Neiel is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribe of Asher. The name "Neiel" is believed to mean "moved by God" or "God's dwelling," reflecting the theocentric nature of many place names in ancient Israel.

Biblical Reference:

Neiel is referenced in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. In Joshua 19:27, the text outlines the borders of the tribe of Asher: "Then it turned toward the sunrise to Beth-dagon, reached Zebulun and the Valley of Iphtah-el, then went north to Beth-emek and Neiel, and continued to Cabul on the left" . This passage situates Neiel within the northern region of Israel, near other significant locations such as Beth-emek and Cabul.

Geographical Context:

The precise location of Neiel is not definitively known today, as is the case with many ancient biblical sites. However, it is generally understood to have been situated in the northern part of the land allotted to Asher, a tribe known for its fertile territory along the Mediterranean coast. The proximity to other towns like Beth-emek and Cabul suggests that Neiel was part of a network of settlements that played a role in the agricultural and possibly trade activities of the region.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The mention of Neiel, though brief, contributes to the broader narrative of the Israelites' settlement in Canaan. Each town and boundary marker listed in the tribal allotments underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the inheritance of the land. The detailed descriptions of these boundaries also highlight the importance of land and territory in the identity and sustenance of the Israelite tribes.

From a theological perspective, the allocation of land to the tribes, including the mention of places like Neiel, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the realization of His covenant with Israel. It reflects the divine order and providence in the establishment of the nation of Israel, with each tribe receiving its portion as ordained by God.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

While archaeological evidence for Neiel specifically is limited, the study of the region associated with the tribe of Asher provides insights into the cultural and economic life of the Israelites during the period of settlement. The area was known for its agricultural productivity, particularly olive oil, which was a valuable commodity in ancient times. The strategic location along trade routes would have facilitated interactions with neighboring peoples, influencing the cultural and economic development of the tribe.

In summary, Neiel, though a minor location in the biblical text, is part of the intricate tapestry of Israel's history and God's unfolding plan for His people. Its mention in the territorial descriptions of Asher underscores the importance of land in the biblical narrative and the fulfillment of divine promises.Neiel

commotion, or moving, of God

Neiel

(moved by God), a place which formed one of the landmarks of the boundary of the tribe of Asher. (Joshua 19:27) only. It occurs between Jiphthahel and Cabul. If the former of these be identified with Jefat , and the latter with Kabul , eight or nine miles east-southeast of Akka , then Neiel may possibly be represented by Miar , a village conspicuously placed on a lofty mountain brow, just halfway between the two.

Dwelling-place of God, a town in the territory of Asher, near its southern border (Joshua 19:27). It has been identified with the ruin Y'anin, near the outlet of the Wady esh Sha-ghur, less than 2 miles north of Kabul, and 16 miles east of Caesarea. NEIEL

ne`i'-el (ne`i'el; Codex Vaticanus Inael; Codex Alexandrinus Aniel): A town on the boundary between Zebulun and Asher mentioned between Jiftah-el and Cabul (Joshua 19:27). It may be the same as Neah (Joshua 19:13), but the place is not identified.

5272b. Neiel -- a place on the border of Asher
... 5272a, 5272b. Neiel. 5273 . a place on the border of Asher. Transliteration:
Neiel Short Definition: Neiel. Word Origin of uncertain ...
/hebrew/5272b.htm - 5k

5272. N'iy'el -- youth, early life
N'iy'el. 5271, 5272. N'iy'el. 5272a . youth, early life. Transliteration:
N'iy'el Phonetic Spelling: (neh-ee-ale') Short Definition: Neiel. Neiel ...
/hebrew/5272.htm - 5k

Neiel (1 Occurrence)
... of Caesarea. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NEIEL. ne`i ... not identified.
Multi-Version Concordance Neiel (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19 ...
/n/neiel.htm - 7k

Nei'el (1 Occurrence)
Nei'el. Neiel, Nei'el. Neigh . Multi-Version Concordance Nei'el (1 Occurrence).
Joshua ... RSV). Neiel, Nei'el. Neigh . Reference Bible.
/n/nei'el.htm - 6k

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

Neah (1 Occurrence)
... mentioned along with Gath-hepher and Rimmon. It is possibly identical with
"Neiel" (Joshua 19:27). No name resembling either of these ...
/n/neah.htm - 7k

Nehush'tan (1 Occurrence)
Nehush'tan. Nehushtan, Nehush'tan. Neiel . Multi-Version Concordance
Nehush'tan (1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Nehushtan, Nehush'tan. Neiel . Reference
/n/nehush'tan.htm - 6k

Jiphthah-el (2 Occurrences)
... 19:27 and turned towards the sun-rising to Beth-Dagon, and reached to Zebulun, and
to the valley of Jiphthah-el northward to Beth-emek and Neiel, and went out ...
/j/jiphthah-el.htm - 7k

Jiphthahel (2 Occurrences)
... And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the
valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth ...
/j/jiphthahel.htm - 7k

Iphtahel (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:27 and it turned toward the sunrising to Beth-dagon, and reached to Zebulun,
and to the valley of Iphtah-el northward to Beth-emek and Neiel; and it ...
/i/iphtahel.htm - 7k

Iphtah-el (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:27 and it turned toward the sunrising to Beth-dagon, and reached to Zebulun,
and to the valley of Iphtah-el northward to Beth-emek and Neiel; and it ...
/i/iphtah-el.htm - 7k

Iph'tahel (2 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 ...
/i/iph'tahel.htm - 6k

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