Eziongeber is a significant location mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of Israel's wilderness wanderings and the reign of King Solomon. The name "Eziongeber" is often translated to mean "backbone of a man" or "giant's backbone," which may refer to its geographical features or its strategic importance.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 33:35-36 : "They set out from Abronah and camped at Eziongeber. They set out from Eziongeber and camped at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin." This passage places Eziongeber as one of the encampments of the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It highlights the location as a waypoint in the wilderness, indicating its role in the broader narrative of the Exodus.

2. Deuteronomy 2:8 : "So we passed by our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned from the Arabah road, which comes up from Elath and Eziongeber, and traveled along the road of the Wilderness of Moab." Here, Eziongeber is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' journey around the land of Edom, suggesting its proximity to Edomite territory and its position along a significant trade route.

3. 1 Kings 9:26 : "King Solomon also built a fleet of ships at Eziongeber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom." This verse underscores the strategic and economic importance of Eziongeber during Solomon's reign. The location served as a port for Solomon's fleet, facilitating trade and commerce, particularly with Ophir, known for its wealth and resources.

4. 2 Chronicles 8:17 : "Then Solomon went to Eziongeber and to Eloth on the coast of Edom." This reference reiterates the significance of Eziongeber as a maritime hub during Solomon's era, emphasizing its role in expanding Israel's trade networks and economic influence.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Eziongeber is traditionally identified with the modern site of Tell el-Kheleifeh, located near the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. Its strategic position on the Red Sea made it a vital port for ancient maritime activities. The location's proximity to the land of Edom also suggests its role in regional politics and trade.

Archaeological findings at Tell el-Kheleifeh have provided insights into the site's historical significance, including evidence of copper smelting and trade activities. These findings align with the biblical narrative of Solomon's economic ventures and the broader historical context of the region.

Theological Significance:

Eziongeber's mention in the Bible highlights themes of divine providence and guidance during the Israelites' wilderness journey. It also reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, as seen in the prosperity and expansion of Solomon's kingdom. The location serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of biblical history, geography, and theology, illustrating how God used specific places and events to accomplish His purposes for His people.The giant's backbone (so called from the head of a mountain which runs out into the sea), an ancient city and harbour at the north-east end of the Elanitic branch of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Akabah, near Elath or Eloth (Numbers 33:35; Deuteronomy 2:8). Here Solomon built ships, "Tarshish ships," like those trading from Tyre to Tarshish and the west, which traded with Ophir (1 Kings 9:26; 2 Chronicles 8:17); and here also Jehoshaphat's fleet was shipwrecked (1 Kings 22:48; 2 Chronicles 20:36). It became a populous town, many of the Jews settling in it (2 Kings 16:6, "Elath"). It is supposed that anciently the north end of the gulf flowed further into the country than now, as far as `Ain el-Ghudyan, which is 10 miles up the dry bed of the Arabah, and that Ezion-geber may have been there. EZION-GEBER

e-zi-on-ge'-ber ('etsyon gebher; Gasion Gaber):

Always mentioned along with Elath ("Eziongaber," Numbers 33:35 the King James Version). When the children of Israel left "the way of the Arabah," having come from the Northwest, they seem to have turned to the Northeast from the neighborhood of `Aqaba, passing up by Wady el-Ithm toward the eastern desert (Deuteronomy 2:8). Elath and Ezion-geber were evidently not far apart. They are named together again in connection with the maritime enterprises of Solomon and Jehoshaphat (1 Kings 9:26, etc.). They therefore both lay on the shore of the sea. No trace of Ezion-geber is to be found on the present coast line. It is probable, however, that in ancient times the sea covered a considerable stretch of the mud flats at the South end of Wady el-`Arabah, and the site of Ezion-geber may be sought near the spring `Ain el-Ghudyan, about 15 miles North of the present head of the Gulf of `Aqaba.

W. Ewing

Book 9 Footnotes
... as the places whither Jehoshaphat's fleet sailed, are in our other copies Ophir
and Tarshish, and the place whence it sailed is in them Eziongeber, which lay ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 9 footnotes.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... establish a seagoing fleet, but found that peasants could not be turned into sailors
at a day's notice, and the vessel built by him at Eziongeber was wrecked ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Eziongeber (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Eziongeber (3 Occurrences). ... 2 Chronicles 8:17 Then went
Solomon to Eziongeber, and to Eloth, at the sea side in the land of Edom. ...
/e/eziongeber.htm - 9k

Ezion-geber (6 Occurrences)
Ezion-geber. Eziongeber, Ezion-geber. E'zion-Ge'ber . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(ASV BBE DBY JPS WBS YLT NAS). Eziongeber, Ezion-geber. E'zion-Ge'ber . ...
/e/ezion-geber.htm - 10k

Trade (33 Occurrences)
... David's victory over Edom gave access to the Red Sea at Eziongeber, and this port
was utilized by Hiram and Solomon in partnership (1 Kings 9:26), Hiram ...
/t/trade.htm - 40k

Tarshish (24 Occurrences)
... Some think there was a Tarshish in the East, on the Indian coast, seeing that "ships
of Tarshish" sailed from Eziongeber, on the Red Sea (1 Kings 9:26; 22:48 ...
/t/tarshish.htm - 17k

Tharshish (3 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). 1 Kings 22:48 Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for
gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber. (KJV WBS). ...
/t/tharshish.htm - 7k

Ezion-gaber (2 Occurrences)
Ezion-gaber. Eziongaber, Ezion-gaber. Eziongeber . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS YLT). Eziongaber, Ezion-gaber. Eziongeber . Reference Bible.
/e/ezion-gaber.htm - 6k

Wanderings (7 Occurrences)
... The head of the Gulf was once farther North; and, near `Ain Ghudian (probably
Eziongeber) and `Ain et-Tabah (probably Jotbath), there is a mud flat which ...
/w/wanderings.htm - 40k

Israel (27466 Occurrences)
... The head of the Gulf was once farther North; and, near `Ain Ghudian (probably
Eziongeber) and `Ain et-Tabah (probably Jotbath), there is a mud flat which ...
/i/israel.htm - 101k

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