The Hebrew name Pâlâl, represented by H6420, means judge. It appears just 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. This name identifies a specific Israelite who participated in the reconstruction of Jerusalem's wall, highlighting an individual's role within a major historical event.
The sole appearance of Pâlâl is in the context of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall following the Babylonian exile. He is listed among the many workers in Nehemiah's detailed account, identified as "Palal the son of Uzai" Nehemiah 3:25. His specific assignment was to repair a section of the wall located "over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the court of the prison" Nehemiah 3:25. The record also notes that Pedaiah continued the work "after him."
Several related words from the surrounding text help establish the setting of Palal's work:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word establishes Palal's lineage and is fundamental to biblical genealogies and identity. It is used widely to denote not only a literal son but also a descendant or member of a group, as in the prophetic declaration, "unto us a son is given" Isaiah 9:6.
- H4026 migdâl (a tower): This term describes a key landmark for Palal's assigned section. It refers to a defensive structure, like the tower at Babel Genesis 11:4, but is also used figuratively, as in the declaration that "The name of the LORD is a strong tower" Proverbs 18:10.
- H1004 bayith (a house): Palal's work was situated near the king's house. This term has a broad application, referring to a physical building, a temple, a family, or a household, as seen in Joshua's famous statement, "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" Joshua 24:15.
The mention of H6420 carries narrative weight by contributing to the theme of communal restoration and divine remembrance.
- Individual Contribution: By naming individuals like Palal and specifying their assigned sections, the narrative emphasizes that the monumental task of rebuilding was accomplished through the dedicated labor of many people. Palal's work was specifically located near the "king's high house" Nehemiah 3:25.
- Historical Record: The inclusion of Palal is part of a meticulous historical account, showing the importance of remembering and honoring the contributions of each person involved in the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem.
- Geographical Precision: The specific landmarks mentioned in relation to Palal's work—the "turning of the wall," the "tower," and the "court of the prison"—provide a detailed map of the reconstruction, grounding the sacred work in a real-world, physical space Nehemiah 3:25.
In summary, Pâlâl H6420 is the name of an Israelite whose contribution is recorded in a single, specific verse. While the name itself means "judge," its biblical significance is tied entirely to its context in Nehemiah. The mention of Palal serves as a permanent record of an individual's participation in the vital, divinely-ordained work of rebuilding Jerusalem's defenses, illustrating how the grand narrative of national restoration is built upon the faithful efforts of individuals.
TRV