The term "Gebalite" refers to the inhabitants of Gebal, an ancient city located in the region of Phoenicia, which is present-day Byblos in Lebanon. The Gebalites are mentioned in the context of the Old Testament, particularly in relation to their interactions with the Israelites and their role in the broader ancient Near Eastern world.

Biblical References

The Gebalites are mentioned in the Bible in the context of the division of the Promised Land. In Joshua 13:5, the territory of the Gebalites is listed among the lands that were to be possessed by the Israelites: "the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon toward the sunrise, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath" . This indicates that the Gebalites occupied a region that was considered part of the inheritance promised to the tribes of Israel, although it was not fully conquered during the initial settlement period.

In 1 Kings 5:18, the Gebalites are noted for their skilled labor in the construction of Solomon's Temple. The verse states, "So Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders, along with the Gebalites, quarried the stone and prepared the timber and stone for the construction of the temple" . This highlights the Gebalites' expertise in stonework and their contribution to one of the most significant building projects in Israel's history.

Historical and Cultural Context

Gebal, known as Byblos in the Greek period, was one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a significant center of trade and culture in the ancient Near East. The city was renowned for its production of papyrus and its role in the spread of the Phoenician alphabet, which greatly influenced the development of writing systems in the Mediterranean region.

The Gebalites, as part of the Phoenician civilization, were known for their maritime skills and commercial prowess. Their city was a hub for trade routes that connected Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Mediterranean, making it a melting pot of cultural and religious influences.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the mention of the Gebalites in the Bible underscores the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern peoples and the broader narrative of God's promises to Israel. The inclusion of the Gebalites in the land promised to the Israelites serves as a reminder of the expansive nature of God's covenant and the eventual fulfillment of His promises.

The collaboration of the Gebalites in the building of Solomon's Temple also reflects the theme of cooperation between Israel and its neighbors in the pursuit of a common goal, which in this case was the construction of a house for the worship of Yahweh. This cooperation can be seen as a foreshadowing of the future inclusion of Gentiles in the worship of the God of Israel.

Conclusion

The Gebalites, though a relatively minor group in the biblical narrative, played a significant role in the historical and cultural context of the ancient Near East. Their mention in the Bible highlights their contributions to Israel's history and the broader narrative of God's interaction with the nations surrounding His chosen people.1382. Gibli -- inhab. of Gebal
... inhab. of Gebal. Transliteration: Gibli Phonetic Spelling: (ghib-lee') Short Definition:
Gebalite. ... of Gebal NASB Word Usage Gebalite (1), Gebalites (1). ...
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The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
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Gebalite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gebalite (1 Occurrence). Joshua 13:5 and the
land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrise ...
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Gebalites (2 Occurrences)

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Gebal (3 Occurrences)

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