from יָרָה and אֵל; founded of God; Jeruel, a place in Palestine; Jeruel.
Transliteration:Yᵉrûwʼêl
Pronunciation:yer-oo-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3385 (Yᵉrûwʼêl, יְרוּאֵל) is a compound proper noun, specifically a place name, derived from two root elements: יָרָה (yarah) and אֵל (El). The first element, יָרָה (yarah - `{{H3384}}`), carries a semantic range that includes "to throw," "to cast," "to shoot" (as an arrow), "to pour," and significantly, "to lay a foundation" or "to found." It can also mean "to instruct" or "to teach," but in the context of a geographical name, the sense of founding or establishing is most pertinent. The second element, אֵל (El - `{{H410}}`), is the common Semitic word for "God" or "deity," invariably referring to the singular God of Israel in the biblical context. Therefore, the name Yᵉrûwʼêl is best understood as "founded of God" or "established by God." This etymology points to a divine origin or a divine act of establishment associated with the place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name Yᵉrûwʼêl occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the historical narrative of [[2 Chronicles 20:16]]. This passage describes a critical moment in the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Faced with a massive invading coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites, Jehoshaphat seeks the Lord through prayer and fasting. In response, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Jahaziel, a Levite, who delivers a prophetic message of divine deliverance. Jahaziel instructs the people: "Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel."
The mention of "Jeruel" here is purely geographical, pinpointing a specific location in the wilderness where the armies would converge. The instruction to meet the enemy at this precise spot, "before the wilderness of Jeruel," underscores the divine orchestration of the impending battle. The name "founded of God" for this location takes on profound significance in this context. It implies that even this remote wilderness spot is not random but divinely appointed as the stage for God's miraculous intervention, where Judah would witness the Lord fighting on their behalf without them needing to strike a blow. The very ground they stood upon was, in essence, "founded of God" for this specific purpose of demonstrating His power and faithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are the constituent elements of H3385.
* **יָרָה (yarah - `{{H3384}}`):** This verb's diverse meanings are crucial. While it often denotes throwing or shooting, its use in the sense of "laying a foundation" (e.g., [[Job 38:6]], where the earth's foundations are "laid") is directly relevant to Yᵉrûwʼêl. This aspect emphasizes the act of divine establishment. The meaning "to teach" or "to instruct" (e.g., Torah from this root) also subtly resonates, as the events at Jeruel served as a divine instruction in trusting God.
* **אֵל (El - `{{H410}}`):** This common noun for God is foundational to many biblical names, both personal and geographical. Its presence in Yᵉrûwʼêl unequivocally attributes the "founding" to the sovereign God of Israel. Other names incorporating אֵל (e.g., Bethel - "house of God," Israel - "he struggles with God," Immanuel - "God with us") similarly highlight divine involvement, presence, or action.
* **Divine Establishment/Foundation:** The concept of God establishing or founding places, nations, and covenants is a pervasive biblical theme. From the creation of the world (e.g., [[Psalm 104:5]]) to the establishment of Israel as a nation and the future New Jerusalem, God's role as the ultimate founder and sustainer is consistently affirmed. Yᵉrûwʼêl serves as a microcosm of this grand theological truth, demonstrating God's meticulous sovereignty even over specific geographical points.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of Yᵉrûwʼêl carries significant theological weight, particularly within the narrative of [[2 Chronicles 20]].
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Place:** The name "founded of God" underscores God's absolute sovereignty, not just over events and people, but even over specific geographical locations. The wilderness of Jeruel was not a random battlefield; it was a place divinely purposed for God to manifest His power and deliver His people. This highlights that God's plan extends to the very physical settings of human history.
2. **God's Active Presence in Crisis:** In a moment of national crisis and overwhelming odds, God directs Jehoshaphat to a specific location named "founded of God." This reinforces the message that God is present and active even in desolate or threatening environments. The name itself would have served as an implicit reminder to Jehoshaphat and his army that they were standing on ground that was, in a profound sense, consecrated and ordained by God for His redemptive purposes.
3. **Encouragement to Trust:** The name's meaning would have served as a powerful encouragement to the beleaguered people of Judah. If the very wilderness where they were to face their enemies was "founded of God," then surely God's hand was upon them and their situation. It reinforced the prophetic word that the battle was not theirs, but God's, inviting radical trust and reliance on divine intervention.
### Summary
H3385 (Yᵉrûwʼêl, יְרוּאֵל) is a unique Hebrew place name meaning "founded of God" or "established by God," derived from the roots יָרָה (to found) and אֵל (God). Its sole biblical appearance in [[2 Chronicles 20:16]] places it as a crucial geographical marker in the wilderness where King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were divinely directed to confront their enemies. The name's etymology carries profound theological implications, highlighting God's meticulous sovereignty over all creation, including specific locations, and His active presence in the midst of human crises. Yᵉrûwʼêl stands as a silent testament to God's purpose and power, reminding believers that even the most desolate or dangerous places can be divinely ordained stages for His mighty acts of deliverance, calling for unwavering trust in His providential care.
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