JEBUSITE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "Jebusite" refers to an ancient Semitic people who inhabited the city of Jebus, which later came to be known as Jerusalem. This term can also describe the inhabitants of other regions in Canaan before the conquest of the Israelites.
The origin of the Jebusites is not clear, but they are believed to have been one of the indigenous Canaanite groups. They played a significant role in the history of Jerusalem and their presence is mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Bible. The Jebusites built a fortified city on the hill of Jebus, which later became the city of Jerusalem. Their stronghold proved to be challenging for the Israelite tribes to conquer, and it wasn't until King David's reign that Jerusalem was successfully captured and established as the capital of the Israelite kingdom.
The Jebusite culture and way of life were heavily influenced by the surrounding Canaanite cultures. Archaeological evidence suggests that they were skilled in various crafts, agriculture, and trade. They worshipped a pantheon of deities, including El, Baal, and Asherah, reflecting the polytheistic religious beliefs prevalent in ancient Canaan.
Despite their eventual integration into the Israelite society, the term "Jebusite" represents an important historical and cultural context for understanding the early inhabitants of Jerusalem and their lasting impact on the development of the city.
Etymology of JEBUSITE
The word "Jebusite" has its roots in the Hebrew language. In Hebrew, the word is pronounced as "Yevusi", and it refers to the people who lived in the ancient city of Jebus or Jerusalem before it was conquered by King David and became the capital of Israel.
The biblical etymology of the word goes back to the time of the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land, as described in the Hebrew Bible. According to the Book of Joshua, the Jebusites were one of the Canaanite tribes that inhabited the land of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. They resided in the city of Jebus, which later became Jerusalem.
The origin of the term "Jebusite" itself is not entirely clear.
