Biblical Reference:
Gurba'al is mentioned in the Old Testament in the context of King Uzziah's reign over Judah. The specific reference to Gurba'al is found in 2 Chronicles 26:7, which states: "God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabs who lived in Gurbaal, and against the Meunites."

Historical Context:
Gurba'al is identified as a region inhabited by Arabs during the time of King Uzziah, who reigned in Judah from approximately 792 to 740 BC. This period was marked by significant military campaigns and territorial expansion under Uzziah's leadership. The mention of Gurba'al in the biblical text highlights the geopolitical landscape of the time, where various groups, including the Philistines, Arabs, and Meunites, posed challenges to the kingdom of Judah.

Geographical Location:
The exact location of Gurba'al is not definitively known, as it is only mentioned once in the biblical record. However, it is generally considered to be in the vicinity of the Arabian Peninsula or the southern regions of the Levant, where Arab tribes were known to dwell. The association with the Arabs suggests a location that was strategically significant for trade routes or military campaigns.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
The reference to Gurba'al in the context of Uzziah's military successes underscores the theme of divine assistance in the biblical narrative. The text attributes Uzziah's victories to God's help, reinforcing the belief in divine providence and support for the faithful. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God aids those who are righteous and follow His commandments.

Theological Implications:
The mention of Gurba'al serves as a reminder of the constant threats faced by the people of Israel and Judah from surrounding nations and tribes. It illustrates the ongoing struggle to maintain sovereignty and faithfulness amidst external pressures. The passage also reflects the biblical view that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations, granting victory to those who seek His guidance and adhere to His laws.

Related Biblical Themes:
· Divine assistance in warfare: The narrative of Uzziah's victories, including those over the inhabitants of Gurba'al, is part of a larger biblical theme where God intervenes on behalf of His people in military conflicts.
· The role of kingship: Uzziah's reign is depicted as a time of prosperity and expansion, attributed to his faithfulness and God's favor. This highlights the biblical ideal of a king who leads with righteousness and seeks God's will.
· The presence of Arab tribes: The mention of Arabs in Gurba'al reflects the historical interactions between the Israelites and various neighboring peoples, emphasizing the diverse cultural and ethnic landscape of the ancient Near East.

Conclusion:
While Gurba'al is only briefly mentioned in the Bible, its inclusion in the narrative of Uzziah's reign provides insight into the historical and theological context of the time. It serves as a testament to the challenges faced by the kingdom of Judah and the belief in divine support for those who remain faithful to God.Gurba'al (1 Occurrence)

2 Chronicles 26:7
And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal, and the Meunim.
(See RSV)

Gurba'al (1 Occurrence)
Gurba'al. Gur-baal, Gurba'al. Gush . Multi-Version Concordance Gurba'al
(1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 26:7 And God helped him against ...
/g/gurba'al.htm - 6k

Gush (7 Occurrences)

/g/gush.htm - 9k

Gur-baal (1 Occurrence)
Gur-baal. Gurbaal, Gur-baal. Gurba'al . Easton's Bible Dictionary ... (ASV BBE DBY
JPS WBS YLT NAS). Gurbaal, Gur-baal. Gurba'al . Reference Bible.
/g/gur-baal.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus