[6] It was named the "L-shaped" temple by Dunand, as its two rooms and the courtyard were arranged in such a shape.

[2] The temple's name, given by Dunand, refers to a number of obelisks and standing stones located in a court around the cella.

[7] The Abishemu Obelisk has been interpreted to include a dedication to Resheph, a Canaanite war god, although this is disputed.

[7] Another obelisk has a hieroglyphic inscription Middle Bronze Age king of Byblos Ibishemu, praising the Egyptian god Heryshaft.

[10][7] The majority of the obelisks found were underground in their original positions, standing upright, while a few others were discovered buried in a favissa (a well for votive deposits).