The word "Gebalites" is spelled using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈdʒɛbəˌlaɪts/. The word refers to the inhabitants of Gebal, an ancient city on the coast of Lebanon. It is believed that the Gebalites were skilled in trade and were highly respected for their craftsmanship. The spelling of the word reflects the pronunciation of the individual sounds in the English language. The first syllable is pronounced as "je", the second syllable is pronounced as "bu", and the last syllable is pronounced as "lights".
The term "Gebalites" refers to an ancient people mentioned in various historical and biblical sources. The word "Gebalites" is derived from the Hebrew term "Gevul" or "Gabal," meaning "boundary" or "border." In general, the Gebalites were a Semitic people who dwelled along the coastal area of ancient Phoenicia, specifically around the city of Byblos, which was known as Gebal in biblical times.
The Gebalites were renowned for their expertise in maritime trade and craftsmanship. They were highly skilled in shipbuilding, seafaring, and navigating the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, the Gebalites were known for their expertise in woodwork, particularly in cedar, which was abundant in the region. They traded this valuable resource with various civilizations, including the Egyptians.
Historically, the Gebalites played a crucial role in the development of Phoenician culture and trade networks. They established extensive trade routes throughout the Mediterranean, facilitating economic and cultural exchange between different regions. This led to the flourishing of Byblos (Gebal), which became a prosperous city-state renowned for its temples, libraries, and production of papyrus.
In the biblical context, the Gebalites are sometimes mentioned as enemies or neighboring peoples of the Israelites. They are referenced in Psalms and the book of Ezekiel, primarily in relation to their trading activities and interactions with ancient Israel. These references provide glimpses into the commercial and political dynamics of the ancient Near East.
Overall, the Gebalites were a prominent Semitic people known for their maritime trade, craftsmanship, and cultural contributions to the Phoenician civilization.
The word "Gebalites" is derived from the Hebrew word "Gebal" (גְּבַל), which means "border" or "boundary". The suffix "-ites" is used in English to denote a group of people or inhabitants. Therefore, "Gebalites" refers to the people who lived in the region or city called Gebal. The word "Gebalites" appears in the Bible, specifically in the Old Testament, to describe a group of people, likely referring to the inhabitants of the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos, which was known as Gebal in the biblical period.