גֶּזֶר
Gezer, a place in Palestine
Definition
Gezer is a significant Canaanite city-state located in the Shephelah region of ancient Palestine, strategically positioned along the coastal plain route. In the Bible, it is depicted as a major Canaanite stronghold that was conquered by Pharaoh and later given as a dowry to Solomon (1 Kings 9:16). The Israelites were unable to fully dispossess its Canaanite inhabitants, who remained as forced laborers (Joshua 16:10, Judges 1:29). Gezer was later fortified by Solomon as one of his key storage and chariot cities (1 Kings 9:15-17).
Biblical Usage
Gezer appears primarily in historical narratives about conquest, tribal allotments, and royal administration. It is mentioned in conquest accounts (Joshua 10:33, 12:12), boundary descriptions for Ephraim (Joshua 16:3), and lists of Levitical cities (Joshua 21:21). Later references show its political significance under David (2 Samuel 5:25) and Solomon's building projects (1 Kings 9:15). The pattern shows Gezer transitioning from a Canaanite stronghold to an Israelite administrative center.
Etymology
The name גֶּזֶר (Gezer) derives from the root גזר (g-z-r), meaning 'to cut, divide, or decree.' It shares the same form as the common noun גֶּזֶר (H1506), meaning 'a part, portion, or division.' This likely refers to the city's location on a ridge or its role as a boundary marker. Cognates appear in other Semitic languages with similar meanings of cutting or deciding.
Semantic Range
Gezer illustrates God's partial fulfillment of the conquest promise, showing that Israel's obedience was incomplete (Judges 1:29). Its history demonstrates God's sovereignty in using foreign powers (Pharaoh) to accomplish His purposes (1 Kings 9:16). The city's transformation from Canaanite stronghold to Solomonic fortress reflects God's ongoing work to establish His kingdom despite human failure.
Archaeologically, Gezer was a major fortified city controlling the Via Maris trade route. The famous Gezer Calendar (10th century BCE) found there is one of the oldest Hebrew inscriptions. As a Canaanite city with a massive 'High Place' of standing stones, its capture symbolized Israel's struggle against pagan worship. Solomon's fortification marked its integration into Israel's defensive network.
None directly applicable as a proper place name. Related conceptually to other conquered cities: לָכִישׁ (Lachish, H3923) — another major Canaanite city in the Shephelah; חָצוֹר (Hazor, H2674) — a northern Canaanite stronghold also conquered by Joshua.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →