Topical Encyclopedia Iphtah-el, also referred to as the Valley of Iphtah-el, is a geographical location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is primarily noted in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel during the division of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua.Biblical References: The primary reference to Iphtah-el is found in the Book of Joshua. In Joshua 19:14, the text delineates the borders of the tribe of Zebulun: "Then the border circled westward to Hannathon and ended at the Valley of Iphtah-el." . This passage indicates that Iphtah-el was a significant landmark in defining the territorial extent of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Further mention is made in Joshua 19:27, which describes the boundary of the tribe of Asher: "It then turned eastward to Beth-dagon, touched Zebulun and the Valley of Iphtah-el, and went north to Beth-emek and Neiel, and continued north to Cabul." . This indicates that the Valley of Iphtah-el also served as a boundary marker for the tribe of Asher, suggesting its importance in the regional geography of ancient Israel. Geographical and Historical Context: The exact location of Iphtah-el is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to have been situated in the northern part of ancient Israel, within the region allocated to the tribes of Zebulun and Asher. The valley likely served as a natural boundary, which was a common practice in ancient times for delineating tribal territories. The name "Iphtah-el" itself is thought to mean "God opens" or "God will open," reflecting a possible theological significance or a characteristic of the landscape, such as a pass or a valley opening. The use of natural features like valleys, rivers, and mountains as boundary markers was typical in the ancient Near East, providing clear and recognizable divisions between different tribal lands. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the mention of Iphtah-el in the Bible underscores the importance of land and inheritance in the covenantal relationship between God and the people of Israel. The division of the land among the tribes was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it symbolized the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's sovereignty. The precise delineation of tribal boundaries, including references to locations like Iphtah-el, highlights the ordered and purposeful nature of God's provision for His people. It also serves as a reminder of the historical reality of the biblical narrative, grounding the spiritual promises of Scripture in tangible, geographical realities. In summary, Iphtah-el is a significant biblical location that played a role in the territorial organization of the tribes of Israel. Its mention in the Scriptures reflects both the historical and theological dimensions of the biblical account of the Promised Land. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia IPHTAH-ELif'-ta-el (yiphtach-'el; the King James Version Jiphtah-el): The valley of Iphtah-el lay on the North border of Zebulun (Joshua 19:14, 27). Northwest of the plain of el-Battauf stands a steep hill, connected only by a low saddle with the hills on the North. The name Tell Jefat suggests the Jotapata of Josephus (BJ, III, vi, i; vii, i, etc.), and the place answers well to his description. It probably corresponds to the ancient Iphtah-el. In that case the valley is most probably that which begins at Tell Jefat, passes round the South of Jebel Kaukab, and, as Wady 'Abellin, opens on the plain of Acre. Strong's Hebrew 3317. Yiphtach-el -- "God opens," a valley between Zebulun and ...... Yiphtach-el. 3318 . "God opens," a valley between Zebulun and Asher. Transliteration: Yiphtach-el Phonetic Spelling: (yif-tach-ale') Short Definition: Iphtahel ... /hebrew/3317.htm - 6k Thesaurus Iphtahel (2 Occurrences)...Iphtahel (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 Iphtah-el; ( ... /i/iphtahel.htm - 7k Iphtah-el (2 Occurrences) Iph'tahel (2 Occurrences) Iphtah (3 Occurrences) El (8 Occurrences) Turns (80 Occurrences) North (164 Occurrences) Zeb'ulun (41 Occurrences) Kattath (1 Occurrence) Neiel (1 Occurrence) Resources What are the different names of God, and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the word Elohim? | GotQuestions.org What are the attributes of God? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Iphtah-el (2 Occurrences)Joshua 19:14 Joshua 19:27 Subtopics Related Terms |
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