What Was Lod in the Bible?
Historical and Geographical Context
Lod, also known as Lydda in the New Testament, is a biblical location mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. In 1 Chronicles 8:12, Lod is listed as a city belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. The Hebrew name Lod (לוֹד, H3850) means “strife” or “contention.” This city also appears in Ezra 2:33, Nehemiah 7:37, and Nehemiah 11:35, indicating its continued significance in the post-exilic period.
In the New Testament, Lod is referred to as Lydda, derived from the Greek word Λύδδα (G3069). It is prominently mentioned in Acts 9:32, Acts 9:35, and Acts 9:38, where significant events in the early Christian church took place.
Old Testament References
Tribe of Benjamin
Lod is first mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:12:
“The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, Shemed (who built Ono and Lod with its towns).”
This verse indicates that Lod was one of the cities built by the descendants of Benjamin, establishing its early significance within the territory of Israel.
Post-Exilic Period
In the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, Lod is noted as part of the region where the returning exiles resettled:
“The men of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty-five” (Ezra 2:33).
“The men of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty-one” (Nehemiah 7:37).
“And Lod and Ono, the Valley of Craftsmen” (Nehemiah 11:35).
These references highlight Lod’s role in the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile, indicating its importance as a residential and occupational center.
New Testament References
Healing of Aeneas
One of the most notable events associated with Lod (Lydda) in the New Testament is the healing of Aeneas by the Apostle Peter. This event is recorded in Acts 9:32-35:
“As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. ‘Aeneas,’ Peter said to him, ‘Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.’ Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.”
This miracle not only demonstrated the power of Jesus Christ working through His apostles but also led to the conversion of many in Lydda and the surrounding region.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Power of God’s Miracles
The healing of Aeneas in Lydda serves as a powerful reminder of the miracles God performed through His apostles to confirm the message of the Gospel. Modern Christians can take encouragement from this event, recognizing that the same power of God that healed Aeneas is still at work today. This encourages believers to trust in God’s ability to work in their lives and the lives of others.
The Importance of Evangelism
Peter’s actions in Lydda underscore the importance of evangelism. The miraculous healing led to many people turning to the Lord. Modern Christians are called to proclaim the Gospel with boldness, trusting that God will use their witness to draw others to Himself. Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission, instructs believers to “go and make disciples of all nations.”
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness and Sovereignty
Lod’s presence in both the Old and New Testaments highlights God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. From the resettlement of the exiles to the miraculous healing by Peter, God’s hand is evident in the events that unfolded in this city. This consistency reminds believers of God’s unchanging nature and His continual involvement in the world.
God’s Compassion and Healing
The healing of Aeneas showcases God’s compassion and desire to bring healing and restoration. This act of mercy through Peter not only restored Aeneas physically but also spiritually impacted the entire community. Modern Christians can find comfort in God’s willingness to heal and restore broken lives.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Authority of Jesus
Peter’s declaration, “Jesus Christ heals you,” emphasizes that the authority and power to heal come directly from Jesus. This event reinforces the centrality of Christ in all acts of ministry and service. John 14:12-14 highlights this authority, where Jesus promises that believers will do greater works in His name.
The Spread of the Gospel
Lod’s role in the New Testament narrative is a testament to the spread of the Gospel through the apostles’ ministry. The transformation in Lydda serves as a microcosm of the early church’s expansion and the impact of Christ’s message. Acts 1:8 foretells this expansion, where Jesus tells His disciples they will be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth.”
Conclusion
Lod, also known as Lydda, serves as a significant location in the biblical narrative, illustrating themes of restoration, healing, and evangelism. From its early mention as a city in the tribe of Benjamin to its prominence in the New Testament through the healing of Aeneas, Lod stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness and power. For modern Christians, the story of Lod underscores the importance of trusting in God’s miracles, engaging in evangelism, and recognizing Jesus Christ’s central role in their lives. This historical and geographical marker reminds believers of God’s sovereignty and the transformative power of the Gospel.