Introduction:
Ezion-Geber, also spelled Ezion-Gaber, is a significant location mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the context of Israel's wilderness wanderings and the reign of King Solomon. It is often associated with maritime activities and trade, serving as a port city on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, part of the Red Sea.

Biblical References:
Ezion-Geber is first mentioned in the context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. In Numbers 33:35-36 , it is recorded as one of the stations where the Israelites camped: "They set out from Abronah and camped at Ezion-geber. They set out from Ezion-geber and camped at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin."

The location gains further prominence during the reign of King Solomon. In 1 Kings 9:26 , it is noted for its strategic importance in Solomon's trade endeavors: "King Solomon also built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom." This passage highlights Ezion-Geber as a hub for maritime commerce, facilitating trade with distant lands, including Ophir, known for its wealth in gold and other precious commodities.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Ezion-Geber is traditionally identified with the modern site of Tell el-Kheleifeh, located near the present-day city of Aqaba in Jordan. Its strategic position at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba made it an ideal location for a port, providing access to the Red Sea and beyond. The site's proximity to the land of Edom also underscores its importance in regional trade networks.

Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of ancient industrial activities, including copper smelting, which aligns with the biblical portrayal of the site as a center of economic activity. The presence of fortifications and storage facilities further supports its role as a significant trade and military outpost.

Theological Significance:
Ezion-Geber's mention in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of trade and economic prosperity in the history of Israel. Under Solomon's reign, the establishment of a fleet at Ezion-Geber reflects the king's wisdom and ambition in expanding Israel's influence and wealth through international trade. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's blessing upon Israel, as seen in Solomon's era of peace and prosperity.

Moreover, Ezion-Geber serves as a reminder of the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, marking a stage in their wilderness wanderings. It symbolizes both a physical and spiritual journey, reflecting themes of reliance on God's guidance and provision.

Conclusion:
While Ezion-Geber is not extensively detailed in the biblical text, its strategic and economic significance is evident. As a key location in Israel's history, it highlights the interconnectedness of faith, commerce, and divine blessing in the biblical narrative.

Christ the Water of Life.
... by those tracts of country in which the waters from Horeb could follow them, till
in the thirty-ninth year of the Exodus they came to Ezion-gaber (Numbers 33:36 ...
/.../iii christ the water of life.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... The spices of Arabia, the gold of Africa, were unshipped at Elath and Ezion-gaber,
and carried from thence on the backs of camels to the nations of the north. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Eziongaber (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Eziongaber (3 Occurrences). Numbers 33:35 And they
departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Eziongaber. (KJV). ...
/e/eziongaber.htm - 7k

Ezion-gaber (2 Occurrences)
Ezion-gaber. Eziongaber, Ezion-gaber. Eziongeber . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS YLT). Eziongaber, Ezion-gaber. Eziongeber . Reference Bible.
/e/ezion-gaber.htm - 6k

Eziongeber (3 Occurrences)
... EZION-GEBER. e-zi-on-ge'-ber ('etsyon gebher; Gasion Gaber): Always mentioned along
with Elath ("Eziongaber," Numbers 33:35 the King James Version). ...
/e/eziongeber.htm - 9k

Ezion (7 Occurrences)

/e/ezion.htm - 8k

Jehoshaphat (79 Occurrences)
... on maritime commerce with Ophir. But the fleet that was then equipped at
Ezion-gaber was speedily wrecked. A new fleet was fitted ...
/j/jehoshaphat.htm - 51k

Ezion-geber (6 Occurrences)
... EZION-GEBER. e-zi-on-ge'-ber ('etsyon gebher; Gasion Gaber): Always mentioned along
with Elath ("Eziongaber," Numbers 33:35 the King James Version). ...
/e/ezion-geber.htm - 10k

Ebronah (2 Occurrences)
... Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah. (KJV WBS YLT). Numbers 33:35 And they departed
from Ebronah, and encamped at Eziongaber. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/e/ebronah.htm - 7k

Abronah (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary RV, one of Israel's halting-places in the desert (Numbers
33:34, 35), just before Ezion-gaber. In AV, "Ebronah.". Int. ...
/a/abronah.htm - 7k

Serpent (40 Occurrences)
... After setting out from their encampment at Ezion-gaber, the Israelites entered on
a wide sandy desert, which stretches from the mountains of Edom as far as the ...
/s/serpent.htm - 46k

Pitched (101 Occurrences)
... geber. (See JPS). Numbers 33:36 And they removed from Eziongaber, and pitched
in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh. (KJV JPS). ...
/p/pitched.htm - 33k

Who were the Edomites? | GotQuestions.org

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