Bible Dictionary
Laish
Laish was the northern city captured by the tribe of Dan and renamed Dan. The name also belonged to a Benjamite who was the father of Palti, the man to whom Saul gave Michal.
Definition
Laish denotes several biblical subjects. It was a northern city in the upper Jordan valley, apparently colonized by Sidonians and later captured by the tribe of Dan, which renamed it Dan. The name also belonged to a Benjamite who was the father of Palti or Paltiel, to whom Saul gave Michal.
Biblical Usage
Laish is associated with the Danite capture and renaming of the city, which is also called Leshem and Dan. A different Laish appears as the father of Palti or Paltiel in the account concerning Michal.
Historical Background
The city lay near the sources of the Jordan, about four miles from Paneas, and is identified with Tell-el-Kady, north of the Waters of Merom. Another place called Laish is mentioned in Isaiah, but its identification is uncertain.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A lion. (1.) A city of the Sidonians, in the extreme north of Palestine (Judg. 18:7, 14); called also Leshem (Josh. 19:47) and Dan (Judg. 18:7, 29; Jer. 8:16). It lay near the sources of the Jordan, about 4 miles from Paneas. The restless and warlike tribe of Dan (q.v.), looking out for larger possessions, invaded this country and took Laish with its territory. It is identified with the ruin Tell-el-Kady, “the mound of the judge,” to the north of the Waters of Merom (Josh. 11:5). (2.) A place mentioned in Isa. 10:30. It has been supposed to be the modern el-Isawiyeh, about a mile north-east of Jerusalem. (3.) The father of Phalti (1 Sam. 25:44).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(lion), father of Phaltiel, to whom Saul had given Michal, David’s wife. (1 Samuel 25:44; 2 Samuel 3:15)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>la'-ish (layish):</p><p>(1) A city in the upper Jordan valley, apparently colonized by the Sidonians, which was captured by the Danires and called DAN (which see) (Jud 18:7, etc.; Isa 10:30 the King James Version). In Jos 19:47 the name appears as "Leshem."</p><p>(2) A Benjamite, father of Palti or Paltiel, to whom Michal, David's wife, was given by Saul (1Sa 25:44; 2Sa 3:15).</p>