Akrabbim

Akrabbim (meaning scorpions) was the name given to a mountain pass in the southern desert forming part of the boundary of Canaan and of the tribe of Judah. The Ascent of Akrabbim (also called Maaleh-acrabbim) is mentioned as the southern extremity of the promised land (Num. 34:4) and of Judah's allotment (Josh. 15:3). The name reflects the scorpions inhabiting the rocky Negev terrain. It is tentatively identified with the Naqb es-Safa pass in the wilderness south of the Dead Sea, which remains a natural boundary marker between the Arabah and the Sinai highlands.