The Negev Desert

The Negev stretches southward from the mountains and lowlands of Judah where the rolling hills terminate abruptly along the desert. The Dead Sea is located to the east, the Mediterranean Sea is to the west, the Sinai is to the southwest.

The Negev was the scene of many events of Bible History -

• An early caravan route from Israel to Egypt went through the Negev (Genesis 12:9, 13:1-3, 46:1-6).

• It was the territory of the Amalekites during the time of Abraham (Genesis 14:7)

• Hagar and Ishmael were exiled out into the Negev by Sarah (Genesis 21:14)

• Both Isaac and Jacob lived for some time in the Negev (Genesis 24:62, 37:1)

• The Israelites wandered in the Negev during the Wilderness Journey after the Exodus (Numbers 14:44-45)

• At the Division Of The Land, the Negev was allotted to the tribes of Simeon (Joshua 19:1-9) and Judah (Joshua 15:20-31)

• King David included the Negev in his kingdom, and when Solomon succeeded his father, he established fortresses in the area.

• After Judah fell to the Babylonians (see Why Babylon and King Nebuchadnezzar) in 586 B.C., Edom took over the Negev.

Fact Finder: What was the name of the town in the Negev that the Philistines gave to David?
1 Samuel 27:5-6

This Week's Bible Quiz

What was the occupation of these people?

1. Abel?

2. Moses, while he was living with Jethro?

3. David, before he became king?

4. Joseph, the husband of Mary?

5. Jesus Christ, before His ministry began?

6. The apostle John?

7. The apostle Peter?

8. The apostle Matthew/Levi?

9. The apostle Paul?

10. The apostle Luke?

For the answers to this May 30 2000 quiz, see the Bible Quiz Answers Page