עֶצְיוֹן גֶּבֶר

Etsjon-Geber, a place on the Red Sea

Definition

Etsjon-Geber was a significant port city located on the northern shore of the Gulf of Aqaba, an arm of the Red Sea. It served as a key maritime and commercial hub for ancient Israel, most famously as the naval base from which King Solomon launched his fleet of trading ships (1 Kings 9:26). The name itself, meaning 'backbone of a man,' likely refers to a prominent geographical feature, such as a ridge, near the site. In the wilderness narratives, it appears as a stopping point for the Israelites on their journey (Numbers 33:35-36), while later it is associated with the failed shipbuilding venture of King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:36-37).

Biblical Usage

Etsjon-Geber is used exclusively as a proper place name in the Old Testament. Its usage spans historical contexts: first as a wilderness encampment in the Torah (Numbers 33:35-36; Deuteronomy 2:8), and later as a strategic port city in the historical books. It is most prominent in narratives about Israel's golden age under Solomon, who built his fleet there (1 Kings 9:26; 2 Chronicles 8:17), and in the story of Jehoshaphat's ill-fated attempt to replicate that maritime success (2 Chronicles 20:36).

Etymology

The name is a compound of two Hebrew words: עֶצֶה (ʻetseh, H6096), meaning 'spine' or 'backbone,' and גֶּבֶר (geber, H1397), meaning 'man' or 'strong man.' Thus, the name translates literally as 'backbone of a man.' This likely served as a descriptive toponym for a notable ridge or rocky promontory near the port that resembled a human spine.

Semantic Range

Etsjon-Geber is theologically significant as a tangible symbol of Israel's obedience, prosperity, and failure under the covenant. Its construction and use by Solomon (1 Kings 9:26) demonstrate God's fulfillment of promises of peace, wealth, and international influence when Israel followed His commands. Conversely, Jehoshaphat's alliance with the wicked King Ahaziah to build ships there (2 Chronicles 20:35-37) led to divine judgment, illustrating the consequences of sinful partnerships. The site thus serves as a geographical marker for both blessing and warning in Israel's history.

As a major port on the Red Sea, Etsjon-Geber was a center of international trade and advanced metallurgy in the ancient Near East. Archaeologists have identified it with Tell el-Kheleifeh and associate it with copper smelting operations. Its location was crucial for accessing trade routes to Arabia and Africa, making it a source of immense wealth and strategic military power for the Israelite monarchy, particularly under Solomon.

אֵילוֹת (Eloth, H359) — A nearby port city, also on the Gulf of Aqaba, often mentioned in conjunction with Etsjon-Geber (e.g., 1 Kings 9:26, 2 Chronicles 8:17).

Word Details

Scripture References