The title "King of Gezer" refers to the monarch who ruled over the ancient Canaanite city of Gezer, a significant city-state located in the Shephelah region of ancient Israel. Gezer held a strategic position on the trade route between Egypt and Mesopotamia, making it a city of considerable importance in biblical times.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua's Conquest:
The King of Gezer is first mentioned in the context of Joshua's military campaigns in the Promised Land. During the conquest of Canaan, Joshua and the Israelites faced a coalition of Canaanite kings. The King of Gezer is specifically mentioned in Joshua 10:33: "Then Horam king of Gezer went up to help Lachish, but Joshua struck him down along with his people, leaving no survivors." . This passage indicates that the King of Gezer attempted to aid Lachish, another Canaanite city, but was defeated by Joshua's forces.

2. Gezer's Allotment to Ephraim:
Gezer is later mentioned in the allotment of the land to the tribes of Israel. Although the city was within the territory assigned to the tribe of Ephraim, the Israelites did not initially drive out its Canaanite inhabitants. Joshua 16:10 states, "But they did not drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the Ephraimites but are forced to serve as laborers." . This indicates that the Canaanite presence, including the influence of its king, persisted even after the initial conquest.

3. Solomon's Era:
The city of Gezer is again mentioned during the reign of King Solomon. In 1 Kings 9:16, it is recorded that Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, captured Gezer, burned it, and killed the Canaanite inhabitants. He then gave it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon's wife: "Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire, killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and then given it as a wedding gift to his daughter, Solomon’s wife." . This event signifies a shift in control from the Canaanite king to the Israelites under Solomon's rule.

Historical and Archaeological Context:

Gezer's significance is further underscored by archaeological findings, which reveal a city with strong fortifications and evidence of Egyptian influence. The city's strategic location made it a focal point for military and trade activities. Excavations have uncovered a series of fortifications, water systems, and inscriptions that provide insight into its historical and cultural context.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the narrative of the King of Gezer and the city's eventual integration into Israelite territory reflects the broader theme of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham. The persistence of Canaanite influence, as seen in Gezer, serves as a reminder of the challenges Israel faced in fully realizing this divine promise. The eventual subjugation and integration of Gezer into Israel under Solomon's reign illustrate the fulfillment of God's covenant through the establishment of a united and prosperous kingdom.

The account of the King of Gezer, therefore, is not only a historical record but also a testament to the unfolding of God's plan for His people, as narrated in the biblical text.