from שָׁאַל; request; Mishal, a place in Palestine; Mishal, Misheal. Compare מָשָׁל.
Transliteration:Mishʼâl
Pronunciation:mish-awl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4861}}` מִשְׁאָל (Mishʼâl) is derived from the verbal root שָׁאַל (sha'al), which primarily signifies "to ask," "to inquire," "to request," or "to demand" (cf. `{{H7592}}`). As a noun, מִשְׁאָל inherently carries the semantic weight of "a request" or "a petition." However, in its biblical occurrences, `{{H4861}}` functions exclusively as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine. This dual nature—a common noun meaning "request" and a proper noun for a place—suggests that the place name Mishal likely holds an etymological connection to the concept of "asking" or "requesting," possibly commemorating an event or characteristic associated with petitions or divine responses.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4861}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible three times, in each instance referring to a city named Mishal (or Misheal in some translations). Its occurrences are strictly within the context of the tribal allotments and Levitical cities:
* **[[Joshua 19:26]]**: Mishal is listed as one of the cities within the territory allotted to the tribe of Asher. This places it geographically in the northern part of ancient Israel, near the Mediterranean coast.
* **[[Joshua 21:30]]**: In the account of the Levitical cities, Mishal is designated as one of the cities given to the Gershonite families from the tribe of Asher. This highlights its role as a sacred site, set apart for the priests and Levites who served the Lord and taught His law.
* **[[1 Chronicles 6:74]]**: This passage reiterates Mishal's status as a Levitical city belonging to the Gershonites from the tribe of Asher, confirming its administrative and religious significance within the Israelite confederation.
In all contexts, `{{H4861}}` functions as a fixed geographical marker, not as a common noun denoting a "request." The biblical text offers no explicit narrative explaining *why* the city was named "Mishal," leaving its precise etymological significance in relation to its history open to scholarly interpretation. Its designation as a Levitical city underscores its importance in the religious and administrative framework of early Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H4861}}` is its root verb, שָׁאַל (sha'al, `{{H7592}}`), which encompasses the broad semantic field of asking, inquiring, and requesting. Other nouns derived from this root, such as שְׁאֵלָה (she'elah, `{{H7596}}`), which explicitly means "a request" or "a petition" (e.g., [[1 Samuel 1:27]]), represent the more common usage of the concept of "request" in biblical Hebrew.
The Strong's definition also notes a comparison to מָשָׁל (mashal, `{{H4912}}`), meaning "proverb," "parable," or "likeness." While phonetically similar, these two words derive from distinct roots (שָׁאַל vs. מָשַׁל, `{{H4910}}`, "to rule," "to be like"). The comparison likely serves as a cautionary note against confusing the two rather than indicating a direct semantic relationship, especially given the different primary meanings and biblical usages.
Concepts related to `{{H4861}}` through its root include:
* **Petition and Supplication:** The act of making a request to God or others.
* **Inquiry:** Seeking knowledge or divine guidance.
* **Divine Providence:** The idea that God answers prayers and provides for His people, potentially reflected in the naming of a place that suggests a "request" fulfilled.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H4861}}` itself is solely a place name in the biblical text, its etymological root in "request" offers subtle theological resonance. The naming of places in ancient Israel often carried symbolic weight, reflecting historical events, divine interventions, or the hopes and experiences of the people. Thus, "Mishal" (Place of Request) could implicitly point to:
* **God's Responsiveness to Prayer:** The name might commemorate a significant "request" made by the Israelites that God answered, perhaps related to their settlement in the land or the establishment of the Levitical system.
* **The Nature of Israel's Covenant Relationship:** The act of "asking" or "inquiring" is fundamental to a relationship with a covenant-keeping God. As a Levitical city, Mishal would have been a center for teaching the Law, where people would "inquire" of God's statutes and judgments.
* **Divine Provision for the Levites:** The allocation of specific cities, including Mishal, to the Levites (who had no tribal land inheritance) demonstrates God's faithful provision for those dedicated to His service, perhaps in response to their "request" for a dwelling place.
The theological significance, therefore, lies not in a direct theological statement made *by* the word Mishal, but in the potential symbolic depth of its name within the broader narrative of God's interaction with Israel and the sacred geography of the Promised Land.
### Summary
`{{H4861}}` מִשְׁאָל (Mishʼâl) is a Hebrew term derived from the root שָׁאַל, meaning "to ask" or "to request." Although its base meaning is "request," in all its biblical occurrences, `{{H4861}}` functions exclusively as a proper noun, designating a city in the territory of Asher. This city, Mishal, was specifically designated as one of the Levitical cities for the Gershonites. While the biblical text does not elaborate on the specific historical "request" that might have given the city its name, its etymological root subtly points to themes of petition, inquiry, and divine responsiveness. As a Levitical city, Mishal played a role in the religious and administrative structure of Israel, reinforcing the concept of a people who inquire of and are provided for by their God.
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