was the native place of Urijah the prophet, (Jer. xxvi. 20,) and it was here that the ark remained many years, (1 Sam. vii. 1, 2; 2 Sam. vi. 2,) after it had been restored by the Philistines.
Lachish. (Josh. x. 3.) A city of Judah, lying south of Jerusalem, and towards the border of Simeon. It was one of the Canaanitish cities, which was subdued by Joshua, but it was afterwards rebuilt by Jeroboam, (2 Chron. i. 9,) and sustained a severe and fruitless siege by the Assyrians. (2 Kings xviii. 17; xix. 8; 2 Chron. xxxii 9; Jer. xxxiv 7.)
Lydda. A large village or city, not far from Joppa, (Acts ix. 33,) eminent for its schools of learned Jews. It was burnt by Cestius, while its males were gone to Jerusalem to the feast of tabernacles—God, after the crucifixion, not taking the care of them at these times, as he had formerly done. It is now called Diospolis.
Libnah. (Josh. xxi. 13.) A city in the western part of Judah, (Josh, xv 42,) assigned to the priests, and a city of refuge.—(1 Chron. vi. 57 ) Its inhabitants revolted from Joram, (2 Kings viii. 22,) and were defeated by the Assyrians. (2 Kings xix. 8 ) Another Libnah was situated near Mt. Sinai, (Num. xxxiii. 20,) and a third in the country of Asher, (Josh. xix. 26,) called there Shihor-Libnath.
Mizpah, (1 Kings xv 22,) or Mizpeh, (Josh. xv. 38.) This name is given to several places, and implies a post of observation or a watch-tower. They seem to have been known as places of convocation on public occasions, religious and civil. 1. (Josh, xv 38.) A city in the territory of Judah, north of Hebron, and nearly 20 miles south from Jerusalem. Some geographers place it in the tribe of Benjamin.—(Josh, xviii. 26.) Samuel dwelt at Mizpah, (1 Sam. vii. 5, 6,) and Saul was anointed king there, (1 Sam. x. 17—24;) and hither it is supposed the Jews often resorted for business and devotion.—(Judg. xx. 1; 1 Sam. vii. 5—7; x. 17.) It was fortified by Asa, with the stone and timber which Baasha had been using for the like purpose at Rama, (1 Kings xv 22,) and was the residence of Gedaliah, the governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, after his subjection of the land.—(Jer.
