Negev
Negev is a region mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Judea in modern-day Israel. Known today as Tel Beer Sheva. It appears across 43 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
The Negev, meaning "south" or "dry land" in Hebrew, is one of the most frequently mentioned geographical regions in the Old Testament, appearing in 43 verses. It first enters the biblical narrative with Abraham, who journeyed through the Negev toward Egypt during a famine (Genesis 12:9) and later settled in the region between Kadesh and Shur (Genesis 20:1). The patriarchs Isaac and Jacob also inhabited portions of the Negev. During the wilderness period, the Israelite spies entered Canaan through the Negev (Numbers 13:17, 22), and the Amalekites who dwelt there attacked Israel (Numbers 14:45). After the conquest, the Negev was allotted primarily to Judah and Simeon (Joshua 15:21-32; 19:1-9). David conducted raids in the Negev during his time among the Philistines (1 Samuel 27:10; 30:1, 14) and later secured the region during his kingship. The prophets envisioned the Negev's restoration as part of God's future redemption, with streams flowing in the desert (Isaiah 35:6) and the people of God possessing its open lands (Obadiah 1:19-20).
Archaeological & Historical Notes
The Negev is the arid southern region of modern Israel, stretching from Beersheba southward to the Gulf of Aqaba. Tel Beer Sheva, identified as the biblical Beersheba, has been extensively excavated and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, revealing a well-planned Iron Age city with a sophisticated water system and a notable horned altar. Hundreds of archaeological sites dot the Negev, including Israelite fortresses from the 10th-8th centuries BC at sites like Arad, Kadesh-barnea (Tell el-Qudeirat), and the desert fortresses along trade routes. The Nabatean cities of Avdat, Mamshit, and Shivta demonstrate later flourishing in the region. Modern Israel has developed significant portions of the Negev through irrigation and technology.
Verse Appearances (43)
2Sam
2Chr
Ps
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- OpenBible.info (n.d.) Bible Geocoding. Available at: https://www.openbible.info/geo/. [CC BY 4.0]
- Bagnall, R. et al. (eds.) (n.d.) Pleiades: A Gazetteer of Past Places. Available at: https://pleiades.stoa.org. [CC BY 3.0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]