Lexical Summary En Rogel: En Rogel Original Word: עֵין רֹגֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance En-Rogel, a place near Jerusalem From ayin and the active participle of ragal; fountain of a traveller; En-Rogel, a place near Jerusalem: see HEBREW ayin see HEBREW ragal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ayin and ragal Definition a place near Jer. NASB Translation En-rogel (4). Topical Lexicon Geographical SettingEn Rogel is a perennial spring situated at the southeastern juncture of the Kidron and Hinnom valleys, just south of the ancient city of Jerusalem. Identified today with Bir Ayyub (“Job’s Well”), the site lies below the eastern slope of the City of David and marks a natural meeting-point of two valleys that framed Jerusalem on three sides. Its continuous flow made it a reliable water source in a region otherwise dependent on seasonal rainfall. Boundary Marker in Israel’s Tribal Allotments The spring first enters the biblical narrative as a landmark in the territorial descriptions of Judah and Benjamin. By serving both tribes, the spring embodied the mutual dependence and divinely fixed boundaries of Israel. At a time when land was allotted by divine lot, the presence of a shared water source highlighted the Lord’s provision and the necessity of peaceful cooperation between neighboring clans (compare Proverbs 16:33). Strategic Use during David’s Flight from Absalom When Absalom’s rebellion drove David from Jerusalem, En Rogel became a covert relay station for intelligence. “Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En Rogel, for they dared not be seen entering the city. A servant girl was to go and inform them, and they were to go and tell King David” (2 Samuel 17:17). Several themes surface: 1. Divine preservation of the Davidic line—Even as the king was exiled, the Lord provided a secure place for loyal messengers. Setting of Adonijah’s Rival Coronation Near the end of David’s life, Adonijah sought to usurp the throne: “Adonijah sacrificed sheep, cattle, and fattened calves by the stone of Zoheleth near En Rogel” (1 Kings 1:9). The site once again became the backdrop of royal intrigue, but this time in stark contrast to Solomon’s anointing at the Gihon spring (1 Kings 1:38-40). The narrative invites comparison: • En Rogel hosted an unauthorized ceremony, relying on political maneuvering. The juxtaposition underscores that legitimate authority in Israel rests not on human ambition but on divine appointment. While Adonijah’s festivities echoed worldly pomp, they produced no enduring kingdom. Solomon’s reign, established in line with God’s covenant promises to David (2 Samuel 7), flourished. Archaeological and Topographical Notes The present-day well descends by a long flight of steps hewn into bedrock, leading to an underground chamber where water still accumulates. Pottery sherds and architectural fragments in the vicinity date to Iron Age II, the period of the monarchy. Although the spring’s yield has diminished, its constancy over millennia corroborates the biblical portrayal of En Rogel as a dependable water source. Theological Reflections 1. Provision within Boundaries En Rogel testifies that the God who apportioned land also supplies the means of survival within it. Believers likewise receive spiritual resources commensurate with their calling (Philippians 4:19). 2. Watchfulness and Service Like Jonathan and Ahimaaz, modern disciples may be called to unseen but critical roles. The spring invites reflection on the value of faithful, sometimes clandestine, ministry (Matthew 6:4). 3. Legitimate Succession The Adonijah episode warns against self-exalting leadership. True authority flows from God’s choice, authenticated by prophetic confirmation and priestly anointing (Hebrews 5:4). Summary En Rogel stands at the convergence of geography, governance, and grace. Whether delineating tribal inheritance, preserving the Davidic king, or exposing counterfeit coronations, the spring witnesses to the steadfast oversight of the Lord in Israel’s history and offers enduring lessons on provision, fidelity, and rightful authority. Forms and Transliterations רֹגֵ֑ל רֹגֵ֗ל רֹגֵֽל׃ רגל רגל׃ rō·ḡêl roGel rōḡêlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 15:7 HEB: אֶל־ עֵ֥ין רֹגֵֽל׃ NAS: and it ended at En-rogel. KJV: and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel: INT: out toward En-rogel Joshua 18:16 2 Samuel 17:17 1 Kings 1:9 4 Occurrences |
    |