Lo-debar is a location mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Old Testament. It is primarily known for its association with the account of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. The name "Lo-debar" is often interpreted to mean "no pasture" or "no word," suggesting a place of desolation or lack.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 9:4-5: Lo-debar is first mentioned in the context of King David's kindness to Mephibosheth. After David became king, he sought to show kindness to the house of Saul for the sake of his covenant with Jonathan. Upon inquiry, David learned that Mephibosheth was living in Lo-debar, in the house of Machir son of Ammiel. The passage states: "The king asked, 'Where is he?' And Ziba answered, 'Indeed, he is in Lo-debar, at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.' So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar."

2. 2 Samuel 17:27: Lo-debar is mentioned again during the time of Absalom's rebellion against David. Machir of Lo-debar is noted for providing support to David when he fled from Jerusalem. The verse reads: "When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim brought beds, basins, and pottery items, as well as wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Lo-debar is believed to have been located east of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead. Its exact location remains uncertain, but it is thought to have been near Mahanaim, another significant biblical site. The area was likely characterized by its sparse resources, as suggested by its name, which implies a lack of fertility or communication.

Theological Significance:

The account of Mephibosheth in Lo-debar highlights themes of grace, mercy, and covenant faithfulness. Despite being in a place of obscurity and desolation, Mephibosheth is sought out by King David, who honors his covenant with Jonathan by restoring Mephibosheth's inheritance and inviting him to eat at the king's table. This act of kindness reflects the biblical principle of hesed, or steadfast love, which is a central attribute of God's character.

Lo-debar serves as a backdrop for demonstrating the transformative power of grace, as Mephibosheth's life is changed from one of obscurity and want to one of honor and provision. This narrative can be seen as a foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Christ, who seeks out the lost and restores them to a place of fellowship and blessing.

Cultural and Literary Aspects:

In the broader cultural and literary context of the Bible, Lo-debar represents the human condition apart from divine intervention—marked by barrenness and isolation. The transformation of Mephibosheth's circumstances through David's kindness serves as a powerful illustration of the biblical theme of redemption and restoration.

Lo-debar's mention in the context of Absalom's rebellion also underscores the loyalty and support David received from unexpected quarters, highlighting the providential care and provision of God during times of trial and adversity.No pasture, (2 Samuel 17:27), a town in Gilead not far from Mahanaim, north of the Jabbok (9:4, 5). It is probably identical with Debir (Joshua 13:26). LO-DEBAR

lo'-de-bar, lo-de'-bar (lo dhebhar): A place in Gilead where dwelt Machir, son of Ammiel, who sheltered Mephibosheth, son of Saul, after that monarch's death (2 Samuel 9:4), until he was sent for by David. This same Machir met David with supplies when he fled to Gilead from Absalom (2 Samuel 17:27 f). Possibly it is the same place as Lidebir in Joshua 13:26 (Revised Version margin). No certain identification is possible; but Schumacher (Northern 'Ajlun, 101) found a site with the name Ibdar about 6 1/2 miles East of Umm Qeis, North of the great aqueduct, which may possibly represent the ancient city. Lidebir, at least, seems to be placed on the northern boundary of Gilead. The modern village stands on the southern shoulder of Wady Samar. There is a good spring to the East, a little lower down, while ancient remains are found in the neighborhood.

W. Ewing

3810. Lo Debar -- "pastureless," a place in Gilead
Lo Debar or Lo Debar or Lidbir or Lodebar. 3809, 3810. Lo Debar or Lo
Debar or Lidbir or Lodebar. 3811 . "pastureless," a place ...

David and Jonathan's Son
... And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel,
in Lo-debar.5. Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of ...

David's Kindness to Jonathan's Son
... answered, "A son of Jonathan is still living, but he is lame in his feet." David
inquired, "Where is he?" Ziba replied, "He is in the house of Machir in Lodebar ...

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... So when he had learned where and by whom he was brought up, he sent messengers to
Machir, to the city of Lodebar, for with him was the son of Jonathan brought ...

Lodebar (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LO-DEBAR. ... W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Lodebar
(4 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 9:4 And the king said unto him, Where is he? ...

Lo-debar (4 Occurrences)
Lo-debar. Lodebar, Lo-debar. Lodge . Easton's Bible Dictionary No pasture ...
See RSV). Lodebar, Lo-debar. Lodge . Reference Bible.

Ammiel (6 Occurrences)
... and fetched him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from LoDebar. ... of the
children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai ...

Machir (20 Occurrences)
... and fetched him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from LoDebar. ... of the
children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai ...

Debar (4 Occurrences)
... and fetched him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from LoDebar. ... of the
children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai ...

Makir (17 Occurrences)
... and fetched him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from LoDebar. ... of the
children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai ...

Am'miel (4 Occurrences)
... and fetched him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from LoDebar. ... of the
children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai ...

Ziba (13 Occurrences)
... Meribbaal), Jonathan's son, who is thereupon taken to the king from Lodebar, East
of the ... he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in LoDebar." (WEB KJV ...

Mephibosheth (13 Occurrences)
... He was carried to the land of Gilead, where he found a refuge in the house of Machir,
the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar, by whom he was brought up. ...

Lidebir
... suggests the name "Lidebir" (Joshua 13:26), a city in the territory of
Gad. It is probably identical with LO-DEBAR (which see). ...

What is the significance of Lo Debar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Places in Israel ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Who was Mephibosheth? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus