The Hebrew word Yirpᵉʼêl, represented by H3416, is a proper name for a place in Palestine. Its name is derived from a combination of words meaning God will heal. It appears only 1 time in a single verse in the entire biblical record, marking it as a highly specific geographical reference.
The sole appearance of H3416 is in the book of Joshua, within the detailed account of the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel. Specifically, it is listed as one of the cities given to the tribe of Benjamin. The verse states, "And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah," situating it geographically and tribally within the promised land Joshua 18:27. Its context is purely that of a geographical marker in the division of inheritance for God's people.
Several related words appear alongside H3416 in its only biblical mention, defining its immediate geographical context:
- H7552 Reqem (versi-color; Rekem, the name of a place in Palestine, also of a Midianite and an Israelite; Rekem): This location is listed directly before Irpeel in the same verse Joshua 18:27. The name also belongs to a Midianite king slain by the Israelites Numbers 31:8 and several individuals in Israel's genealogies 1 Chronicles 2:43.
- H8634 Tarʼălâh (a reeling; Taralah, a place in Palestine; Taralah): This city is named immediately after Irpeel in the list of Benjamin's inheritance, solidifying its position as a neighboring town Joshua 18:27.
Despite its single use, the theological weight of H3416 is found in its meaning.
- A Statement of Faith: The name Irpeel itself means "God will heal." Naming a location this way embeds a profound statement of faith into the very geography of the promised land.
- Promise of Restoration: As a city within the inheritance of Israel, its name serves as a constant reminder of God's character as a healer and restorer for His people.
- Divine Presence: The inclusion of "El" (God) in the name signifies God's active presence and power within the land He covenanted to His people.
In summary, H3416 is more than just a forgotten place name on a list. While it appears only once in the context of a land allotment for Benjamin Joshua 18:27, its intrinsic meaning—"God will heal"—carries a significant theological message. It illustrates how even geographical markers in the Bible can testify to the character of God and His relationship with His people.
TRV