LIBNAH. 1. An unidentified station in the desert wanderings ( Numbers 33:20 ). 2. A Canaanite city taken by Joshua after Makkedah and before Lachish ( Joshua 10:29 etc.), named between Arad and Adullam ( Joshua 12:16 ), and between Makkedah and Ether in the Shephçlah ( Joshua 15:42 ). It was given to the Levites ( Joshua 21:18 , 1 Chronicles 6:67 ). Taking advantage of an Edomite revolt, it rose against Judah under Joram ( 2 Kings 8:22 ). It was besieged by Sennacherib ( 2 Kings 19:8 = Isaiah 37:8 ). Hamutal, mother of Jehoahaz and Zedekiah, was a native of Libnah ( 2 Kings 23:31; 2 Kings 24:18 , Jeremiah 52:1 ). The district is clearly indicated, but the site is still unknown. Conder ( PEFSt [Note: Quarterly Statement of the same.] , 1897, p. 69) suggests el-Benawy , 10 miles S.E. of Lachish ( Tell el-Hesy ).
W. Ewing.