Original Word: עֶציֹן גֶּבֶר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: `Etsyown Geber
Pronunciation: et-see-ohn geh'-ber
Phonetic Spelling: (ets-yone' gheh'ber)
KJV: Ezion-geber
NASB: Ezion-geber
Word Origin: [from H6096 (עָצֶה - backbone) and H1397 (גֶּבֶר - man)]

1. backbone-like of a man
2. Etsjon-Geber, a place on the Red Sea

Ezion-geber

(shorter) {Etsyon Geber, from atseh and geber; backbone-like of a man; Etsjon-Geber, a place on the Red Sea -- Ezion-geber.

see HEBREW atseh

see HEBREW geber

Word Origin
from an unused word and geber
Definition
a city on the shore of the Gulf of Aqaba
NASB Translation
Ezion-geber (7).

עֶצְיוֺן גֶּ֫בֶר proper name, of a location usually Γασιων [Γες] Γαβερ, near Elath at head of Gulf of Akaba 1 Kings 9:26 2Chronicles 8:17, גָּ֑בֶר ׳י 1 Kings 22:49 2Chronicles 20:36; עֶצְיֹן גָּ֑בֶר Deuteronomy 2:8; Numbers 33:35,36 (P).

Geographic Setting and Identification

Ezion-geber lay at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, adjacent to Elath (modern-day Eilat/Aqaba). Its location at the head of the Red Sea’s eastern arm made it the natural gateway between the land routes of the Arabah and the maritime corridor to Africa, Arabia, and the Indian Ocean.

Occurrences in Scripture

• Numbers 33:35-36 records Israel’s wilderness encampment: “They set out from Abronah and camped at Ezion-geber. And they set out from Ezion-geber and camped at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin.”
• Deuteronomy 2:8 notes the nation’s passage by the port as they skirted Edom toward Moab.
• 1 Kings 9:26 situates King Solomon’s naval base there: “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.”
• 2 Chronicles 8:17 restates Solomon’s activity, while 1 Kings 22:48 and 2 Chronicles 20:36 recount Jehoshaphat’s failed maritime venture when “the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber.”

Role in Israel’s Wilderness Journey

Ezion-geber was Israel’s penultimate campsite before Kadesh. The abrupt turn from the seacoast back into the interior signals the LORD’s sovereign leading even when the route appeared circuitous. The stop at a harbor underscores God’s provision of both water and rest after the desolation of the Sinai marches.

Strategic Maritime Port of the Monarchic Era

Under Solomon the site became the launch point for voyages to Ophir, yielding gold, almug wood, and exotic goods that enriched the kingdom (1 Kings 9:27-28). The partnership with Hiram of Tyre blended Israel’s covenant calling with international expertise, foreshadowing the blessing of the nations through Abraham’s line.

Jehoshaphat’s later alliance with ungodly Ahaziah of Israel (2 Chronicles 20:35-37) contrasts sharply with Solomon’s earlier success. The ensuing shipwreck at Ezion-geber served as divine rebuke, illustrating that no amount of nautical skill can compensate for compromised obedience.

Historical and Archaeological Considerations

While debate persists regarding precise ruins, the vicinity of Tell el-Kheleifeh fits the biblical description, yielding pottery and industrial slag consistent with a copper-working and maritime settlement of the tenth century B.C. The evidence dovetails with Solomon’s mining and shipping enterprises recorded in Kings and Chronicles.

Theological and Ministry Insights

1. Divine Guidance: Ezion-geber exemplifies how God guides His people through seeming detours, shaping trust before entrance into promise.
2. Stewardship of Resources: Solomon’s fleet illustrates the legitimate use of technology and trade for kingdom purposes when submitted to divine wisdom.
3. Separation unto Holiness: Jehoshaphat’s disaster warns leaders against alliances that dilute faithfulness, reminding the church that partnership must never eclipse obedience.

Prophetic Echoes and Typological Significance

The commerce flowing out of Ezion-geber anticipates the eschatological vision of nations bringing their treasures to Zion (Isaiah 60:5-9). Thus the port serves as an early token of the global reach of God’s redemptive plan.

Practical Applications for Today

• Seek the LORD’s direction even when His pathways seem indirect.
• Employ innovation and collaboration for gospel advance while maintaining uncompromised allegiance to biblical truth.
• Learn from past failures—whether ancient shipwrecks or modern ventures—that success depends on covenant faithfulness above strategic acumen.

Summary

Ezion-geber stands at the crossroads of desert pilgrimage and oceanic enterprise, illustrating the LORD’s faithful provision in wilderness seasons and His expansive vision for His kingdom across the seas.

גֶּ֧בֶר גֶּ֨בֶר גָּ֑בֶר גָּֽבֶר׃ גבר גבר׃ gā·ḇer gāḇer Gaver ge·ḇer geḇer GeverInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts