Idalah is a town mentioned in the Old Testament within the context of the territorial allotments to the tribes of Israel. It is specifically noted as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun. The reference to Idalah is found in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel following their exodus from Egypt and subsequent conquest of Canaan.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical mention of Idalah is found in Joshua 19:15: "Included were Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem; there were twelve cities, along with their villages." . This verse lists Idalah among the towns within the territory assigned to Zebulun, one of the northern tribes of Israel. The context of this passage is the delineation of boundaries and cities for each tribe, as commanded by God through Moses and executed by Joshua.

Geographical Context:

Idalah's exact location is not definitively known today, as it is not prominently featured in other historical or archaeological records. However, it is understood to have been situated in the region that was allocated to Zebulun, which is in the northern part of ancient Israel. This area is characterized by its fertile land and strategic position, contributing to the prosperity and significance of the tribe of Zebulun.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The mention of Idalah, though brief, is part of the broader narrative of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land. Each town and city listed in the tribal allotments holds significance as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land his descendants would inherit (Genesis 15:18-21). The allocation of land to the tribes, including Zebulun, underscores the importance of land inheritance in Israelite society, serving as a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness.

From a theological perspective, the division of the land among the tribes, including the mention of towns like Idalah, reflects the ordered and purposeful plan of God for His people. It highlights the importance of community, heritage, and divine provision in the life of the Israelites. The specific mention of towns, even those not widely known or excavated today, serves as a testament to the historical reality of the biblical narrative and the detailed record-keeping of the ancient Israelites.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

While Idalah itself has not been the focus of significant archaeological exploration, the broader region of Zebulun has yielded insights into the culture and lifestyle of its inhabitants during the biblical period. Artifacts and remains from nearby sites provide a glimpse into the agricultural practices, religious life, and social structures of the time. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the context in which towns like Idalah existed and functioned within the tribal system of ancient Israel.

In summary, Idalah, though briefly mentioned, is part of the intricate tapestry of Israel's history as recorded in the Bible. Its inclusion in the tribal allotments of Zebulun serves as a reminder of God's promises and the enduring legacy of the biblical narrative.Idalah

the hand of slander, or of cursing

Idalah

(memorial of God), one of the cities of the tribe of Zebulun, named between Shimron and Bethlehem. (Joshua 19:15)

Snares(?), a city near the west border of Zebulun (Joshua 19:15). It has been identified with the modern Jeida, in the valley of Kishon. IDALAH

id'-a-la, i-da'-la (yidh'alah): A town in the territory of Zebulun, named with Shimron and Beth-lehem (Joshua 19:15). The Talmud identifies it with Churyeh (Talm Jerusalem on Megh., I, 1). This, Conder thinks, may be represented by the modern Khirbet el-Chuwara to the South of Beit Lachm.

3030. Yidalah -- a place in Zebulun
... 3029, 3030. Yidalah. 3031 . a place in Zebulun. Transliteration: Yidalah
Phonetic Spelling: (yid-al-aw') Short Definition: Idalah. ... Idalah. ...
/hebrew/3030.htm - 5kIdalah (1 Occurrence)
...IDALAH. id'-a-la, i-da'-la (yidh'alah): A town in the territory of Zebulun, named
with Shimron and Beth-lehem (Joshua 19:15). ...Idalah (1 Occurrence). ...
/i/idalah.htm - 7k

I'dalah (1 Occurrence)
I'dalah. Idalah, I'dalah. Idbash . ... I'dalah (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:15 Kattath,
Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages. ...
/i/i'dalah.htm - 6k

Kattath (1 Occurrence)
... W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Kattath (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:15 Kattath,
Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages. ...
/k/kattath.htm - 7k

Kattah (1 Occurrence)
... Kattah (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:15 and Kattath, and Nahalal, and Shimron, and Idalah,
and Beth-lehem; twelve cities with their villages. (See NAS). ...
/k/kattah.htm - 6k

Nahal'al (1 Occurrence)
... Nahal'al (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:15 and Kattath, and Nahalal, and Shimron, and
Idalah, and Beth-lehem; twelve cities with their villages. (See RSV). ...
/n/nahal'al.htm - 6k

Nahallal (1 Occurrence)
... Nahallal (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:15 And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and
Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/n/nahallal.htm - 7k

Nahalal (2 Occurrences)
... Nahalal (2 Occurrences). Joshua 19:15 Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem:
twelve cities with their villages. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). ...
/n/nahalal.htm - 7k

Unwalled (39 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Joshua 19:15 And Kattath and Nahalal and Shimron and Idalah and
Beth-lehem; twelve towns with their unwalled places. (BBE). ...
/u/unwalled.htm - 17k

Included (17 Occurrences)
... See NIV). Joshua 19:15 Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem:
twelve cities with their villages. (See NAS NIV). Joshua ...
/i/included.htm - 11k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus