Bible Geography · Southern Israel · c. 2000 BC – Present
Negev Desert
Description
The Negev is a triangular arid region covering roughly the southern half of modern Israel, characterized by rocky plateaus, wadis, and sand dunes that receive little rainfall. The name means 'dry' or 'south' in Hebrew, and in biblical times it served as a transitional zone between Canaan and Egypt, crossed by ancient trade routes.
Significance
The Negev is a place of testing, solitude, and divine encounter in Scripture. Abraham and Isaac both settled in the Negev; Hagar met the angel of God in its wilderness; and Paul retreated to Arabia — possibly the Negev region — after his Damascus road conversion for three years of preparation.
Key Events
Abraham settled at Beersheba in the Negev; Hagar and Ishmael wandered in the Negev wilderness; Moses' father-in-law Jethro lived in the adjacent region; Elijah fled through the Negev to Horeb after Jezebel's threat.
Modern Context
The modern Negev makes up about 60% of Israel's land area but holds less than 10% of its population. Major cities include Beersheba and Eilat, and modern Israel has invested heavily in making the desert productive through irrigation and drip-farming technology pioneered there.