from the same as פֶּלֶט and אֵל; deliverance of God; Paltiel, the name of two Israelites; Paltiel, Phaltiel.
Transliteration:Palṭîyʼêl
Pronunciation:pal-tee-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun Palṭîyʼêl (`{{H6409}}`) is a compound name, meticulously crafted from two significant components: פֶּלֶט (pelet, `{{H6403}}`) and אֵל (ʾēl, `{{H410}}`). The root פֶּלֶט (pelet, `{{H6403}}`) conveys the meaning of "escape," "deliverance," "refuge," or "survival from danger." It speaks to the act of being rescued or preserved. The second element, אֵל (ʾēl, `{{H410}}`), is the ancient and foundational Semitic term for "God" or "deity," frequently used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to the one true God of Israel. Therefore, the name Palṭîyʼêl literally translates to "deliverance of God" or "God is my deliverance." Its semantic range is primarily restricted to its function as a personal name, yet its etymological roots imbue it with profound theological significance, pointing directly to divine intervention and salvation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Palṭîyʼêl (`{{H6409}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible as the name of two distinct individuals, each context illuminating a facet of the name's meaning:
1. **Paltiel, Son of Azan:** He is introduced in [[Numbers 34:26]] as the prince (נָשִׂיא, nasîʼ, `{{H5387}}`) of the tribe of Issachar. He is one of the twelve men, chosen by divine command through Moses, to assist Eleazar the priest and Joshua in the crucial task of dividing the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. His inclusion in this select commission underscores the importance of divine guidance and provision in the allocation of the promised inheritance. In this context, "deliverance of God" signifies God's faithfulness in delivering His people into the land He promised, securing their heritage through divinely appointed leadership.
2. **Paltiel, Son of Laish:** This individual is mentioned in the narrative concerning Michal, David's first wife. After David fled from Saul, Saul gave Michal to Paltiel, son of Laish, from Gallim ([[1 Samuel 25:44]]). This act was a clear violation of David's marriage covenant. Later, when David became king over all Israel, he demanded Michal's return as a condition for Abner's allegiance. [[2 Samuel 3:15]] recounts that Michal was taken from Paltiel, who followed her, weeping, "as far as Bahurim." His deep sorrow at her departure highlights the personal tragedy and injustice of Saul's original act. Here, the name "deliverance of God" takes on a poignant irony for Paltiel, as he experiences the painful loss of his wife due to a "deliverance" that restores David's rightful claim, part of God's larger plan for the Davidic monarchy. The narrative portrays Paltiel not as an antagonist, but as a victim of political machinations, underscoring that God's sovereign deliverance can unfold in complex, even personally painful, ways for individuals.
### Related Words & Concepts
The theological richness of Palṭîyʼêl (`{{H6409}}`) is best understood by examining its constituent parts and broader biblical themes:
* **פֶּלֶט (pelet, `{{H6403}}`):** This noun, derived from the verb פָּלַט (palat, `{{H6403}}`) "to escape," is central. It signifies "escape," "refuge," or "deliverance" from danger, destruction, or judgment. It is often used in contexts where God is the active agent of rescue, such as preserving a remnant (e.g., [[Isaiah 4:2]], [[Joel 2:32]]).
* **אֵל (ʾēl, `{{H410}}`):** As a primary name for God, אֵל (ʾēl, `{{H410}}`) emphasizes God's power, sovereignty, and faithfulness. Its presence in compound names like Isra-el ("He strives with God"), Samu-el ("Heard of God"), or Dani-el ("God is my judge") consistently points to a direct, active relationship between God and the named individual or entity.
* **Deliverance/Salvation (יְשׁוּעָה, yĕšûʿâ, `{{H3444}}`):** While not etymologically linked, the concept of "deliverance" in Palṭîyʼêl resonates deeply with the pervasive biblical theme of *yeshu'ah*, which encompasses salvation, rescue, and victory. God is consistently portrayed as the deliverer of His people from various forms of bondage—physical, political, and spiritual.
* **Refuge (מַחְסֶה, maḥseh, `{{H4268}}`):** The idea of God as a "refuge" is closely intertwined with deliverance. God provides a safe haven and protection for those who trust in Him, a concept strongly implied by the "pelet" component of the name.
### Theological Significance
The name Palṭîyʼêl (`{{H6409}}`), meaning "deliverance of God," carries profound theological implications, serving as a constant testament to God's character and active involvement in the world:
1. **Divine Providence and Sovereignty:** The name affirms God's overarching providence. In the case of Paltiel of Issachar, it highlights that even the practicalities of land distribution and national organization are under God's meticulous care, demonstrating His faithfulness in delivering on His promises. For Paltiel, son of Laish, the name, though seemingly ironic for him personally, underscores God's sovereignty even amidst human sin and suffering, working through complex circumstances to fulfill His greater redemptive purposes (e.g., the restoration of the Davidic line).
2. **God as the Ultimate Rescuer:** The core meaning of the name powerfully declares God as the sole source of true deliverance. This aligns with countless biblical narratives where God rescues individuals (e.g., Noah, Joseph, Moses) and the nation of Israel from oppression, enemies, and judgment. The name itself functions as a miniature confession of faith in God's saving power and His unique ability to provide escape where none seems possible.
3. **Hope and Trust in God:** For those who bore this name, and for the community hearing it, Palṭîyʼêl would have served as a tangible reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and His capacity to provide security and salvation in all circumstances. It speaks to the enduring hope found in trusting a God who delivers, reinforcing the call for His people to rely on His redemptive power.
### Summary
Palṭîyʼêl (`{{H6409}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "deliverance of God," derived from the components פֶּלֶט (pelet, `{{H6403}}`, "escape/deliverance") and אֵל (ʾēl, `{{H410}}`, "God"). This name encapsulates the profound theological truth that God is the ultimate source of rescue, salvation, and security. It is borne by two distinct individuals in the Old Testament: Paltiel, the leader of the tribe of Issachar involved in the division of the promised land ([[Numbers 34:26]]), whose name signifies God's providential deliverance of the inheritance; and Paltiel, son of Laish, to whom Saul gave Michal ([[1 Samuel 25:44]], [[2 Samuel 3:15]]), whose story, though personally tragic, illustrates God's sovereign hand in restoring David's rightful claims. The name Palṭîyʼêl thus serves as a powerful and reverent reminder of God's active intervention, His unwavering faithfulness as a deliverer, and the imperative for His people to place their trust wholeheartedly in His saving power.
TRV