plural of גַּל; springs; Gallim, a place in Palestine; Gallim.
Transliteration:Gallîym
Pronunciation:gal-leem'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גַּלִּים (Gallîym, `{{H1554}}`) is a proper noun, a place name found in the Old Testament. Its etymological root is the singular noun גַּל (gal, `{{H1553}}`), which carries a primary meaning of "heap" or "pile," often referring to a mound of stones or ruins ([[Genesis 31:48]]). It can also denote a "wave" of water ([[Jonah 2:3]]). While Strong's definition for גַּלִּים includes "springs," suggesting a possible connection to water sources, the dominant sense of the root גַּל is "heap." Therefore, גַּלִּים could etymologically signify a place characterized by multiple "heaps" (perhaps ruins or rocky outcrops) or, less commonly, "springs." In its biblical usage, however, its semantic range is restricted to its function as a geographical identifier.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
גַּלִּים (Gallîym, `{{H1554}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times as a specific location:
* In [[1 Samuel 25:44]], גַּלִּים is identified as the hometown of Palti, the son of Laish, to whom King Saul gave his daughter Michal, David's wife. This verse is part of the narrative detailing the escalating conflict between Saul and David, and Saul's increasingly desperate and ill-advised actions. The mention of Gallim here serves to ground the historical narrative in specific geographical detail, indicating Palti's origin.
* In [[Isaiah 10:30]], גַּלִּים is listed among a series of towns north of Jerusalem that are warned to "cry aloud" due to the impending Assyrian invasion. The sequence of towns—Gallim, Laishah, Anathoth, Madmenah, Gebim, Nob—provides a vivid geographical progression of the Assyrian advance towards Jerusalem. This prophetic context highlights the vulnerability of Judah's towns to foreign aggression, serving as a powerful illustration of divine judgment unfolding upon the land. The inclusion of Gallim in this list helps to geographically situate it within the tribal territory of Benjamin, likely north or northeast of Jerusalem.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the singular form, גַּל (gal, `{{H1553}}`), from which גַּלִּים (Gallîym) is derived. This root's primary meaning of "heap" or "pile" suggests that the place name Gallim may have originally described a prominent geographical feature of the area, such as a place with many stone heaps or ruins.
Other related concepts include:
* **Toponymy:** The study of place names, many of which in the Bible are descriptive of geographical features (e.g., "En Gedi" meaning "spring of the kid"). Gallim fits this pattern, regardless of whether its root refers to "heaps" or "springs."
* **Geographical Context:** Understanding the locations of biblical towns like Gallim is crucial for interpreting historical narratives and prophetic oracles, providing a tangible setting for the unfolding of God's plan.
* **Prophetic Geography:** In books like Isaiah, the precise naming of towns underscores the reality and specificity of divine judgment and salvation, demonstrating that God's actions are not abstract but impact real places and real people.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, גַּלִּים (Gallîym) does not inherently possess a deep theological meaning in itself. Its significance is primarily historical and geographical, serving to anchor biblical events in a concrete reality.
However, its contextual appearances contribute to broader theological themes:
* In [[1 Samuel 25:44]], Gallim is part of the backdrop to the unfolding drama of the Davidic covenant and the consequences of Saul's disobedience. The specific details, including place names, reinforce the historical veracity of the narrative, affirming God's active involvement in human history.
* In [[Isaiah 10:30]], Gallim's inclusion in the list of threatened towns underscores the pervasive nature of God's righteous judgment against the nations and, specifically, against unfaithful Judah. It illustrates the reach of divine sovereignty even over seemingly insignificant locations, demonstrating that no place is beyond God's purview or His purposes. The lament over Gallim and its neighbors serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of human endeavors and the inevitability of divine decree.
### Summary
גַּלִּים (Gallîym, `{{H1554}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a place name derived from גַּל (gal, `{{H1553}}`), meaning "heap" or "spring." It appears twice in the Old Testament. In [[1 Samuel 25:44]], it is identified as the hometown of Palti, to whom Saul gave Michal. In [[Isaiah 10:30]], Gallim is listed among the towns north of Jerusalem facing the Assyrian invasion, serving as a vivid detail in Isaiah's prophecy of judgment. While lacking intrinsic theological meaning, its presence grounds biblical narratives in specific historical and geographical contexts, affirming the reality of God's interaction with His people and the nations, and underscoring themes of divine judgment and historical authenticity.
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