Migdalgad is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial allotments for the tribes of Israel. The name "Migdalgad" translates to "tower of fortune" or "tower of Gad," reflecting its possible significance or the nature of its establishment. It is listed among the cities in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah.

Biblical Reference:

Migdalgad is referenced in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. In Joshua 15:37, Migdalgad is mentioned as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah:

"Zenan, Hadashah, Migdalgad," (Joshua 15:37).

This verse is part of a larger passage that enumerates the towns and villages within the territory assigned to Judah. The context suggests that Migdalgad was one of the many settlements that formed the southern portion of Judah's inheritance.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The exact location of Migdalgad is not definitively known today, and it is not prominently featured in other historical or biblical records. However, its inclusion in the list of towns within Judah's territory indicates its existence during the period of the Israelite settlement in Canaan. The region allocated to Judah was extensive, encompassing a variety of landscapes, from the hill country to the lowlands and the Negev desert.

The mention of Migdalgad alongside other towns suggests it was part of a network of settlements that played a role in the daily life and administration of the tribe of Judah. The name itself, with "Migdal" meaning "tower," might imply a fortified location or a place of strategic importance, although specific details about its function or significance remain speculative.

Theological Significance:

While Migdalgad is not a focal point of theological discourse, its mention in the Bible contributes to the broader narrative of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The detailed account of land distribution in the Book of Joshua underscores the importance of land as a divine gift and a tangible sign of the covenant between God and His people.

The allocation of cities like Migdalgad to the tribe of Judah also foreshadows the central role that Judah would play in the unfolding account of Israel, ultimately leading to the emergence of King David and, according to Christian belief, the lineage of Jesus Christ. The meticulous recording of these towns serves as a testament to the historical and spiritual heritage of the Israelites.

Conclusion:

Migdalgad, though briefly mentioned, is part of the intricate tapestry of biblical history, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of His people in the land of Canaan. Its inclusion in the scriptural record highlights the importance of every detail in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.Migdalgad

tower compassed about

Migdalgad

(tower of Gad), a city of Judah, (Joshua 15:37) in the district of the Shefelah, or maritime lowland.

Tower of fortune, a town in the plains of Judah, probably the modern el-Mejdel, a little to the north-east of Ascalon (Joshua 15:37). MIGDAL-GAD

mig'-dal-gad (mighdalgadh, "tower of Gad"): One of a group of 16 cities of Judah situated in the "lowland" (Joshua 15:37). Of these, only Lachish, Eglon, Beth-dagon and Naamah have been identified with any certainty. This would indicate a site in the Philistine plain, and the modern flourishing town of Mejdel, 2 1/2 miles Northeast of Ashkelon, appears to be a possible identification. It is the most important town in the district which is named after it Nahiet el-Mejdel. It must, however, be admitted that it is difficult to see how Judah could have held a site so close to the great Philistine strongholds. It is very probable that Mejdel ("tower") is the tower mentioned in Josephus, BJ, III, ii, 3, as close to Ashkelon, and it or Migdalgad (or both if they are the same sites) may be identical with the Magtal of the Tell el-Amarna Letters (Petrie, Hist. Egypt, II, 329). For Mejdel see Palestine Exploration Fund, II, 410, Sh XVI.

E. W. G. Masterman

Migdalgad (1 Occurrence)
... It is very probable that Mejdel ("tower") is the tower mentioned in Josephus, BJ,
III, ii, 3, as close to Ashkelon, and it or Migdalgad (or both if they are ...
/m/migdalgad.htm - 8k

Migdal-gad (1 Occurrence)
Migdal-gad. Migdalgad, Migdal-gad. Mig'dal-gad . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Migdalgad, Migdal-gad. Mig'dal-gad . Reference Bible.
/m/migdal-gad.htm - 8k

Mig'dal-el (1 Occurrence)
Mig'dal-el. Migdal-el, Mig'dal-el. Migdalgad . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Migdal-el, Mig'dal-el. Migdalgad . Reference Bible.
/m/mig'dal-el.htm - 6k

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