Was Labaya the Saul of the Bible? | King David in the Amarna Letters | EA 252 | Chapter 1

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This series explores the rise of the Habiru revolt, drawing a direct connection to the biblical Hebrew uprising described in the Book of Samuel. From the early stages under King Saul to the eventual conquest of Jerusalem by King David, this conflict ultimately shaped the formation of the Kingdom of Israel. The series proposes that David may be identified with Tagi of Gintikirmil, a prominent military leader mentioned in the Amarna Letters, whose presence is linked to the political and military upheavals of the Late Bronze Age. Through this investigation, striking connections emerge between David’s mighty warriors, his allies, and historical figures referenced in the Amarna texts.

Central to this study is the argument that the term Habiru, originally a derogatory Egyptian label for rebels or outcasts, evolved into the ethnic identifier Hebrew. The Amarna Letters describe the Habiru as a destabilizing force in Canaan, with rulers pleading for Pharaoh’s intervention. This study suggests that the Habiru revolt and the biblical Hebrew uprising are parallel accounts of the same movement, with figures like King Saul corresponding to the Habiru leader named Labaya. Labaya’s letters reveal him justifying attacks on neighboring rulers, echoing Saul’s actions in the biblical narrative.

Further evidence connects the name Labaya to the Semitic root "Labi" (meaning lion) and the theophoric element "Yah" (referring to Yahweh), forming the title "Lion of Yahweh" — a fitting description for Saul’s strong yet turbulent leadership. By aligning the Amarna Letters with the Book of Samuel, this study challenges traditional timelines and suggests that monumental biblical events occurred closer to the Late Bronze Age than previously assumed. This fresh interpretation strengthens the case for David as one of the most historically attested figures in both the Old and New Testaments.

Suggested translation of the Amarna Letters:
https://www.academia.edu/93430919/Mor...

Published Study:
https://www.academia.edu/121163258/Le...

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