Lehi (Bible)

Sammson at Lehi(Engraving by B. Audran after F. Verdier, 1698.)
Samson defeating a Philistine, Trent Park, Enfield

Lehi also known as Ramath Lehi[1] is a place mentioned in the Bible.

History

In the Book of Judges we are told that Lehi was the site on an encampment by a Philistine army,[2] and the subsequent engagement with the Israelite leader Samson.[3] This encounters is famous for Samsons' use of a donkeys jawbone as a club,[4] and the name Ramath Lehi means Jawbone Hill.[5]

During the Israelite Monarchy Lehi was site of another battle between Israel and Philistine forces. Here we are told Shammah the Hararite,(one of David's Mighty Warriors)[6] held his ground in a field of lentils, when the Israelites retreated.[7]

Location

The exact site of Lehi is unknown, but was within the territory of Judah.[8] Mormon teaching places it at Khirbet Beit Lei.[9] This would place Lehi within the territorial range that Samson worked and within the tribal area of the Tribe of Judah, and on the straight line between Gath and the Rock of Etam where Samson was hiding at the time. Further the remains of Khirbet Beit Lei have revealed a sizable town of some importance in the biblical times period.

References

  1. ↑ Judges 15:17.
  2. ↑ Judges 15:9.
  3. ↑ Judges 15:15.
  4. ↑ Comay, Joan; Brownrigg, Ronald (1993). Who's Who in the Bible: The Old Testament and the Apocrypha, The New Testament. New York: Wing Books. pp. Old Testament, 316–317.
  5. ↑ Judges 15:17
  6. ↑ 2 Samuel 23.
  7. ↑ 2 Samuel 23:11-12.
  8. ↑ Judges 15:9.
  9. ↑ Khirbet Beit Lei (The Lehi Cave) or not? .
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