Abronah
Abronah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Negev in modern-day Israel. Known today as Ein Evrona. It appears across 2 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
Abronah appears twice in the book of Numbers as one of the Israelite encampment sites during the wilderness journey. In Numbers 33:34–35, Abronah is listed in the itinerary of stations between Jotbathah and Ezion-geber, situating it along the final southern approach to the Gulf of Aqaba on Israel's long journey through the Sinai and Negev wilderness. The Israelites under Moses traversed the region as they moved between the Sinai peninsula, the Arabah, and the territories bordering Edom. This southern corridor was a critical route of ancient trade and travel, connecting Egypt with Arabia and the Red Sea port of Ezion-geber. Abronah's place in the itinerary reflects the administrative and theological concern of Numbers to trace Israel's entire forty-year journey from Egypt to the threshold of Canaan as a purposeful, divinely guided pilgrimage. Each named station bears witness to God's faithfulness in sustaining the people through an otherwise impassable wilderness — providing water, manna, and direction. Though no narrative event is specifically attached to Abronah, its inclusion in the itinerary affirms the comprehensive nature of Israel's redemptive journey, and each encampment marks a step in the fulfillment of God's promise to bring Abraham's descendants to the land he had sworn to give them.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Abronah is tentatively identified with Ein Evrona (also spelled Ain Defiyeh or Ein Defiya), a spring site in the southern Arabah valley of modern Israel near the Gulf of Aqaba, not far from Eilat. The area around Ain Evrona has been investigated by archaeological surveys of the Arabah and Negev regions. The general terrain of the Arabah along this corridor — marked by sparse vegetation, wadis, and occasional springs — is consistent with wilderness encampment sites. Surface surveys in the Arabah have documented Bronze Age and Iron Age activity along the trade routes that passed through the region. The proximity to Ezion-geber (associated with Tell el-Kheleifeh near Eilat) supports the general location. Definitive excavation of the specific site has not been undertaken.
Verse Appearances (2)
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →