from זָרַע and אֵל; God will sow; Jizreel, the name of two places in Palestine and of two Israelites; Jezreel.
Transliteration:Yizrᵉʻêʼl
Pronunciation:yiz-reh-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3157}}` (Yizrᵉʻêʼl) is a compound word derived from `{{H2232}}` (zaraʻ), meaning "to sow, scatter seed," and `{{H410}}` (ʼĒl), meaning "God." Thus, its literal and foundational meaning is "God will sow" or "God sows." This etymology immediately points to divine agency and the act of planting or establishing. The semantic range of `{{H3157}}` extends beyond a simple agricultural act to encompass divine action in history, particularly in terms of both judgment and restoration, as God "sows" consequences or new beginnings. It functions primarily as a geographical designation for a significant valley and a city in ancient Israel, but also as a personal name, notably in the prophetic book of Hosea, where its symbolic weight is fully realized.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H3157}}` appears numerous times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily referring to two distinct geographical locations and two individuals.
1. **The Jezreel Valley (Plain of Esdraelon):** This expansive and fertile plain, often referred to as the "Valley of Jezreel," was of immense strategic importance due to its central location and accessibility. It served as a major battleground throughout Israelite history.
* In [[Judges 6:33]], Gideon confronts the Midianites and Amalekites gathered in the Valley of Jezreel.
* [[1 Samuel 29:1]] describes the Philistines gathering their forces at Aphek before their decisive battle against Saul, with Israel encamped by the spring in Jezreel.
* The prophet Hosea alludes to a future day of judgment and restoration connected to this valley in [[Hosea 1:5]], stating, "I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel."
2. **The City of Jezreel:** Located within the valley, this city was part of the inheritance of the tribe of Issachar ([[Joshua 19:18]]). It gained notorious prominence as a royal residence for King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.
* The infamous incident of Naboth's vineyard, where Ahab coveted and Jezebel orchestrated Naboth's murder, took place in Jezreel ([[1 Kings 21:1]], [[1 Kings 21:23]]). This act of injustice and bloodshed becomes a key reference point for prophetic judgment.
* Jehu's violent coup, sanctioned by God, saw the execution of Jezebel and the slaughter of Ahab's descendants in Jezreel ([[2 Kings 9:10]], [[2 Kings 9:30]], [[2 Kings 10:11]]). The "blood of Jezreel" thus became a potent symbol of divine retribution for the sins of the Omride dynasty.
3. **Individuals named Jezreel:**
* A descendant of Judah, mentioned in a genealogical list in [[1 Chronicles 4:3]].
* Most significantly, the first son born to the prophet Hosea and Gomer ([[Hosea 1:4]]). This naming is deeply symbolic, serving as a prophetic sign. God commands Hosea to name his son Jezreel, declaring, "for in a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel." This directly links the name to the historical events at Jezreel (Jehu's purge) and foreshadows God's judgment on the Northern Kingdom. However, in a profound reversal, the name also signifies future restoration in [[Hosea 2:22]] (Hebrew 2:24), where God declares, "I will sow her for Myself in the land." This indicates a future re-establishment and flourishing of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct cognate is the verbal root `{{H2232}}` (zaraʻ), "to sow," which underpins the meaning of `{{H3157}}`. This root is frequently used in agricultural contexts, but also metaphorically for sowing seed, sowing righteousness, or sowing wickedness, with the expectation of a corresponding harvest (e.g., [[Job 4:8]], [[Proverbs 11:18]], [[Galatians 6:7]]). The divine agent `{{H410}}` (ʼĒl), "God," underscores that this "sowing" is a purposeful, sovereign act.
Concepts closely related to `{{H3157}}` include:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God is the active agent who "sows" events, judgments, and new life.
* **Judgment and Retribution:** The "blood of Jezreel" vividly illustrates divine punishment for sin and injustice.
* **Restoration and Renewal:** The prophetic reversal in Hosea highlights God's capacity to "sow" His people anew, bringing forth fruitfulness after judgment.
* **Covenant Fidelity:** God's promise to "sow" Israel for Himself signifies His enduring commitment to His covenant people, even after discipline.
* **Agricultural Metaphors:** The imagery of sowing and reaping is pervasive in biblical thought, often applied to moral and spiritual principles.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3157}}` is profoundly revealed in the book of Hosea. Initially, the name serves as a stark reminder of God's impending judgment upon the Northern Kingdom of Israel, specifically targeting the dynasty of Jehu for its excessive and self-serving violence, even though Jehu's initial actions were divinely sanctioned ([[Hosea 1:4]]). The "blood of Jezreel" represents the accumulation of injustice and sin that necessitates divine intervention.
However, the remarkable theological depth of `{{H3157}}` lies in its dramatic reversal of meaning. In [[Hosea 2:22]] (Hebrew 2:24), God declares, "I will sow her for Myself in the land." Here, the very name that symbolized judgment becomes a promise of restoration. God, the ultimate Sower, will not merely scatter His people in judgment but will "sow" them back into the land, implying a re-gathering, re-establishment, and renewed fruitfulness. This is a powerful demonstration of God's redemptive purpose: His judgment is not final destruction but a means to purification and ultimate restoration. The name Jezreel thus encapsulates the divine paradox: God's righteous wrath against sin and His unfailing love that leads to reconciliation and new life. It testifies to God's active involvement in human history, orchestrating both consequence and grace according to His sovereign plan.
### Summary
`{{H3157}}` (Yizrᵉʻêʼl), meaning "God will sow," is a multifaceted term in the Hebrew Bible. It designates both a strategically vital plain and a city, historically significant as a site of battles and royal intrigue, most notably associated with the injustices of Ahab and Jezebel and the subsequent judgment enacted by Jehu. Prophetically, the name reaches its theological zenith in Hosea. Initially, it serves as a symbolic name for Hosea's son, signifying God's impending judgment on the house of Jehu and the kingdom of Israel, referencing the bloodshed at Jezreel. Yet, in a profound display of divine grace, the name is transformed to represent God's future act of restoration, where He will "sow" His people anew in the land, bringing forth renewal and covenant fidelity. Thus, `{{H3157}}` powerfully encapsulates the arc of divine action: from sowing judgment for sin to sowing new life and restoration for His covenant people.
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