Gibeah of Saul, referenced in the Book of Mormon, is a locale that carries significance due to its association with Saul, the first king of Israel. As noted in scripture, “Gibeah of Saul is fled” (2 Nephi 20:29), it was a place of strategic importance during a time of conflict and upheaval. Situated within the tribe of Benjamin’s territory, its placement was on an elevated position, likely a hill, which was typical for many ancient settlements due to the advantage provided in defense and visibility.
In biblical history, Gibeah served as a backdrop for events that highlighted the moral and societal challenges of the time, including the grievous account of the Levite’s concubine, which precipitated a brutal civil conflict within Israel (Judges 19). Gibeah’s military relevance is echoed through these ancient narratives, and its mention in the Book of Mormon serves to draw upon the profound historical and cultural contexts that the place embodies.
While the exact location of Gibeah of Saul is debated among scholars, the place holds a steady role in scripture as a symbol of significant events that affected the course of Israelite history, both during and post the reign of its namesake, King Saul.