from עָצֶה and גֶּבֶר; backbone-like of a man; Etsjon-Geber, a place on the Red Sea; Ezion-geber.
Transliteration:ʻEtsyôwn Geber
Pronunciation:ets-yone' gheh'ber
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עֶצְיוֹן גֶּבֶר (ʻEtsyôwn Geber), Strong's H6100, is a proper noun designating a specific geographical location. Its etymology is derived from two Hebrew roots: עָצֶה (ʻatseh, `{{H6109}}`), meaning "backbone" or "spine," and גֶּבֶר (geber, `{{H1397}}`), meaning "strong man," "mighty man," or simply "man." Thus, the name literally translates to "Backbone of a Man" or "Giant's Backbone." This descriptive name likely refers to a prominent geographical feature in the area, perhaps a ridge, a mountain range, or a specific rock formation resembling a backbone. As a place name, its semantic range is singular, referring exclusively to this port city on the Gulf of Aqaba (a northern arm of the Red Sea).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Ezion-geber appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, 1 Kings, and 2 Chronicles. Its occurrences consistently place it as a significant location near the Red Sea, often associated with key historical events for Israel:
1. **Exodus Narrative:** In [[Numbers 33:35-36]], Ezion-geber is listed as one of the encampment sites for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, specifically after leaving Jotbathah and before reaching Kadesh. This marks it as a point of passage and a waypoint on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. [[Deuteronomy 2:8]] further confirms its location, stating that the Israelites "passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath and from Ezion-geber." This places it in the vicinity of Edomite territory, near the modern city of Eilat/Aqaba.
2. **Solomon's Maritime Ventures:** [[1 Kings 9:26]] states, "King Solomon also built a fleet of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom." This verse highlights Ezion-geber's strategic importance as a port city. Solomon used this location to launch ships that sailed to Ophir, bringing back vast quantities of gold, silver, and other valuable goods ([[1 Kings 9:27-28]]). This period represents a zenith of Israelite economic prosperity and international influence under Solomon. [[2 Chronicles 8:17]] provides a parallel account, reinforcing its role as Solomon's major naval base.
3. **Jehoshaphat's Failed Enterprise:** Later, [[2 Chronicles 20:36-37]] records King Jehoshaphat of Judah's attempt to build a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, in partnership with King Ahaziah of Israel. This venture, however, was condemned by the prophet Eliezer because of Jehoshaphat's alliance with the wicked Ahaziah. Consequently, the ships were wrecked and never reached Tarshish, illustrating divine judgment upon an unholy alliance.
Across these contexts, Ezion-geber consistently functions as a crucial geographical marker, a strategic port, and a place where significant events related to Israel's journey, prosperity, and divine judgment unfolded. Its location on the Gulf of Aqaba made it a gateway to maritime trade routes extending to the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Ezion-geber is enriched by considering its constituent parts and associated geographical and thematic concepts:
* **`{{H6109}}` (עָצֶה - 'atseh):** "Backbone," "spine." This root suggests a prominent, possibly rugged, geographical feature that gave the place its name.
* **`{{H1397}}` (גֶּבֶר - geber):** "Man," "mighty man." This component adds to the descriptive nature of the name, perhaps implying a strong or imposing natural formation.
* **Red Sea (Yam Suph):** Ezion-geber's location "on the shore of the Red Sea" ([[1 Kings 9:26]]) is fundamental to its identity and purpose as a port. The Red Sea itself holds immense theological significance in the Exodus narrative.
* **Elath/Eloth (`{{H359}}`):** Often mentioned alongside Ezion-geber ([[Deuteronomy 2:8]], [[1 Kings 9:26]]), Elath was another significant city in the region, indicating a cluster of settlements and strategic points.
* **Ophir:** The destination of Solomon's ships from Ezion-geber ([[1 Kings 9:28]]), Ophir represents a source of great wealth and exotic goods, underscoring the international reach of Solomon's kingdom.
* **Maritime Trade:** The repeated mention of ship-building and voyages from Ezion-geber highlights the importance of sea trade for ancient Israel, particularly under Solomon.
* **Wilderness Wanderings:** As an encampment site, Ezion-geber is intrinsically linked to the larger narrative of Israel's journey through the wilderness, a period marked by divine provision and testing.
### Theological Significance
Ezion-geber, though a geographical location, carries several layers of theological significance within the biblical narrative:
1. **Divine Guidance and Providence:** Its inclusion in the meticulously detailed itinerary of the Exodus ([[Numbers 33]]) underscores God's precise and faithful guidance of His people through the wilderness. Every step, even to seemingly remote places like Ezion-geber, was part of His sovereign plan for Israel's journey to the Promised Land. It signifies that God is intimately involved in the practical details of His people's lives and journeys.
2. **Symbol of Prosperity and Wisdom:** Under King Solomon, Ezion-geber becomes a symbol of the prosperity and international influence granted by God. The construction of a powerful navy and the subsequent acquisition of immense wealth from Ophir ([[1 Kings 9:26-28]]) demonstrate God's blessing upon Solomon's wise rule, enabling Israel to flourish economically and exert its presence on a global scale. This period illustrates the blessings that can accompany obedience and wisdom in leadership.
3. **Consequences of Unholy Alliances:** The failed maritime venture of King Jehoshaphat at Ezion-geber ([[2 Chronicles 20:36-37]]) serves as a potent theological cautionary tale. His alliance with Ahaziah, a wicked king, directly led to divine judgment in the form of the ships' destruction. This incident powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that unholy alliances can undermine even well-intentioned endeavors and lead to ruin, emphasizing the necessity of discerning and righteous partnerships. It highlights God's demand for purity and separation for His people, even in economic pursuits.
4. **Historical Veracity and Geographical Anchor:** The consistent and precise geographical placement of Ezion-geber throughout different historical periods (Exodus, Solomonic era, Jehoshaphat's reign) lends credibility to the biblical accounts. It grounds the narratives in tangible, verifiable locations, reinforcing the historical reality of the events described.
### Summary
Ezion-geber (`{{H6100}}`), meaning "Backbone of a Man," was a strategically vital port city on the Gulf of Aqaba, an arm of the Red Sea. Its biblical appearances mark it as a significant waypoint during the Israelite Exodus from Egypt ([[Numbers 33:35-36]], [[Deuteronomy 2:8]]). Later, it rose to prominence under King Solomon, serving as the base for his lucrative maritime trade with Ophir, symbolizing the era's prosperity and divine blessing ([[1 Kings 9:26]], [[2 Chronicles 8:17]]). However, it also became the site of King Jehoshaphat's failed naval enterprise, a stark reminder of the consequences of unholy alliances and divine judgment ([[2 Chronicles 20:36-37]]). Theologically, Ezion-geber underscores God's meticulous guidance of Israel, the blessings of obedience and wisdom, and the perils of compromising faith through unrighteous partnerships, all while anchoring biblical narratives in a discernible geographical reality.
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