Etymology and Meaning:
The name Iph'tahel is derived from Hebrew origins, though its exact meaning is not definitively established. It is often associated with the idea of "God opens" or "God will open," reflecting a theme of divine intervention or provision.

Biblical References:
Iph'tahel is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of territorial boundaries. It appears in the Book of Joshua, which details the allotment of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. The reference to Iph'tahel is found in Joshua 19:14 and 19:27, where it is described as part of the boundary of the tribe of Zebulun and the tribe of Asher, respectively.

· Joshua 19:14 : "Then the border turned northward to Hannathon and ended at the Valley of Iph'tahel."
· Joshua 19:27 : "It then turned eastward to Beth-dagon, touched Zebulun and the Valley of Iph'tahel, and went north to Beth-emek and Neiel, extending to Cabul on the left."

Geographical Context:
The Valley of Iph'tahel is situated in the northern region of ancient Israel, within the territory allocated to the tribes of Zebulun and Asher. The precise location of Iph'tahel is not definitively known today, but it is believed to have been in the vicinity of the modern-day Galilee region. The valley served as a natural boundary marker, indicating the extent of the tribal lands.

Historical and Theological Significance:
The mention of Iph'tahel in the context of tribal boundaries underscores the importance of land division in the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites. The allocation of land was a critical aspect of establishing the twelve tribes in the Promised Land, as it represented the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Theologically, the reference to Iph'tahel and other boundary markers in the Book of Joshua highlights the faithfulness of God in delivering His people to the land He had promised. It also reflects the orderly and purposeful nature of God's plans, as each tribe received its inheritance according to divine instruction.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:
While specific archaeological evidence for Iph'tahel is limited, the broader region of Galilee has been the subject of extensive archaeological study. Findings in this area have provided insights into the ancient Israelite settlement patterns, agricultural practices, and cultural interactions with neighboring peoples.

The Valley of Iph'tahel, like other geographical features mentioned in the Bible, serves as a reminder of the historical and cultural context in which the biblical narrative unfolds. Understanding these locations helps to illuminate the lived experiences of the Israelites as they settled in the land and sought to maintain their identity and faithfulness to God amidst surrounding influences.

Conclusion:
The entry for Iph'tahel in a Bible Encyclopedia or Topical Bible serves as a reminder of the intricate details within the biblical text that contribute to the overarching narrative of God's relationship with His people. Through the study of such locations, believers can gain a deeper appreciation for the historical and theological dimensions of Scripture.Iph'tahel (2 Occurrences)

Joshua 19:14
And the border turned about it on the north to Hannathon; and the goings out thereof were at the valley of Iphtahel;
(See RSV)

Joshua 19:27
And it turned toward the sunrising to Beth-dagon, and reached to Zebulun and to the valley of Iphtahel northward at Beth-emek and Neiel; and it went out to Cabul on the left hand,
(See RSV)

Iph'tahel (2 Occurrences)
Iph'tahel. Iphtahel, Iph'tahel. Iphtah-el . Multi-Version Concordance
Iph'tahel (2 Occurrences). Joshua 19:14 And the border turned ...
/i/iph'tahel.htm - 6k

Iphtahel (2 Occurrences)

/i/iphtahel.htm - 7k

Iphtah-el (2 Occurrences)
Iphtah-el. Iph'tahel, Iphtah-el. Ir . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
IPHTAH-EL. if ... BBE). Iph'tahel, Iphtah-el. Ir . Reference Bible.
/i/iphtah-el.htm - 7k

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