Lexical Summary minal: Sandal, shoe Original Word: מִנְעָל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance shoe From na'al; a bolt -- shoe. see HEBREW na'al NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom naal Definition a bolt NASB Translation locks (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִנְעָל] noun masculine id., only suffix בַּרְזֶל וּנְחשֶׁת מִנְעָלֶ֑ךָ Deuteronomy 33:25 (song). Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and ImageryThe Hebrew noun מִנְעָל (minʿal) conveys the idea of something that fastens, shuts, or secures. In everyday life it could denote the strap of a sandal, yet its only canonical appearance (Deuteronomy 33:25) uses the word for the “bolts” of a gate—metal bars that lock a city’s entrance. Whether referring to footwear or fortifications, the common thread is protective closure. Thus the word invites reflection on God’s provision for both daily journeys and collective security. Context in Moses’ Blessing (Deuteronomy 33:24-25) When Moses blesses the tribe of Asher, he prays, “May the bolts of your gates be iron and bronze, and your strength endure all your days” (Deuteronomy 33:25). The imagery of iron and bronze combines durability with defense. Positioned along Israel’s northern coastline, Asher’s territory bordered potential invasion routes; iron and bronze bolts symbolize a divinely granted resilience against external threats. The blessing also follows a promise of abundant olive oil (verse 24), suggesting that prosperity and protection are meant to function together under God’s covenant care. Military and Civic Security in Ancient Israel City gates in the Late Bronze and Iron Ages were architectural choke points; their bars determined a settlement’s ability to withstand siege. Archaeological excavations at sites like Lachish and Megiddo reveal colossal wooden doors reinforced with metal fittings. Iron and bronze, although costly, resisted fire and battering rams better than wood alone. By invoking such materials, Moses sets Asher’s safety on the highest technological footing of the day, illustrating the Lord’s commitment to practical as well as spiritual welfare. Theological Themes 1. Divine Protection: The verse underscores a larger biblical motif—Yahweh as the ultimate guardian (Psalm 121:8; Proverbs 18:10). Minʿal functions as a concrete sign of this protection. Christological Fulfillment and New Testament Echoes The gate imagery foreshadows Christ’s declaration, “I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved” (John 10:9). Whereas iron bolts protected Asher from earthly foes, the crucified and risen Messiah secures believers eternally. Ephesians 6:15 speaks of feet “fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace,” subtly recalling the footwear aspect of minʿal. In Him, both meanings—sandal and bar—converge: He equips for pilgrimage and shields the community. Practical Ministry Applications • Intercession for Cities: Moses models praying that physical infrastructures—police, utilities, digital systems—serve as “iron and bronze bolts” under God’s oversight. Conclusion Minʿal, though rare in the text, captures a dual pulse of biblical faith: God locks out danger and laces up His people for service. Every generation that trusts Him may walk confidently, knowing the same hand that steadies their steps also bars the enemy’s gate. Forms and Transliterations מִנְעָלֶ֑יךָ מנעליך min‘āleḵā min·‘ā·le·ḵā minaLeichaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 33:25 HEB: בַּרְזֶ֥ל וּנְחֹ֖שֶׁת מִנְעָלֶ֑יךָ וּכְיָמֶ֖יךָ דָּבְאֶֽךָ׃ NAS: Your locks will be iron and bronze, KJV: Thy shoes [shall be] iron and brass; INT: will be iron and bronze your locks to your days will your leisurely 1 Occurrence |
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