; patrial from גְּבַל; a Gebalite, or inhabitant of Gebal; Giblites, stone-squarer.
Transliteration:Giblîy
Pronunciation:ghib-lee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1382}}` (Giblîy) is a gentilic or patrial noun, derived from `{{H1381}}` (Geval), which is the Hebrew name for the ancient Phoenician city of Gebal, known today as Byblos. The core meaning, therefore, refers to "an inhabitant of Gebal" or "a Gebalite." Beyond mere geographical identification, the term carries a significant semantic range, specifically denoting a skilled craftsman, particularly a "stone-squarer" or mason. This specialized meaning arises from the historical reputation of the Gebalites for their expertise in quarrying, dressing, and fitting stones, a skill highly valued in ancient Near Eastern construction. The dual aspect of the definition—geographical origin and specialized craft—is crucial for understanding its biblical usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1382}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible in three distinct contexts, each illuminating a different facet of the Gebalites' identity:
* **[[Joshua 13:5]]**: Here, the "land of the Gebalites" (אֶרֶץ הַגִּבְלִי) is enumerated as part of the territory that remained to be conquered by Israel after Joshua's initial campaigns. This verse places the Gebalites geographically in the northern reaches of the promised land, extending from the Sidonians towards Hamath, indicating their presence as a distinct people group within the Canaanite sphere. Their inclusion in this list underscores the incomplete nature of Israel's conquest and the continued presence of powerful, independent city-states in the region.
* **[[1 Kings 5:18]]**: This passage is highly significant, detailing the construction of Solomon's Temple. It states that "Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders and the Gebalites (הַגִּבְלִים) quarried and prepared the timber and the stones to build the house." The Septuagint and some English translations render `{{H1382}}` here as "stone-squarers" or "masons," directly reflecting their specialized skill. This verse highlights the Gebalites' renowned expertise in stone masonry, indicating their crucial role as skilled laborers in one of the most important building projects in Israelite history. Their collaboration with Israelite and Tyrian craftsmen underscores their reputation and the inter-regional cooperation involved in such monumental endeavors.
* **[[Ezekiel 27:9]]**: In this lament over the destruction of Tyre, the prophet Ezekiel describes Tyre's maritime power and the diverse peoples who contributed to her fleet. It mentions "the elders of Gebal (זִקְנֵי גְבַל) and her skilled men (חֲכָמֶיהָ) were in you, caulking your seams." While the noun itself is `{{H1381}}` (Gebal), the reference to "her skilled men" (or "wise men") strongly alludes to the Gebalites' reputation for craftsmanship, particularly in shipbuilding. This reinforces the notion that the Gebalites were highly sought after for their technical expertise, extending beyond stone work to other intricate crafts vital for maritime commerce.
Collectively, these passages paint a picture of the Gebalites as a distinct people group inhabiting a specific territory, renowned for their exceptional skills in construction and craftsmanship, particularly in stone work and possibly shipbuilding, making them valuable contributors to major ancient Near Eastern projects.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H1382}}` is enriched by its connections to several related words and concepts:
* **`{{H1381}}` (Geval):** The foundational term, referring to the city of Gebal itself. Understanding Gebal's historical significance as an ancient Phoenician city, known for its extensive trade (especially in cedar wood from Lebanon), its maritime prowess, and its role in the development of the Phoenician alphabet (from which Greek and later Latin alphabets derived), provides crucial context for its inhabitants.
* **Phoenicia/Tyre/Sidon:** The Gebalites were an integral part of the broader Phoenician civilization, a network of powerful maritime city-states. Their skills were often employed in collaboration with or for other Phoenician centers like Tyre and Sidon, reflecting a shared cultural and economic sphere.
* **Craftsmanship & Skilled Labor:** The recurring emphasis on "stone-squarers" and "caulkers" links the Gebalites to the broader biblical theme of skilled labor. The Bible often values specific crafts and the expertise of artisans, particularly when their skills are employed in sacred contexts (e.g., the Tabernacle, the Temple).
* **Temple Construction:** Their involvement in Solomon's Temple connects them to the grand narrative of Israelite worship and the construction of sacred spaces, placing them alongside Israelite and Tyrian workers in a divinely sanctioned project.
* **Gentile Contribution:** As non-Israelites, the Gebalites' participation in the building of the Temple highlights the broader theological concept of God utilizing individuals and nations beyond Israel for His purposes, demonstrating His universal sovereignty.
### Theological Significance
The presence and activities of the Gebalites, as conveyed by `{{H1382}}`, carry several layers of theological significance:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Universal Provision:** The fact that God's Temple, the central place of worship for His chosen people, was constructed with the aid of skilled non-Israelites (Gebalites and Tyrians) speaks powerfully to God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to orchestrate events and draw resources from beyond the immediate covenant community. It demonstrates that God's plan is not limited by human boundaries or exclusive to one people group, but can encompass and utilize diverse skills and peoples for His glory.
* **Value of Human Skill and Labor:** The specific mention of the Gebalites as "stone-squarers" underscores the biblical appreciation for craftsmanship, precision, and diligent labor. Their expertise was not merely a secular trade but was consecrated and employed in a sacred task. This suggests that all human skills, when offered in service to God's purposes, are valued and can contribute to His divine economy. It elevates the dignity of skilled labor.
* **Inter-National Collaboration in God's Plan:** The collaboration between Israel, Tyre, and Gebal in the Temple construction illustrates a rare instance of peaceful and productive inter-national cooperation in the biblical narrative, particularly centered around a sacred project. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of God's ultimate design for all nations to come together in worship and service to Him.
* **The Unfinished Task:** In [[Joshua 13:5]], the Gebalites represent a part of the land that remained unconquered. Theologically, this can serve as a reminder of the incomplete nature of Israel's obedience or the ongoing challenge of fully possessing the inheritance God provides. It highlights that the realization of God's promises often involves human cooperation and perseverance.
### Summary
The term `{{H1382}}` (Giblîy) identifies an inhabitant of the ancient Phoenician city of Gebal (Byblos), but its semantic depth extends to denote a highly skilled craftsman, particularly a "stone-squarer" or mason. Biblical occurrences in [[Joshua 13:5]], [[1 Kings 5:18]], and [[Ezekiel 27:9]] consistently portray the Gebalites as a distinct people group renowned for their expertise in construction, contributing significantly to major projects like Solomon's Temple and Tyre's maritime fleet. Theologically, their role underscores God's universal sovereignty in utilizing diverse nations and their skills for His purposes, the inherent value of human craftsmanship when consecrated to God, and the potential for inter-national collaboration in divine endeavors. Their initial mention in Joshua also serves as a poignant reminder of the unconquered territories and the ongoing challenges in fulfilling God's directives.
TRV