Original Word: גִּבְעָה
Part of Speech: proper name, of a location
Transliteration: Gib`ah
Pronunciation: ghib-aw'
Phonetic Spelling: (ghib-aw')
KJV: Gibeah, the hill
NASB: Gibeah
Word Origin: [the same as H1389 (גִּבעָה - hills)]

1. Gibah
2. the name of three places in Israel

Gibeah, the hill

The same as gib'ah; Gibah; the name of three places in Palestine -- Gibeah, the hill.

see HEBREW gib'ah

Word Origin
from the same as Geba
Definition
"hill," three cities in Pal.
NASB Translation
Gibeah (45).

II. גִּבְעָה proper name, of a location (hill) — ׳ג Joshua 15:57 +; (הַ)גִּבְעָ֫תָה Judges 20:4 5t.; גִּבְעַת Joshua 18:28; construct גִּבְעַת 1 Samuel 11:4 9t.; absolute always with article except Joshua 15:57; Joshua 18:28; Judges 19:12; Judges 20:31; 1 Samuel 10:26; 2Chronicles 13:2; —

1 a city of Judah Joshua 15:57 (perhaps one of two villages called Gabaa, Gabatha in Onomasticon see Lag^{Onom. 246, 128; 2nd ed 255, 160}).

2 city of Benjamin Judges 19:14,16 20t. Judges; 1 Samuel 10:26; 1 Samuel 14:2; 1 Samuel 22:6; 1 Samuel 26:1; 2 Samuel 23:29 = 1 Chronicles 11:31; also Hosea 5:8; Hosea 9:9; Hosea 10:9 (twice in verse) (compare Judges 19:12ff. Judges 13:2; perhaps also 1 Samuel 7:1; 1 Samuel 10:10; 2 Samuel 6:3,4 read also (for גבע) 1 Samuel 13:16 Judges 20:10,33; = גִּבְעַת Joshua 18:28; called also גִּבְעַת בִּנְיָמִין 1 Samuel 13:2,15; 1 Samuel 14:16, & גִּבְעַת שָׁאוּל 1 Samuel 11:4; 1 Samuel 15:34; Isaiah 10:29; 2 Samuel 21:6 read probably גִּבְעוֺן ᵐ5 We Dr.

3 a city of Ephraim, called גִּבְעַת ִ˜מּינְחָס Joshua 24:33.

Designation

The term designates a “hill-town,” most often the Benjaminite city situated about three miles north of Jerusalem. Scripture also applies the name to smaller elevations or townlets in Judah (Joshua 15:57) and Ephraim (Joshua 24:33). The Benjaminite site, however, accounts for the vast majority of the forty-three occurrences.

Geographical Setting and Strategic Importance

Gibeah crowns a limestone ridge along the central watershed route that links Shechem to Hebron. Its elevation grants clear lines of sight toward Ramah, Mizpah, and Jerusalem, explaining repeated references to watchmen stationed there (1 Samuel 14:16; Hosea 5:8). Archaeology identifies the mound at Tell el-Fûl, where massive Iron Age walls, casemate rooms, and two palatial structures confirm both a fortified settlement in the Judges period and later royal use.

Historical Narratives

1. The Benjaminite Outrage (Judges 19–21)

The horrific assault on the Levite’s concubine in Gibeah exposed moral disintegration “in those days there was no king in Israel” (Judges 19:1). The subsequent inter-tribal war nearly extinguished Benjamin, yet God preserved the tribe, maintaining the covenant promise that all twelve tribes would inherit.

2. Saul’s Hometown and Seat of Government (1 Samuel 10:26; 1 Samuel 15:34)

After his anointing, “Saul also went to his house in Gibeah” (1 Samuel 10:26), and the town became the first capital of Israel’s monarchy. Saul’s court, military musters (1 Samuel 13:2), and family residence (1 Samuel 14:2) operated from this hill until his death.

3. The Philistine Crisis (1 Samuel 13–14)

Philistine garrisons occupied neighboring Geba, prompting Jonathan’s daring raid. From Gibeah, Saul numbered the people (1 Samuel 13:15) and his watchmen saw “the multitude melting away” (1 Samuel 14:16). The episode underscores the contrast between Saul’s wavering leadership and Jonathan’s faith.

4. Assyrian Advance (Isaiah 10:28–32)

Isaiah’s oracle traces the Assyrian march southward: “Ramah trembles, Gibeah of Saul has fled” (Isaiah 10:29). The mention roots the prophecy in real geography, illustrating the terror of invasion while assuring Judah that God sets the limits of oppressors.

Prophetic and Poetic Usage

Hosea recalls the Judges atrocity to indict Israel’s later sins: “They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah” (Hosea 9:9; 10:9). The recurring comparison portrays unchecked wickedness as a national danger requiring divine intervention.

Theological and Ministry Implications

1. Moral Accountability

Gibeah’s darkest night demonstrates that covenant privilege does not shield God’s people from judgment when sin is tolerated. The ensuing civil war reveals the cost of unrepentant immorality.

2. Sovereign Preservation

Despite near annihilation, Benjamin survives, allowing the rise of Saul and, generations later, the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5). God’s faithfulness preserves His purposes even through human failure.

3. Leadership under Scrutiny

Saul’s tenure at Gibeah invites reflection on the perils of partial obedience (1 Samuel 15). His downfall contrasts with David’s heart, directing believers to seek integrity rather than mere position.

4. Watchfulness and Prayer

The hill’s strategic vistas illustrate spiritual vigilance. As Saul’s watchmen scanned the horizon, so the church is called to discern the times, praying “watchfully” (Colossians 4:2).

Christological Foreshadowing

Saul, Israel’s first king, emerges from Gibeah yet proves insufficient. His inadequacy anticipates the need for a righteous King. Jesus Christ—descended from David, not Saul—fulfills that anticipation, providing the ultimate answer to the chaos first exposed at Gibeah.

Reflection for Believers

Gibeah’s narrative arc moves from moral disorder to royal privilege and finally to prophetic warning. It reminds readers that holiness, faithful leadership, and hopeful expectancy in God’s redemptive plan remain essential on every “hill” of life and ministry.

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