Topical Encyclopedia Biblical References: Mishal is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the tribal allotments in the Promised Land. The primary references to Mishal can be found in Joshua 19:25 and 1 Chronicles 6:74. Geographical and Historical Context: Mishal was a town located in the territory allotted to the tribe of Asher. Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Asher was known for its fertile land and abundance of olive oil, as described in Deuteronomy 33:24, "Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil." Tribal Allotment: In the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, Mishal was one of the cities given to the tribe of Asher. Joshua 19:25 lists Mishal among the cities in Asher's inheritance: "Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph, Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal. On the west the boundary touched Carmel and Shihor-libnath." Levitical City: Mishal was also designated as a Levitical city. The Levites were the priestly tribe of Israel, set apart for religious duties and service to the Lord. They were not given a contiguous territory like the other tribes but were instead assigned cities within the territories of the other tribes. 1 Chronicles 6:74 notes, "From the tribe of Asher they received Mashal, Abdon," indicating that Mishal (referred to as Mashal in some translations) was one of the cities given to the Levites. Significance in Israelite Society: As a Levitical city, Mishal held a special place in Israelite society. The Levites were responsible for teaching the Law, maintaining the tabernacle (and later the temple), and leading the people in worship. The presence of a Levitical city within a tribal territory was a constant reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God and their obligation to live according to His commandments. Archaeological and Modern Identification: The exact location of ancient Mishal is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to have been situated in the western part of the territory of Asher, near the Mediterranean coast. Some scholars suggest that it may correspond to the modern site of Tell Keisan or another nearby location. Theological Implications: The inclusion of Mishal as a Levitical city underscores the importance of the Levites in maintaining the spiritual health of the nation of Israel. It reflects the biblical principle that worship and adherence to God's law were central to the life and identity of the Israelite people. The distribution of Levitical cities throughout the land served to integrate religious instruction and worship into the daily lives of the Israelites, ensuring that the knowledge of God and His commandments was accessible to all. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary MishalEaston's Bible Dictionary A city of the tribe of Asher (Joshua 21:30; 1 Chronicles 6:74). It is probably the modern Misalli, on the shore near Carmel. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MISHALmi'-shal (mish'al): A town in the territory of Asher (Joshua 19:26, the King James Version "Misheal," Maasa), assigned to the Gershonite Levites (Joshua 21:30; Codex Vaticanus Bassellan; Codex Alexandrinus Masaal equals "Mashal" of 1 Chronicles 6:74). Eusebius, Onomasticon (s.v. "Masan") places it near Carmel by the sea. It is not identified. Strong's Hebrew 4861. Mishal -- a place in Asher... 4860, 4861. Mishal. 4862 . a place in Asher. Transliteration: Mishal Phonetic Spelling: (mish-awl') Short Definition: Mishal. Word ... /hebrew/4861.htm - 6k Thesaurus Mishal (2 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MISHAL. ... It is not identified. Multi-Version Concordance Mishal (2 Occurrences). Joshua 19:26 Allammelech, Amad, Mishal. ... /m/mishal.htm - 7k Mashal (1 Occurrence) Misheal (1 Occurrence) Mish'a-el (7 Occurrences) Libnath (1 Occurrence) Grass-lands (42 Occurrences) Westwards (6 Occurrences) Misham (1 Occurrence) Amead (1 Occurrence) Allammelech (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Mishal (2 Occurrences)Joshua 19:26 Joshua 21:30 Subtopics Related Terms |