Azal is a location mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the prophetic book of Zechariah. The reference to Azal is found in Zechariah 14:5, which states: "You will flee by My mountain valley, for it will extend to Azal. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him." (Berean Standard Bible).

Geographical Context

The exact location of Azal is not definitively known, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, which has led to various interpretations and theories regarding its geographical and historical significance. Some scholars suggest that Azal may have been a place near Jerusalem, possibly a valley or a village, given the context of the passage in Zechariah. The mention of a mountain valley extending to Azal implies proximity to the Mount of Olives, which is a significant landmark in biblical geography.

Historical and Prophetic Significance

The passage in Zechariah 14 is part of a larger prophetic vision concerning the Day of the Lord, a time of divine intervention and judgment. The reference to fleeing to Azal is associated with a dramatic event, likened to the earthquake during the reign of King Uzziah of Judah. This historical earthquake is also mentioned in Amos 1:1, indicating its significance in the collective memory of the people of Judah.

The prophecy in Zechariah speaks of a future time when the Lord will intervene in the affairs of Jerusalem, leading to a transformation of the landscape and the deliverance of His people. The mention of Azal in this context underscores the urgency and magnitude of the event, as it calls for a flight similar to that experienced during a natural disaster.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of Azal in Zechariah 14:5 can be seen as part of the broader eschatological themes present in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The passage anticipates a time when God will establish His kingdom and bring about the ultimate redemption of His people. The imagery of fleeing to Azal serves as a reminder of God's protection and the fulfillment of His promises, even amidst upheaval and judgment.

The prophecy also highlights the continuity of God's plan throughout history, as it connects past events, such as the earthquake in Uzziah's time, with future divine actions. This continuity reinforces the reliability of God's word and His sovereign control over the course of human history.

Interpretative Challenges

The ambiguity surrounding the location of Azal presents interpretative challenges for biblical scholars and theologians. Various theories have been proposed, including the possibility that Azal is a symbolic or allegorical reference rather than a specific geographical location. Some suggest that Azal could represent a place of refuge or safety, in line with the prophetic theme of deliverance.

Despite these uncertainties, the mention of Azal in Zechariah 14:5 remains an intriguing element of biblical prophecy, inviting further study and reflection on its significance within the larger narrative of Scripture.Azal

a name only occurring in (Zechariah 14:5) It is mentioned as the limit to which the ravine of the Mount of Olives will extend when "Jehovah shall go forth to fight."

(Zechariah 14:5) should perhaps be rendered "very near" = "the way of escape shall be made easy." If a proper name, it may denote some place near the western extremity of the valley here spoken of near Jerusalem. AZAL

a'-zal. See AZEL.

236. azal -- to go, go off
... azal. 237 . to go, go off. Transliteration: azal Phonetic Spelling: (az-al') Short
Definition: went. ... go up. (Aramaic) the same as 'azal; to depart -- go (up). ...
/hebrew/236.htm - 6k

235. azal -- to go
... 234, 235. azal. 236 . to go. Transliteration: azal Phonetic Spelling: (aw-zal')
Short Definition: gone. Word Origin a prim. ... 234, 235. azal. 236 . ...
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682. Atsel -- a descendant of Jonathan
... 681b, 682. Atsel. 682a . a descendant of Jonathan. Transliteration: Atsel Phonetic
Spelling: (aw-tsale') Short Definition: Azal. Azal, Azel ...
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237. Ezel -- a memorial stone in Palestine
... Word Origin from azal Definition a memorial stone in Pal. NASB Word Usage Ezel
(1). Ezel. From 'azal; departure; Ezel, a memorial stone in Palestine -- Ezel. ...
/hebrew/237.htm - 6k

5799. azazel -- entire removal
... scapegoat. From ez and 'azal; goat of departure; the scapegoat -- scapegoat. see
HEBREW ez. see HEBREW 'azal. 5798, 5799. azazel. 5800 . Strong's Numbers.
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187. Uzal -- a son of Joktan, also his desc., also a place of unc. ...
... Uzal. Word Origin from azal Definition a son of Joktan, also his desc., also
a place of unc. location NASB Word Usage Uzal (3). Uzal. ...
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And ii.
... that Beth-Leaphrah, which is identical with Ophrah, is situated in the territory
of Benjamin, and that Beth-Haezel, which is identical with Azal in Zechariah 14 ...
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Azal
... near the western extremity of the valley here spoken of near Jerusalem.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AZAL. a'-zal. See AZEL. ...
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Azazel (3 Occurrences)
... Some have derived the word from `az plus 'azal (fortis abiens, "passing away in
his strength" or from an intentional alteration of 'el plus `azaz, robur Dei ...
/a/azazel.htm - 20k

Azel (5 Occurrences)
... 9:43f). (2) Azel, a'-zel, the King James Version Azal 'atsel; Asael;
(Zechariah 14:5): A place not far from Jerusalem. There may ...
/a/azel.htm - 8k

Azaelus

/a/azaelus.htm - 6k

Azaliah (3 Occurrences)

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Go (17871 Occurrences)
... nasa', "to remove (Exodus 14:15), "Speak unto the children of Israel that they go
forward" (Exodus 14:19 "removed"; Numbers 2:24 etc.); 'azal (Aramaic), "to go ...
/g/go.htm - 19k

Gad (78 Occurrences)
... WN Stearns. GAD (4). ('azal, "to go about"): Used once in Jeremiah 2:36, "Why gaddest
thou about so much to change thy way?" of going after Egypt and Assyria. ...
/g/gad.htm - 49k

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