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Gazera

Locations
Modern Location El-Jib, near Jerusalem
Coordinates 31.8567, 35.2117

Geographical Setting

An ancient Canaanite city-state located on the border between the territories of Benjamin and Ephraim, identified with the archaeological site at El-Jib.

What is the meaning of Gazera in the Bible?

A fortified city in the hill country of Benjamin mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and 1 Maccabees, identified with the archaeological site at El-Jib.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the location of GAZERA clarifies the territorial boundaries between the tribes of Benjamin and Ephraim and illustrates the strategic military importance of the high ground overlooking Jerusalem during the periods of the Judges, the United Monarchy, and the Maccabean revolt.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Gazera (located near modern El-Jib, near Jerusalem) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Gazera in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Gazera clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Gazera." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gazera/
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