xlit Yidălâh corrected to Yidʼălâh; of uncertain derivation; Jidalah, a place in Palestine; Idalah.
Transliteration:Yidʼălâh
Pronunciation:yid-al-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3030}}` יִדְאֲלָה (Yidʼălâh) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its base definition indicates it is "of uncertain derivation," meaning its etymological roots or a discernible semantic meaning within the Hebrew lexicon are not clearly established. As a proper noun, `{{H3030}}` does not possess a semantic range in the manner of common nouns or verbs; rather, it refers to a singular, specific location in ancient Palestine. Its significance is primarily tied to its geographical identification and its role within the biblical narrative's detailed description of land distribution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name `{{H3030}}` Yidʼălâh occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Joshua:
* **[[Joshua 19:15]]**: "And Kattath, and Nahalal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages."
In this solitary occurrence, Idalah is listed as one of the twelve cities belonging to the inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun. This verse is part of the meticulous record of the tribal allotments of the land of Canaan, following the conquest under Joshua. The inclusion of Idalah within this detailed list underscores the precision with which the biblical text records the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel regarding the land. Its placement among other known or identifiable locations (such as Bethlehem, though not the famous Bethlehem of Judah) within Zebulun's territory provides a geographical anchor for the tribe's boundaries. The listing of these cities, including Idalah, serves as an administrative and historical document, affirming the divine allocation of territory to each tribe.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that `{{H3030}}` is a proper noun of uncertain derivation, it does not share direct linguistic roots with other Hebrew words in the same way a verb or common noun might. However, its context links it to several significant biblical concepts:
* **Tribal Allotments (נַחֲלָה, *nachalah* `{{H5159}}`):** Idalah is intrinsically connected to the concept of Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land, specifically the division of territory among the twelve tribes. This process, detailed in Joshua chapters 13-21, is central to the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant.
* **Geographical Boundaries:** The mention of Idalah contributes to the precise delineation of tribal borders, emphasizing the ordered and divinely ordained nature of Israel's settlement.
* **Historical Veracity:** The inclusion of such specific, seemingly minor place names like Idalah, even if their modern identification is challenging, lends a sense of historical realism and meticulous record-keeping to the biblical narrative.
* **Divine Faithfulness:** The entire account of the land distribution, in which Idalah plays a small part, testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H3030}}` Yidʼălâh itself does not carry intrinsic theological meaning beyond its referential identity, its presence in the biblical text contributes to several profound theological truths:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Order:** The precise listing of towns like Idalah within the tribal allotments demonstrates God's meticulous oversight and sovereign control over the land and its distribution. It underscores that the land was not merely seized by military might, but was divinely apportioned according to God's will and wisdom.
2. **Fulfillment of Promise:** The detailed account of the land's division, in which Idalah is a component, serves as tangible evidence of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning the land of Canaan. Every city, however obscure, represents a piece of that fulfilled promise.
3. **The Importance of Detail in Scripture:** The inclusion of seemingly insignificant geographical details, such as a single mention of Idalah, highlights the comprehensive and authoritative nature of the biblical record. It suggests that even the minutiae of God's redemptive history are deemed worthy of preservation, contributing to the overall tapestry of His dealings with humanity.
4. **Historical Foundation of Faith:** The groundedness of the biblical narrative in specific historical and geographical realities, including places like Idalah, provides a concrete foundation for faith, asserting that the events described are not mythical but rooted in real-world existence.
### Summary
`{{H3030}}` Yidʼălâh is a proper noun identifying a specific place in ancient Palestine, whose etymological derivation remains uncertain. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Joshua 19:15]], where it is listed as one of the cities within the tribal inheritance of Zebulun. As a geographical marker, Idalah contributes to the meticulous detail of the land distribution narrative, serving as a testament to God's faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel. Its inclusion, alongside other specific locations, underscores the divine sovereignty over the land, the historical veracity of the biblical account, and the importance of even seemingly minor details in God's grand redemptive plan. Though a singular and obscure reference, Yidʼălâh is an integral thread in the rich tapestry of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land.
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