Gederah

Gederah, a town in Judah, was the home of Baal-hanan, one of David's overseers, and Jozabad, one of his mighty men.

Gederah is mentioned in the Bible as a town located in the Shephelah, or lowland region, of Judah. It is listed among the towns allotted to the tribe of Judah in Joshua 15:36, along with other nearby settlements such as Socoh, Azekah, and Shaaraim.

In 1Ch.4.23, Gederah is described as a place where the potters and those who dwelt among plants and hedges resided, suggesting that the town was known for its pottery production and agricultural activities.

Gederah is also associated with two individuals who served under King David. In 1Ch.27.28, Baal-hanan the Gederite is mentioned as one of David's overseers in charge of the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah region, indicating that he likely hailed from Gederah.

Additionally, in 1Ch.12.4, Jozabad the Gederathite is listed among David's mighty men who joined him at Ziklag when he was fleeing from Saul. This suggests that Jozabad was a skilled warrior from Gederah who pledged his allegiance to David.

The exact location of Gederah is not specified in the Bible, but based on its association with the Shephelah and its proximity to other known towns, it is believed to have been situated in the western foothills of Judah, southwest of Jerusalem.

The fortress; a fortified place, a town in the plain (shephelah) of Judah (Josh. 15:36). This is a very common Canaanite and Phoenician name. It is the feminine form of Geder (12:13); the plural form is Gederoth (15:41). This place has by some been identified with Jedireh, a ruin 9 miles from Lydda, toward Eleutheropolis, and 4 miles north of Sur’ah (Zorah), in the valley of Elah.