1. Introduction
Libya, located in North Africa west of Egypt, appears in both the Old and New Testaments under the ancient names Put (Phut) and Libyans (Lubim). Although often overshadowed by Egypt and Cush (Ethiopia), Libya was a significant regional power involved in military alliances, trade networks, and early contact with Israel and Judah. Its inhabitants, the Libyans or Lubim, were frequently referenced in the context of warfare, prophetic judgment, and imperial expansion. This article explores Libya’s biblical references, archaeological backdrop, historical connections, and theological implications.
2. Biblical Names and Identity of Libya
2.1 Put (Phut)
- Genesis 10:6 lists Put (or Phut) as a son of Ham, alongside Cush and Mizraim (Egypt).
- The descendants of Put were traditionally associated with Northwest Africa, particularly modern Libya, Algeria, and Tunisia.
- In ancient Egyptian records, “Putu” or “Pitu” likely referred to western desert peoples, consistent with the biblical designation.
2.2 Lubim (Libyans)
- The term Lubim (Hebrew: לוּבִים) appears in texts like 2 Chronicles 12:3 and Nahum 3:9, referencing Libyan warriors allied with Egypt or Ethiopia.
- Lubim is likely a direct reference to ancient Libyan tribes, such as the Meshwesh and Libu, who frequently engaged with Egypt.
3. Libya in the Old Testament
3.1 Military and Political Alliances
Libya is frequently depicted in the context of military alliances or as part of multinational armies:
- 2 Chronicles 12:3 – Libyans, along with Ethiopians and Sukkiim, accompany Shishak (Sheshonq I) in his invasion of Judah.
- 2 Chronicles 16:8 – Libyans are again mentioned as part of a vast army.
- Nahum 3:9 – The Libyans support Nineveh, along with Cush and Egypt, as part of the regional alliance.
These references portray Libya as a militarily significant North African power, often aligned with larger imperial forces.
3.2 Divine Judgement and Prophetic Literature
Prophets pronounced judgment upon Libya and its alliances:
- Jeremiah 46:9 – “Come up, you horses… the Ethiopians and the Libyans who handle the shield” are summoned to battle.
- Ezekiel 30:5 – Libya is included among the nations to fall with Egypt under divine judgment.
- Daniel 11:43 – A prophetic king (often identified with Antiochus IV Epiphanes) will have power over Egypt, with Libya and Cush following.
Libya is often grouped with Cush and Egypt, representing the southern political sphere of Africa in biblical eschatological and geopolitical visions.
4. Libya in the New Testament
4.1 Day of Pentecost – Acts 2:10
- At Pentecost, Jews and proselytes from “Libya near Cyrene” are listed among those present in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit descends.
- This indicates:
- A Jewish diaspora in Libya, particularly in Cyrene (modern-day Shahhat, eastern Libya)
- Early exposure of North African Jews to Christianity
4.2 Simon of Cyrene – Mark 15:21
- Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus’ cross, was from Cyrene, a prominent Libyan city.
- This episode:
- Connects Libya with the Passion narrative
- Symbolises the global participation in Christ’s suffering
- Suggests early contact between Libyan Jews and the Jerusalem community
4.3 Early Christian Communities
- Acts 11:20 mentions men from Cyrene among those who preached the gospel in Antioch, contributing to the early Gentile mission.
- Lucius of Cyrene, named in Acts 13:1, was one of the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch, reinforcing Libya’s presence in early Church leadership.
5. Historical and Archaeological Context
5.1 Ancient Libyan Civilisations
- Ancient Libya was inhabited by Berber-speaking peoples, including the Meshwesh, Libu, and Garamantes.
- Libya frequently engaged in warfare with Pharaonic Egypt, sometimes conquering or ruling parts of it (e.g., 22nd Dynasty, of Libyan origin).
5.2 Cyrenaica and Hellenistic Influence
- Cyrene, founded by Greek settlers in the 7th century BCE, became a major Hellenistic city.
- By the Roman period, Cyrene had:
- A large Jewish population
- Synagogues and strong connections to Jerusalem
- Active participation in early Christian movements
Archaeological remains include:
- Synagogues and inscriptions in Cyrene
- Graeco-Roman architecture indicating a culturally mixed urban centre
5.3 Libyan Christianity
- Christianity spread early in North Africa, including Libya.
- Church Fathers such as Synesius of Cyrene (late 4th century) testify to theological development and Christian governance in the region.
- Libya became part of the Alexandrian patriarchate, integrating it into Eastern Christian structures.
6. Theological and Symbolic Significance
6.1 Libya in Eschatological Visions
- Libya’s inclusion in divine judgment (Ezekiel 30) and military alliances in Daniel and Nahum reflects its symbolic position as part of earthly powers resistant to God.
- Yet its mention at Pentecost and involvement through Simon of Cyrene indicate a theological shift—from judgment to redemptive participation.
6.2 Cross-Bearing and Discipleship
- Simon of Cyrene’s role in carrying the cross embodies:
- The involvement of the African continent in the Passion
- A model of discipleship and burden-bearing (cf. Luke 9:23)
- A fulfilment of the global reach of the gospel
6.3 Gentile Inclusion and Leadership
- Libyans such as Lucius of Cyrene exemplify the Gentile leadership in the post-resurrection Church.
- Libya thus symbolises the inclusion of North Africa in the universal Church from its inception.
7. Conclusion
Libya, though not as frequently discussed as Egypt or Ethiopia, plays a meaningful role in the biblical narrative. As Put and Lubim, it appears in contexts of military alliances and prophetic oracles. In the New Testament, Libya’s significance expands, with Simon of Cyrene, Pentecost pilgrims, and early Christian leaders from Cyrene establishing its legacy in gospel history. Archaeological and historical sources confirm Libya’s importance as a Hellenised African power with deep Jewish and Christian roots. Its biblical presence affirms that God’s redemptive plan extended across the African continent, including Libya’s lands and peoples.
Key Takeaways
- Biblical Names: Libya is identified with Put (Phut) and Lubim, descendants of Ham.
- Old Testament Role: Libya allied with Egypt and Cush in military campaigns and faced prophetic judgment.
- New Testament Impact: Libyans were present at Pentecost, and Simon of Cyrene bore Jesus’ cross.
- Historical Legacy: Libya housed vibrant Jewish and Christian communities, especially in Cyrene.
References
- Genesis 10:6; 2 Chronicles 12:3; Nahum 3:9; Jeremiah 46:9; Ezekiel 30:5; Daniel 11:43; Acts 2:10; Mark 15:21; Acts 11:20; Acts 13:1
- Bagnall, R. S. (2002). Egypt from Alexander to the Early Christians. Princeton University Press.
- Kitchen, K. A. (2003). On the Reliability of the Old Testament. Eerdmans.
- Woolf, G. (1994). Becoming Roman: The Origins of Provincial Civilization in Gaul and Cyrenaica. Cambridge University Press.
- Shaw, B. D. (2011). Sacred Violence: African Christians and Sectarian Hatred in the Age of Augustine. Cambridge University Press.
- Lancel, S. (1995). St. Augustine. SCM Press.