or מִגְדֹּל; probably of Egyptian origin; Migdol, a place in Egypt; Migdol, tower.
Transliteration:Migdôwl
Pronunciation:mig-dole'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H4024}}` (מִגְדּוֹל, Migdôwl) primarily functions as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location in ancient Egypt. While its base definition notes a potential semantic connection to "tower," suggesting a possible etymological link or a description of the type of settlement (a fortified town or watchtower), its usage in the biblical text is consistently as a place name. The alternative spelling מִגְדֹּל is also noted. The suggestion of "Egyptian origin" indicates it may be a loanword or a place name with an Egyptian root, though its phonetic similarity to the Hebrew common noun for "tower" (`{{H4026}}`, מִגְדָּל) is notable. Therefore, while it may conceptually evoke the idea of a tower or fortress, its direct meaning in scripture is almost exclusively that of a named locality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H4024}}` appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, always referring to a significant location in Egypt:
1. **Exodus 14:2**: "Speak to the people of Israel that they turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp opposite it, by the sea." Here, Migdol marks a crucial geographical point in the Exodus narrative, defining the Israelites' position just before the crossing of the Red Sea. It is presented as a boundary or landmark.
2. **Numbers 33:7**: "They set out from Etham and turned back to Pi-hahiroth, which is opposite Baal-zephon, and they camped before Migdol." This verse corroborates the location from Exodus, reinforcing its significance as a waypoint in the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom.
3. **Jeremiah 44:1**: "The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews who were dwelling in the land of Egypt, dwelling in Migdol, and in Tahpanhes, and in Memphis, and in the land of Pathros, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: You yourselves have seen all the disaster that I have brought upon Jerusalem and upon all the cities of Judah...'" This passage places Migdol as one of the key cities where Jewish exiles settled in Egypt after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem. It indicates a significant Jewish presence there.
4. **Jeremiah 46:14**: "Declare in Migdol, and proclaim in Memphis and Tahpanhes; say, 'Stand ready and prepare yourselves, for the sword has devoured around you.'" In this prophetic oracle against Egypt, Migdol is again listed among prominent Egyptian cities, serving as a place where divine judgment is to be declared.
5. **Ezekiel 29:10**: "Therefore, behold, I am against you and against your canals, and I will make the land of Egypt a desolate waste, from Migdol to Syene, even to the border of Ethiopia." Here, Migdol is used to denote the northernmost extent of Egypt, with Syene (`{{H5482}}`) marking its southernmost border. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the coming desolation.
6. **Ezekiel 30:6**: "Thus says the Lord GOD: 'Those who support Egypt shall fall, and her proud might shall come down, from Migdol to Syene they shall fall by the sword in it,' declares the Lord GOD." This reiterates the use of Migdol and Syene as geographical markers for the full span of Egypt, emphasizing the totality of God's judgment upon the nation.
In all occurrences, `{{H4024}}` consistently refers to a specific place in Egypt, often a border town or a significant settlement, never a generic "tower."
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related Hebrew word is `{{H4026}}` (מִגְדָּל, migdal), which is the common noun for "tower" or "fortress." While `{{H4024}}` (Migdol) is a proper noun, its name likely derives from or is related to this root, suggesting that the place Migdol was known for having a tower or being a fortified stronghold.
Other related concepts include:
* **Egyptian Geography**: The mentions of Pi-hahiroth, Baal-zephon, Tahpanhes, Memphis, Syene, and Pathros situate Migdol within the broader geographical context of ancient Egypt.
* **Exodus Narrative**: Migdol is inextricably linked to the miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, marking a point of seemingly insurmountable obstacle and divine intervention.
* **Prophetic Judgment**: In Jeremiah and Ezekiel, Migdol appears in prophecies concerning the judgment and desolation of Egypt, highlighting God's sovereign control over nations.
* **Fortification/Border Town**: Given the likely etymological connection to "tower" and its placement in border descriptions, Migdol was likely a fortified outpost.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4024}}` (Migdol) is multifaceted, primarily stemming from its role in two major biblical narratives:
1. **The Exodus**: As a geographical marker in the Exodus account, Migdol represents a point of divine entrapment and subsequent miraculous deliverance. The Israelites, cornered between Migdol, the sea, and the pursuing Egyptian army, faced an impossible situation. God's command to encamp there ([[Exodus 14:2]]) underscores His sovereign control over seemingly hopeless circumstances. Migdol thus symbolizes the place where human inability meets divine omnipotence, leading to a profound display of God's salvific power and faithfulness to His covenant people. It is a testament to the Lord's ability to make a way where there is no way.
2. **Prophecy Against Egypt**: In the prophetic books, Migdol's repeated mention alongside other major Egyptian cities ([[Jeremiah 44:1]], [[Jeremiah 46:14]]) and as a boundary marker for the entire land of Egypt ([[Ezekiel 29:10]], [[Ezekiel 30:6]]) highlights God's comprehensive sovereignty. The prophecies of judgment extending "from Migdol to Syene" emphasize that no part of Egypt, from its northernmost fortified outposts to its southernmost reaches, is beyond the scope of God's righteous judgment. This demonstrates that even powerful empires are subject to the divine will and are accountable for their actions, particularly their oppression of God's people or their idolatry. Migdol, in this context, serves as a geographical witness to the universality of God's dominion.
### Summary
`{{H4024}}` (מִגְדּוֹל, Migdôwl) is a significant Hebrew proper noun, consistently referring to a specific location in ancient Egypt. While semantically related to the common noun "tower" (`{{H4026}}`), its biblical usage is exclusively as a place name, likely a fortified border town. Its primary theological import derives from two key contexts: first, as a pivotal geographical point in the Exodus narrative, where it symbolizes God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from an impossible situation; and second, in prophetic oracles against Egypt, where it serves as a geographical marker for the northern extent of the land, underscoring God's comprehensive sovereignty and judgment over all nations. Migdol, therefore, stands as a silent witness to both divine salvation and divine justice throughout biblical history.
TRV