from גָּבַל (in the sense of a chain of hills); a mountain; Gebal, a place in Phoenicia; Gebal.
Transliteration:Gᵉbal
Pronunciation:gheb-al'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גְּבַל (Gᵉbal, `{{H1380}}`) is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location. Its etymology traces back to the root גָּבַל (gābal, `{{H1379}}`), which conveys the sense of "to twist," "to bind," or "to set a boundary." As applied to Gᵉbal, this root suggests a place characterized by its natural contours, perhaps a "chain of hills" or a "mountain," which might also serve as a natural demarcation. Thus, the core meaning is a named place, specifically a city or region in Phoenicia, whose name evokes its topographical features and potential role as a borderland or distinct territory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Gᵉbal appears in two distinct biblical contexts, both providing insight into its significance in the ancient Near East:
1. **[[Psalm 83:7]]**: Here, Gebal is listed among a confederacy of nations (Edom, Ishmaelites, Moab, Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre, and Assyria) who "conspire with one accord" against God's people. This inclusion places Gebal within the geopolitical landscape of Israel's adversaries, indicating its political and military relevance in the region. Its listing alongside other prominent nations of the Levant suggests it was a recognized entity with the capacity to engage in regional alliances and conflicts.
2. **[[Ezekiel 27:9]]**: In this prophetic lament over the city of Tyre, the "elders of Gebal and her wise men" are mentioned as "caulkers" (or "repairers of the seams") for Tyre's ships. This reference highlights Gebal's close maritime connection with Tyre, a major seafaring power of the ancient world. It also attests to the reputation of Gebal's inhabitants for skilled craftsmanship, particularly in shipbuilding or naval maintenance. This detail strongly confirms Gebal's identity as a significant Phoenician city, renowned for its artisans and its role in the vibrant maritime economy of the Levant. Historically, this city is often identified with Byblos, a major port city north of Beirut.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological connection of גְּבַל (Gᵉbal, `{{H1380}}`) to the root גָּבַל (gābal, `{{H1379}}`) links it to concepts of boundaries and limits. This is further reinforced by the related noun גְּבוּל (gevul, `{{H1366}}`), meaning "border," "territory," or "boundary." This linguistic connection underscores the potential for Gebal's geographical features (mountains, hills) to define a distinct region or serve as a natural frontier. Conceptually, Gebal is related to other proper nouns of places, particularly those in Phoenicia, such as Tyre and Sidon, with which it shared cultural, economic, and sometimes political ties. Its mention in the context of shipbuilding also connects it to the broader themes of trade, craftsmanship, and maritime power in the ancient world.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, Gᵉbal does not carry an inherent theological meaning beyond its historical and geographical identity. However, its appearances within the biblical narrative contribute to broader theological themes:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**: In [[Psalm 83:7]], Gebal's inclusion among the nations allied against Israel underscores the pervasive nature of human opposition to God's chosen people. Yet, the psalm's ultimate prayer is for God to humiliate these nations, thereby demonstrating His sovereignty over all earthly powers. Gebal, as one such nation, thus becomes an example of those who stand in defiance of divine purposes, ultimately subject to God's overarching control.
2. **Interconnectedness and Judgment**: In [[Ezekiel 27:9]], Gebal's role in supporting Tyre's maritime industry places it within the orbit of Tyre's immense wealth and pride, which ultimately lead to divine judgment. While Gebal is not directly condemned, its contribution to Tyre's splendor implicitly links it to Tyre's eventual downfall, illustrating how nations and their economies are interconnected and how even seemingly neutral contributions can be swept up in the consequences of a larger entity's rebellion against God. This highlights the prophetic message that no nation, however skilled or prosperous, stands outside the scope of God's justice.
### Summary
גְּבַל (Gᵉbal, `{{H1380}}`) denotes a significant Phoenician city, likely identified with ancient Byblos, whose name suggests a connection to mountainous terrain or boundaries. Biblically, Gebal is presented in two key contexts: as a participant in a confederacy of nations hostile to Israel in [[Psalm 83:7]], and as a source of skilled shipwrights for the powerful city of Tyre in [[Ezekiel 27:9]]. These occurrences reveal its geopolitical importance in the ancient Near East and its reputation for craftsmanship. Theologically, Gebal serves as a concrete example within the biblical narrative of God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations, whether they align themselves against His people or contribute to empires destined for divine judgment, demonstrating that all human endeavors ultimately fall under the purview of His divine plan.
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