the same as גְּבַל; Gebal, a region in Idumaea; Gebal.
Transliteration:Gᵉbâl
Pronunciation:gheb-awl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גְּבָל (Gᵉbâl, `{{H1381}}`) functions as a proper noun, identifying a specific geographical location. Its etymological root is closely tied to גְּבַל (H1379), which signifies "boundary," "border," or "territory." This connection suggests that the place name itself may have originated from its topographical characteristics, perhaps denoting a borderland or a region defined by its natural boundaries. While the Strong's definition primarily identifies it as "a region in Idumaea," the name's underlying meaning of "boundary" remains a significant semantic component, applicable to various territories.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun גְּבָל (Gᵉbâl, `{{H1381}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Psalm 83:7]]. In this passage, Gebal is enumerated among a formidable confederacy of nations and peoples arrayed against God's chosen people: "Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre."
The context of Psalm 83 is a fervent prayer for divine intervention against those who conspire to annihilate Israel and obliterate its memory. The inclusion of Gebal within this hostile alliance is crucial for understanding its biblical role. While the Strong's definition points to a location in Idumaea (Edom), placing it in the southern Transjordan region, the juxtaposition with Tyre (a prominent Phoenician city to the north) and the Philistines (to the west) strongly suggests that the Gebal referenced here is likely the renowned Phoenician city of Byblos. Byblos, known in antiquity as Gebal, was a significant port city north of Beirut, famous for its maritime trade and its role in supplying timber for the construction of Solomon's Temple ([[1 Kings 5:18]]). This geographical alignment with Tyre makes the Phoenician identification more contextually plausible for the Psalm 83 confederacy, which appears to encompass nations surrounding Israel from various directions. Regardless of the precise geographical identification, in this singular occurrence, Gebal represents a hostile entity threatening God's covenant people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to גְּבָל (Gᵉbâl, `{{H1381}}`) is its root word, גְּבַל (H1379), meaning "boundary" or "border." This etymological link underscores the geographical nature of the proper noun. Another closely related term is גְּבוּל (H1366), which also consistently translates to "boundary," "territory," or "border" throughout the Hebrew Bible, further emphasizing the spatial and territorial aspect inherent in the name Gebal.
Conceptually, the appearance of Gebal in Psalm 83 connects it to broader themes of:
* **Hostile Nations:** Gebal is part of a collective of nations explicitly portrayed as enemies of God and His people.
* **Confederacies:** The psalm describes a concerted, unified effort by these nations to undermine Israel's existence.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The prayer in Psalm 83 implicitly positions these hostile entities as ultimately subject to the supreme authority of Yahweh, who is called upon to demonstrate His power over them.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun appearing in a single, highly significant poetic context, the theological significance of Gebal (`{{H1381}}`) is primarily derived from its role within Psalm 83. Gebal, whether identified with Idumaea or Phoenicia, stands as a representative of the nations that oppose God's redemptive plan through Israel. In this psalm, the enemies are not merely political adversaries but are depicted as those who "take crafty counsel against Your people" and "have consulted together against Your sheltered ones" ([[Psalm 83:3]]). Their ultimate aim is to "cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more" ([[Psalm 83:4]]).
Thus, Gebal serves as a symbol of the pervasive and multifaceted opposition that God's people face throughout history. The inclusion of Gebal in this comprehensive list of adversaries highlights the universal scope of the threat, yet simultaneously magnifies the ultimate power and faithfulness of God. The psalm's petition is not merely for Israel's physical preservation but for God to act in such a way that all nations "may know that You, whose name alone is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth" ([[Psalm 83:18]]). In this regard, Gebal, as an enemy, inadvertently contributes to the unfolding of God's glory and the demonstration of His unique sovereignty.
### Summary
גְּבָל (Gᵉbâl, `{{H1381}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a geographical place name whose etymological root גְּבַל (H1379) signifies "boundary" or "border." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 83:7]], where it is listed among a confederacy of nations hostile to Israel. While the Strong's definition identifies it as "a region in Idumaea," the contextual evidence within Psalm 83, particularly its listing alongside Tyre, strongly suggests an identification with the Phoenician city of Byblos. Theologically, Gebal functions as a representative of the enemies of God's people, serving to underscore the comprehensive nature of the threats Israel faced and, more importantly, to magnify the absolute sovereignty and redemptive power of the LORD, who is invoked to overcome all such opposition.
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