Lexical Summary Migdal-el: Migdal-el Original Word: מִגְדַּל־אֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Migdal-el From migdal and 'el; tower of God; Migdal-El, a place in Palestine -- Migdal-el. see HEBREW migdal see HEBREW 'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom migdal and el Definition "tower of God," a stronghold in Naphtali NASB Translation Migdal-el (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִגְדַּלאֵֿל proper name (tower of God) stronghold in Naphtali Joshua 19:38 probably = Μαγδαλά Matthew 15:39 = Mejdel in the plain of Gennesareth RobBR iii. 298 BdPal 257. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Migdal-el was one of the fortified towns allotted to the tribe of Naphtali during the division of Canaan (Joshua 19). Its inclusion among settlements such as Kedesh and Hazor places it in Upper Galilee, north–northwest of the Sea of Galilee. Elevated terrain in this region afforded natural lookout points, fitting the idea of a “tower” in its name and providing strategic oversight of the surrounding valleys and trade routes. Biblical Context and Occurrence The sole occurrence is Joshua 19:38, which concludes the Naphtalite list: “Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath and Beth-shemesh. There were nineteen cities, along with their villages.” (Joshua 19:38) Although mentioned only once, its placement in the catalog of “fortified cities” underscores its military and civic importance in Joshua’s generation. Name Significance and Theological Themes Migdal-el means “tower of God.” The “tower” motif threads through Scripture as an emblem of strength, refuge and divine protection: By bearing this title, the town silently confessed the covenant reality that Israel’s security rested not in masonry alone but in the LORD who watches over His people (Psalm 127:1). Historical Background Naphtali’s inheritance bordered Phoenician influence to the west and Aramean pressure from the northeast. Towns like Migdal-el would have functioned as garrison points securing trade arteries between Tyre, Damascus and the Jezreel Valley. Centuries later, Galilee became the scene of much of Jesus’ earthly ministry, fulfilling Isaiah’s promise that “on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:13-16). While Migdal-el itself is not cited in the Gospels, its region experienced that dawning light. Prophetic and Messianic Resonances The “tower” image is taken up prophetically in Micah 4:8: “As for you, O tower of the flock… the former dominion will be restored to you.” Migdal-el typifies the fortified hope that Messiah would bring. Its setting in Naphtali links it thematically with the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 9: “By way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.” God’s “tower” would ultimately be a Person—Jesus Christ—who safeguards His people eternally (John 10:28). Ministry Application 1. Confidence in God’s Protection: Believers today look to the Lord as their Migdal-el, anchoring life and ministry in His unassailable character. Archaeological and Scholarly Notes No excavation has yet yielded a definitive site, though Khirbet Mejdel Is reported as a plausible candidate. Pottery scatters, elevated ruins and proximity to other Naphtalite sites lend circumstantial support. Scholars note the linguistic parallel with later “Magdala” (home of Mary Magdalene), though the two should not be conflated; Magdala lay on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, whereas Migdal-el likely stood farther north. Related Biblical Motifs and Cross-References • Towers as Watchpoints: 2 Samuel 22:51; Isaiah 21:8. Summary Migdal-el, though briefly mentioned, embodies the enduring scriptural testimony that God Himself is the ultimate stronghold of His people. Situated in Naphtali, overlooking Galilean terrain later graced by the Messiah’s footsteps, this “tower of God” reminds every generation that divine protection, prophetic promise and redemptive purpose converge in the LORD who watches over Israel and the Church. Forms and Transliterations אֵ֔ל אל ’êl ElLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 19:38 HEB: וְיִרְאוֹן֙ וּמִגְדַּל־ אֵ֔ל חֳרֵ֥ם וּבֵית־ NAS: and Yiron and Migdal-el, Horem KJV: And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, INT: and Yiron and Migdal-el Horem and Beth-anath |
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