Etymology and Meaning: The name "Iphtahel" 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 divine action or intervention.

Biblical References: Iphtahel is mentioned in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. Specifically, it is referenced in the Book of Joshua as part of the delineation of the land allotted to the tribe of Zebulun. The relevant passage is found in Joshua 19:14-15 : "Then the border circled westward to Aznoth-tabor and went from there to Hukkok. It touched Zebulun on the south, Asher on the west, and Judah at the Jordan on the east."

Geographical Context: Iphtahel is associated with a valley or region that played a role in defining the tribal territories during the conquest and settlement of Canaan. The Valley of Iphtahel is believed to be located in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the territories of Zebulun and Asher. This area is characterized by its fertile land and strategic location, which would have been significant for agricultural and military purposes.

Historical and Theological Significance: The mention of Iphtahel in the Bible underscores the importance of land and territory in the narrative of the Israelites. The division of the Promised Land among the tribes was a fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it signified the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's providence. The precise boundaries, including regions like Iphtahel, were divinely ordained and served to maintain order and identity among the tribes.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights: While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Iphtahel is limited, the general region aligns with known historical and geographical data from ancient Israel. The Valley of Iphtahel would have been a vital area for trade and communication between the northern tribes and their neighbors. Its mention in the biblical text highlights the interconnectedness of the tribes and their reliance on God's guidance in settling the land.

Related Biblical Themes: The allocation of land in the Book of Joshua is a recurring theme that emphasizes God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. The detailed descriptions of boundaries, including places like Iphtahel, reflect the importance of obedience to God's commands and the orderly establishment of the Israelite community. The narrative also serves as a reminder of the spiritual inheritance that believers receive through faith, paralleling the physical inheritance of the land by the Israelites.IPHTAH-EL

if'-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.

W. Ewing

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 - 6kIphtahel (2 Occurrences)
... Abellin, opens on the plain of Acre. W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance
Iphtahel (2 Occurrences). Joshua 19:14 and the border turned ...
/i/iphtahel.htm - 7k

Iph'tahel (2 Occurrences)
Iph'tahel. Iphtahel, Iph'tahel. Iphtah-el . Multi-Version Concordance Iph'tahel
(2 Occurrences). ... Iphtahel, Iph'tahel. Iphtah-el . Reference Bible.
/i/iph'tahel.htm - 6k

Turns (80 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 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). ...
/t/turns.htm - 28k

Zeb'ulun (41 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/z/zeb'ulun.htm - 16k

Nei'el (1 Occurrence)
... 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 ...
/n/nei'el.htm - 6k

Iphtah (3 Occurrences)

/i/iphtah.htm - 7k

Han'nathon (1 Occurrence)
... 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). ...
/h/han'nathon.htm - 6k

Boundary (83 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 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 NIV). ...
/b/boundary.htm - 30k

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