Migdal-el
Migdal-el is an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Phoenicia in modern-day Israel. Known today as Majdel Selem. It appears across 1 verse in Scripture.
Biblical History
Migdal-el appears in a single verse, Joshua 19:38, within the list of fortified cities allocated to the tribe of Naphtali during the distribution of the Promised Land. The passage enumerates the fortified cities of Naphtali's inheritance, listing Migdal-el alongside other towns including Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh. The name Migdal-el means "tower of God" or "God's fortress," a name suggesting the site may have featured a prominent defensive tower or watchtower, common in the ancient Near East for guarding agricultural lands and trade routes. As part of Naphtali's allotment in the Upper Galilee region of Canaan, Migdal-el contributed to the northern defense of Israelite territory. While no specific narrative events are recorded at Migdal-el, its designation as a fortified city indicates it held military significance in the tribal territory. The allocation of such fortified cities to Naphtali fulfilled God's promise to give each tribe a secure inheritance in the land, with defensive positions to protect the covenant community in its northernmost reaches bordering Phoenician territory.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Migdal-el has been tentatively identified with Majdel Selem (also spelled Majdel Islim) in southern Lebanon, north of the traditional border of ancient Israel's tribal territory of Naphtali. The identification is based on the preservation of the element "Majdel" (from the Semitic root for "tower") in the modern name. However, this identification remains debated, as the site lies somewhat north of where most scholars locate Naphtali's territory. Alternative proposals have been offered, though none has gained consensus. The region of Upper Galilee and southern Lebanon contains numerous ancient tells and village sites from the Bronze and Iron Ages, but limited excavation at the proposed site means archaeological confirmation of the identification with Migdal-el is lacking.
Verse Appearances (1)
Josh
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →