Lebanon and the Promised Land

Biblical, Historical, Archaeological and Genetic Research

This academic article presents evidence that Lebanon — especially the region of Byblos (Jbeil) — falls within the Biblical Promised Land. The article draws on scripture, classical sources, archaeological discoveries, and modern genetic research.

1. Scriptural Foundations

• Genesis 15:18 – God’s promise to Abraham: "from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates."
• Numbers 34:7–9 – The northern border includes Lebo-Hamath, located in modern-day Lebanon.
• Joshua 13:5–6 – "...the land of the Gebalites and all Lebanon, toward the sunrise."
• Ezekiel 47:15–17 – Mentions Berothah and Sibraim as part of the northern boundary.

2. Historical and Classical Sources

• Byblos / Gebal – Cited in Psalm 83:7 and by Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book VIII).
• Sidon and Tyre – Frequently referenced in the prophets (Isaiah, Ezekiel) and New Testament (Mark 7:24).
• Baal-Gad – Often identified with present-day Baalbek, near the northern edge of ancient Canaan.
• Berothah – Associated with modern-day Britel in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley.

3. Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological excavations in Lebanon reveal cultural continuity between Canaanites, Israelites, and Phoenicians. Temples, inscriptions, trade archives, and ritual objects found in Byblos, Sidon, and Tyre support the Biblical record.

4. Genetic and Anthropological Studies

Recent DNA studies confirm that Lebanese Maronite Christians share high genetic similarity with Middle Eastern Jews, particularly Mizrahi Jews. A major study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics (Haber et al., 2013) shows that Maronites retain ancient Levantine genetic markers consistent with pre-exilic Israelite populations.

This suggests that a portion of Maronites may descend from Israelites who remained in the northern regions and later adopted Christianity.

5. Prophetic Significance – The Remnant

"A remnant shall return, the remnant of Jacob, to the Mighty God." – Isaiah 10:21
"I will bring them back to their land." – Jeremiah 30:3

The Biblical concept of the "remnant" signifies continuity and faithfulness. The presence of Maronites in Byblos, Sidon, and Tyre may reflect this enduring prophetic identity.

6. Conclusion

Lebanon is not merely adjacent to Israel—it is a central part of the Biblical Promised Land. Scripture, historical records, archaeology, and genetics together affirm this view.

The ongoing presence of Maronite Christians with ancestral Israelite genetics suggests that the prophetic vision is quietly but powerfully fulfilled through faith, geography, and heritage.