Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Jiphthah-el" is derived from Hebrew roots, often interpreted to mean "God opens" or "God will open." This name reflects the biblical tradition of attributing significant meanings to place names, often indicating divine intervention or characteristics of the location.

Biblical References:
Jiphthah-el is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is referenced in the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. The primary mention is found in Joshua 19:14, 27, where it is described as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun.

· Joshua 19:14 : "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."
· Joshua 19:27 : "It then turned eastward to Beth-dagon, touched Zebulun and the Valley of Jiphthah-el, and went north to Beth-emek and Neiel, extending to Cabul on the north."

Geographical Context:
Jiphthah-el is described as a valley, indicating a low-lying area surrounded by higher terrain. The Valley of Jiphthah-el is situated within the territory allotted to the tribe of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The specific geographical markers mentioned in the biblical text suggest that it was located in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the borders of the tribes of Asher and Naphtali.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
The Valley of Jiphthah-el, like many other locations mentioned in the tribal allotments, played a role in defining the territorial boundaries of the Israelite tribes as they settled in the Promised Land. The delineation of these boundaries was crucial for maintaining tribal identities and ensuring the equitable distribution of land among the descendants of Jacob.

In the broader cultural and historical context, the mention of Jiphthah-el highlights the importance of land and geography in the narrative of the Israelites. The division of the land was not only a practical matter but also a fulfillment of divine promises made to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the mention of Jiphthah-el in the Bible underscores the theme of divine providence and faithfulness. The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel is seen as a direct result of God's covenant with His people. The specific mention of locations like Jiphthah-el serves as a reminder of God's involvement in the historical and everyday lives of the Israelites.

The name itself, meaning "God opens," can be interpreted as a symbol of God's ability to open doors and provide opportunities for His people. It reflects the belief in God's sovereignty and His active role in guiding and sustaining the nation of Israel.

Archaeological Insights:
While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying the Valley of Jiphthah-el is limited, the general region of Zebulun has been the subject of various archaeological studies. These studies provide insights into the settlement patterns, culture, and history of the area during the biblical period. The identification of ancient sites and artifacts helps to corroborate the biblical narrative and offers a deeper understanding of the historical context in which these events took place.3317. Yiphtach-el -- "God opens," a valley between Zebulun and ...
... Jiphthah-el. From pathach and 'el; God will open; Jiphtach-el, a place in Palestine --
Jiphthah-el. see HEBREW pathach. see HEBREW 'el. 3316, 3317. ...
/hebrew/3317.htm - 6kJiphthahel (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JIPHTHAHEL. jif'-tha-el. See IPHTAH-EL.
Multi-Version Concordance Jiphthahel (2 Occurrences). ...
/j/jiphthahel.htm - 7k

Jiphthah-el (2 Occurrences)
Jiphthah-el. Jiphthahel, Jiphthah-el. Jiron . Multi-Version Concordance
Jiphthah-el (2 Occurrences). ... Jiphthahel, Jiphthah-el. Jiron . Reference Bible.
/j/jiphthah-el.htm - 7k

Northwards (4 Occurrences)
... Arabah; (DBY). Joshua 19:14 and the border turned round it northwards to
Hannathon: and ended in the valley of Jiphthah-el; ... (DBY). ...
/n/northwards.htm - 7k

Outgoings (21 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:14 And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the
outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel: (KJV YLT). ...
/o/outgoings.htm - 12k

Jiron (1 Occurrence)

/j/jiron.htm - 6k

Jiphthah (1 Occurrence)

/j/jiphthah.htm - 6k

Reacheth (23 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun,
and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and ...
/r/reacheth.htm - 13k

Bethdagon (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun,
and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and ...
/b/bethdagon.htm - 8k

Bethemek (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun,
and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and ...
/b/bethemek.htm - 7k

Compasseth (8 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:14 And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the
outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel: (KJV WBS). ...
/c/compasseth.htm - 8k

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