Numbers 33:35
And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Ezion-gaber.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
And they departed
H5265
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
And they departed
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
Cross References
Deuteronomy 2:8And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Ezion-gaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.1 Kings 9:26And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom.1 Kings 22:48Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.
Historical Context
Ezion-gaber sat at a crucial crossroads of ancient trade routes. Solomon's exploitation of this port centuries later (1 Kings 9:26-28) demonstrates the enduring strategic value of locations Israel passed through during the Exodus. Archaeological excavations have identified the site with Tell el-Kheleifeh.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's guidance sometimes lead us to geographic or spiritual 'extremes' before bringing us to our destination?
- What does Ezion-gaber's later commercial importance suggest about God's long-term purposes in Israel's wandering route?
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Analysis & Commentary
Departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Ezion-gaber—עֶצְיוֹן גָּבֶר ('Eṣyōn Gāber, 'backbone of a man' or 'mighty tree'). This major port city at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba (modern Eilat region) was later developed by Solomon (1 Kings 9:26). Its strategic location connected Israel to Red Sea maritime trade.
The mention of Ezion-gaber signals Israel's southernmost penetration during the wandering—they circumnavigated Edom's territory to approach Moab from the east. This station represents both geographic extremity and divine faithfulness in bringing them full circle back toward Canaan after decades of discipline.