from נַחַל and אֵל; valley of God; Nachaliel, a place in the Desert; Nahaliel.
Transliteration:Nachălîyʼêl
Pronunciation:nakh-al-ee-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H5160, *Nachălîyʼêl* (נַחֲלִיאֵל), is a compound noun derived from two distinct elements: `{{H5158}}` *nachal* (נַחַל) and `{{H410}}` *ʼEl* (אֵל). The first component, *nachal*, carries a rich semantic range, primarily referring to a "wadi," "torrent valley," or "stream-bed," often dry for much of the year but prone to sudden floods. It can also denote a "river" or, by extension, an "inheritance" or "possession," though the geographical sense is clearly intended here. The second component, *ʼEl*, is a common Semitic term for "God" or "deity," frequently used in the Hebrew Bible as a name for the God of Israel. Thus, the most direct and widely accepted translation of *Nachălîyʼêl* is "Valley of God" or "God's Valley." This name suggests a place uniquely designated by or associated with the divine, implying either divine ownership, divine presence, or a place where God's activity was particularly manifest. The "valley" aspect might denote a geographical feature, a pathway, or even a place of humility or testing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *Nachălîyʼêl* appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Numbers 21:19]]. This solitary occurrence is found within a poetic itinerary detailing the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, specifically after their victory over the Amorites and before their encounter with Sihon. The verse reads: "And from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth." This sequence of place names marks specific stopping points or significant locations along their route. In this context, Nachaliel functions as a geographical marker, one of the many waypoints on the Israelites' divinely guided but often arduous trek from Egypt to the Promised Land. Its inclusion in this poetic list, alongside other places like Beer ("Well") and Bamoth ("High Places"), suggests it was a notable landmark. While the text does not provide further details about events that transpired at Nachaliel, its name, "Valley of God," stands out among the other locations, hinting at a divine connection to this specific point in their journey. The very act of naming a place "Valley of God" in the barren wilderness speaks to the constant, intimate presence of Yahweh with His people, even in seemingly desolate or unremarkable locations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are the constituent elements of *Nachălîyʼêl*: `{{H5158}}` *nachal* and `{{H410}}` *ʼEl*. The term *nachal* (valley/wadi) is crucial for understanding the physical landscape implied. Valleys in the biblical narrative often serve as places of passage (e.g., the Valley of the Shadow of Death, [[Psalm 23:4]]), battle ([[Joshua 10:12]]), or significant events. The specific nature of a "wadi" – a dry riverbed that can suddenly become a torrent – might symbolize the unpredictable nature of wilderness life, where divine provision or judgment can appear suddenly. The divine name `{{H410}}` *ʼEl* is foundational, appearing in numerous personal and place names (e.g., Bethel, "House of God"; Israel, "He strives with God"). Its presence here elevates the valley from a mere geographical feature to a site imbued with divine significance. Conceptually, *Nachălîyʼêl* connects to themes of divine guidance in the wilderness, the Lord's intimate knowledge of His people's journey, and the idea that even desolate places can be touched by God's presence. It also relates to other named locations that signify divine activity or presence, such as Beer-lahai-roi ("Well of the Living One who Sees Me," [[Genesis 16:14]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *Nachălîyʼêl* lies primarily in its evocative name, "Valley of God." Even though the Bible provides no specific narrative about events occurring there, the name itself speaks volumes about God's pervasive presence and sovereignty. In the context of the wilderness wanderings, a period marked by hardship, testing, and divine provision, the naming of a place as "God's Valley" underscores the theological conviction that Yahweh was actively involved in every detail of Israel's journey. It suggests that even in a seemingly insignificant valley in the desert, God's presence was acknowledged or manifest. This concept resonates with the broader biblical theme that God is not confined to temples or specific holy sites but is present with His people wherever they go ([[Exodus 33:14]]). *Nachălîyʼêl* can be seen as a microcosm of God's faithful guidance through challenging terrains, a reminder that even in the "valleys" of life, God is present, watching over, and leading His people. It transforms a mere geographical point into a theological statement about divine immanence and providence.
### Summary
*Nachălîyʼêl* (H5160), meaning "Valley of God," is a place name mentioned only once in the biblical narrative, serving as a waypoint in the Israelites' wilderness journey in [[Numbers 21:19]]. Its etymology, combining *nachal* (valley/wadi) and *ʼEl* (God), powerfully conveys a location intimately connected with the divine. While specific events at Nachaliel are unrecorded, its very name carries profound theological weight, signifying God's active and intimate presence with His people even in the desolate and challenging landscapes of the wilderness. It stands as a silent testament to divine guidance and providence, reminding us that God's sovereignty extends to every detail of our journey, transforming even the most ordinary or difficult "valleys" into places touched by His holy presence.
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