Lexical Summary nahalol: Nahalol Original Word: נַהֲלֹל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bush From nahal; pasture -- bush. see HEBREW nahal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nahal Definition a pasture NASB Translation watering places (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. נַהֲלֹל noun masculine pasture, or perhaps (EncBi614) watering-place (see √), only plural נַהֲלֹלִים Isaiah 7:19. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Nahalol appears a single time, in Isaiah 7:19, where it is translated in the Berean Standard Bible as “water holes.” Cultural and Geographic Context In the semi-arid landscapes of the Ancient Near East, year-round springs or excavated cisterns formed life-centers for both people and livestock. Such watering sites were often enclosed or marked off, providing a place of refreshment and rest. Because they drew flocks and herds, these spots also became gathering points for commerce and social exchange (Genesis 24:11; Exodus 2:15-17). A “water hole” therefore signifies stability, prosperity, and the promise of life amid otherwise harsh terrain. Prophetic Imagery in Isaiah 7 Isaiah addresses King Ahaz during the Syro-Ephraimite crisis. Verses 18-19 set forth a vivid picture of the Lord’s coming judgment: “In that day the LORD will whistle for flies from the farthest streams of Egypt and for bees from the land of Assyria. They will all come and settle in the steep ravines, in the crevices of the rocks, on all thorn bushes, and in all water holes.” (Isaiah 7:18-19) Nahalol amplifies the completeness of the invasion. Even remote, life-sustaining oases—traditionally considered secure—will host swarms of foreign invaders. The term underscores that the Assyrian advance will not merely strike population centers; it will permeate the most pastoral corners of Judah. God’s Sovereignty and Judgment The “whistle” motif signals divine control over nations and nature alike (compare Isaiah 5:26). Egypt’s flies and Assyria’s bees—symbols of nuisance and pain—are compelled to settle at every level of the land’s topography: ravines, rocks, thorn thickets, and Nahalol. The sweeping scope conveys that no human fortification or hidden refuge can elude the Lord’s corrective purposes. Symbolic Reversal of Blessing Scripture often links abundant water with blessing (Psalm 23:2; Isaiah 35:6-7; John 4:14). By contrast, Isaiah 7 depicts a reversal: the very locales that should nourish covenant life become staging grounds for chastening. Nahalol thereby illustrates how covenant disobedience can transform places of provision into sites of distress, while simultaneously affirming that God remains righteous in both blessing and discipline. Theology of Remnant Hope Although Isaiah 7 emphasizes judgment, the broader context of Isaiah points toward eventual restoration (Isaiah 11:11-16; Isaiah 35:1-10). Once chastening accomplishes its purifying work, the same topography is destined for renewal. Thus Nahalol can be read as an emblem of God’s intent to restore living water where swarms once settled. Practical Ministry Reflections 1. Vigilance in Prosperity: Modern believers, like ancient Judah, may regard their “water holes” (areas of perceived security) as untouchable. Isaiah warns that complacency invites discipline. Related Passages for Study Genesis 26:18-22 – restoration of wells in Isaac’s day Judges 5:11 – songs sung “at the watering places” Psalm 84:6 – pilgrims turning dry valleys into springs Isaiah 41:17-18 – God opening rivers on barren heights Revelation 7:17 – the Lamb guiding to “springs of living water” Summary Nahalol, though mentioned only once, serves as a poignant reminder that God’s dealings encompass every sphere where life is nurtured. In Isaiah’s prophecy it highlights the thoroughness of divine judgment; viewed within the whole canon, it equally witnesses to God’s power to transform desolation back into abundance for those who trust and obey Him. Forms and Transliterations הַנַּ֣עֲצוּצִ֔ים הנעצוצים han·na·‘ă·ṣū·ṣîm hanna‘ăṣūṣîm hanNaatzuTzimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 7:19 HEB: הַסְּלָעִ֑ים וּבְכֹל֙ הַנַּ֣עֲצוּצִ֔ים וּבְכֹ֖ל הַנַּהֲלֹלִֽים׃ NAS: and on all the watering places. KJV: and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes. INT: of the cliffs all the watering all the thorn 1 Occurrence |
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