israel. The universal scope of God's justice is powerfully demonstrated.
3. **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The parallel mention in Isaiah and Jeremiah strengthens the certainty of the prophecy. Luhith becomes a specific, identifiable place where the prophetic word would come to pass, lending credibility and weight to the divine pronouncements. It transforms an abstract prophecy into a concrete, geographical reality.
4. **Symbol of Desperation:** The "ascent of Luhith" becomes a symbol of the desperate plight of the Moabites, forced to flee their homes and ascend a difficult path in tears. This imagery evokes the pathos of human suffering under divine judgment, emphasizing the gravity of their situation.
### Summary
H3872 (Lûwchîyth) is a Hebrew proper noun designating a specific geographical location in Moab, mentioned in [[Isaiah 15:5]] and [[Jeremiah 48:5]]. Derived from לוּחַ (luach, `{{H3871}}`) meaning "tablet" or "board," its name potentially alludes to a "floored" or flat/terraced area, or one characterized by planks. In its biblical occurrences, Luhith is described as an "ascent" (מַעֲלֵה) up which the fleeing Moabites go with great weeping and a "cry of destruction," signifying their lamentable flight from invading forces. Theologically, Luhith functions as a concrete geographical stage for the outworking of God's severe judgment against Moab, emphasizing divine sovereignty, the sorrowful consequences of national sin, and the certainty of prophetic fulfillment. It stands as a poignant symbol of desperation and lamentation in the face of divine wrath.
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