Topical Encyclopedia
The Libyans, referred to in the Bible, are an ancient people associated with the region west of Egypt, known historically as Libya. This area corresponds to the modern-day territories of Libya and parts of Tunisia. In biblical times, the Libyans were known for their interactions with neighboring nations, including Egypt and Israel.
Biblical ReferencesThe Libyans are mentioned in several passages throughout the Old Testament, often in the context of military alliances and conflicts. One of the earliest references is found in
2 Chronicles 12:3, where they are described as part of the forces of Shishak, the king of Egypt, who came against Jerusalem: "With twelve hundred chariots, sixty thousand horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites."
In the prophetic literature, the Libyans are frequently mentioned in connection with God's judgment against the nations.
Ezekiel 30:5 lists them among the nations that will fall by the sword: "Cush and Put, Lud and all the mixed peoples, and Cub and the men of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt."
The prophet Nahum also alludes to the Libyans in
Nahum 3:9, highlighting their strength and alliances: "Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength; Put and Libya were her allies."
Historical ContextThe Libyans were known for their prowess in battle and often served as mercenaries in the armies of Egypt and other regional powers. Their land, rich in resources and strategically located, made them significant players in the geopolitics of the ancient Near East.
Cultural and Religious InfluenceWhile the Bible does not provide extensive details about the religious practices of the Libyans, it is understood that, like many ancient peoples, they were polytheistic. Their interactions with Israel and other nations would have included cultural exchanges, though the biblical narrative primarily focuses on their role in military and political events.
New Testament ReferenceIn the New Testament, the Libyans are mentioned in the context of the Day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:10 notes that among the diverse crowd present in Jerusalem were "visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" This indicates the presence of Libyan Jews or proselytes who had come to Jerusalem for the feast, highlighting the widespread dispersion of Jewish communities across the Roman Empire.
ConclusionThe Libyans, as depicted in the Bible, are a testament to the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and the complex tapestry of alliances and conflicts that characterized the biblical world. Their presence in the biblical narrative underscores the far-reaching influence of God's plans and judgments across nations and peoples.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
LIBYA; LIBYANSlib'-i-a, lib'-i-anz: In the Old Testament the word occurs in the King James Version in2 Chronicles 12:3;2 Chronicles 16:8Nahum 3:9 for "Lubim" (thus the Revised Version (British and American)). the Revised Version (British and American), however, retains "Libyans" inDaniel 11:43. InJeremiah 46:9Ezekiel 30:5;Ezekiel 38:5, the words are replaced in the Revised Version (British and American) by PUT (which see). In the New Testament the word "Libya" (Libue) occurs, in close connection with CYRENE (which see) (Acts 2:10). Greek and Roman writers apply the term to the African continent, generally excluding Egypt.
SeeLUBIM.
Strong's Hebrew
3864. Lubim -- inhab. of N. Africa... Lubim. Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition inhab. of N. Africa
NASB Word Usage Libya (1),
Libyans (1), Lubim (3). A dry
...Library
Story of Apsethus the Libyan.
... For the foolishLibyans were accustomed to sacrifice unto him as to some divine
power, supposing that they were yielding credence to a voice that came down...
Canaan
... mountains of northern Africa to-day. Anthropologists connect theseLibyans
with the Kelts of our own islands. At one time, it would...
The Doom of the Antichrist
... But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the
precious things of Egypt: and theLibyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his...
The Genuine Acts of Peter.
... Alexandria is a city of exceeding magnitude, which holds the first place not only
among the Egyptians, but the Thebans also and theLibyans, who are at no...
Now of These one Fell under a Curse, and the Two Others Inherited...
... Hivites and Amorites and Jebusites and Gergasites and Sodomites, the Arabians also
and the dwellers in Phoenicia, all the Egyptians and theLibyans, [113] are...
Stephen the First Christian Martyr
... Some belonging to the Synagogue of theLibyans, and Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria,
Cilicia, and the province of Asia began to argue with Stephen; but they were...
Of the Synod which was Held at Nic??a in Bithynia, and the Creed...
... it on the same occasion both Syrians and Cilicians, Phoenicians, Arabs and Palestinians,
and in addition to these, Egyptians, Thebans,Libyans, and those who...
Naasseni Ascribe their System, through Mariamne, to James the...
... giants. But theLibyans affirm that Iarbas, first born, on emerging from
arid plains, commenced eating the sweet acorn of Jupiter....
Jewish Chronology Continued.
... children are: Canaan, [1071] from whom came the Canaanites; Mizraim, from whom the
Egyptians; Cush, from whom the Ethiopians; and Phut, from whom theLibyans....
The Author's Concluding Address.
... Such is the true doctrine in regard of the divine nature, O ye men, Greeks and
Barbarians, Chaldeans and Assyrians, Egyptians andLibyans, Indians and...
Thesaurus
Libyans (6 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia LIBYA;
LIBYANS.
... the Revised Version (British
and American), however, retains "
Libyans" in Daniel 11:43.
...Libya (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LIBYA;LIBYANS.... the Revised Version (British
and American), however, retains "Libyans" in Daniel 11:43....
Lubim (4 Occurrences)
... Testament (2 Chronicles 12:3; 2 Chronicles 16:8 Daniel 11:43 Nahum 3:9). In all
these cases the word is translated in the King James Version "Libyans"; in the...
Ethiopians (11 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 46:9 Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men
come forth; the Ethiopians and theLibyans, that handle the shield; and the...
Phut (7 Occurrences)
... (2.) A land or people from among whom came a portion of the mercenary troops of
Egypt, Jeremiah 46:9 (AV, "Libyans, " but correctly, RV, "Put"); Ezek....
Cushites (10 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 46:9 Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men
come forth: the Cushites and theLibyans, that handle the shield; and the...
Lice (4 Occurrences)
Nubians (1 Occurrence)
... Daniel 11:43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and
over all the precious things of Egypt; and theLibyans and the Ethiopians...
Libertines (1 Occurrence)
... the Armenian VS, conjecture Libustinon, "of the Libystines." Schulthess reads for
"Libertines and Cyrenians" (Libertinon kai Kurenaion) "Libyans, those about...
Lydians (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 46:9 Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men
come forth; the Ethiopians and theLibyans, that handle the shield; and the...
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