Topical Encyclopedia
Igal is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Israelite exploration of Canaan and the genealogies of David's mighty warriors. The name Igal is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "He redeems" or "He avenges."
1.
Igal, the Spy from the Tribe of Issachar: Igal is first introduced in the Book of Numbers as one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. Each spy represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Igal was the representative from the tribe of Issachar. In
Numbers 13:7 , it states, "from the tribe of Issachar, Igal son of Joseph." The mission of the spies was to assess the land and its inhabitants, and upon their return, ten of the spies, including Igal, gave a discouraging report, emphasizing the strength and size of the Canaanites, which led to the Israelites' fear and rebellion against entering the Promised Land. This act of disbelief resulted in the Israelites' 40-year wandering in the wilderness.
2.
Igal, the Warrior of David: Another individual named Igal is mentioned in the context of King David's reign. In
2 Samuel 23:36 , Igal is listed among David's mighty warriors, a group of elite soldiers who were renowned for their bravery and loyalty to the king. The verse reads, "Igal son of Nathan from Zobah, Bani the Gadite." This Igal is noted for his association with Nathan and his origin from Zobah, a region that was often in conflict with Israel during David's time. The mention of Igal in this context highlights his valor and significance in the military exploits that helped establish and secure David's kingdom.
The accounts of Igal in the Bible, though brief, reflect the diverse roles individuals played in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history. Whether as a spy whose report influenced the fate of a nation or as a valiant warrior in the service of a king, the name Igal is woven into the tapestry of Israel's journey from the wilderness to the establishment of a united monarchy under David.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Igalredeemed; defiled
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Igal(whom God will avenge).
- One of the spies, son of Joseph, of the tribe of Issachar. (Numbers 13:7) (B.C. 1490.)
- One of the heroes of David's guard, son of Nathan of Zobah. (2 Samuel 23:36) (B.C. 1046.)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Avengers.
(1.)Numbers 13:7, one of the spies of the tribe of Issachar.
(2.) Son of Nathan of Zobah, and one of David's warriors (2 Samuel 23:36).
(3.)1 Chronicles 3:22.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
IGALi'-gal (yigh'al, "he (God) redeems"; Septuagint variously Igal, Gaal, Ieol):
(1) One of the twelve spies sent by Moses from the wilderness of Paran; son of Joseph, tribe of Issachar (Numbers 13:7).
(2) One of David's heroes, son of Nathan of Zobah (2 Samuel 23:36). In1 Chronicles 11:38 he is "Joel (yo'el), the brother of Nathan."
(3) Son of Shemaiah of the royal house of David, descendant of Zerubbabel (1 Chronicles 3:22, the King James Version "Igeal").
Strong's Hebrew
3008. Yigal -- "He redeems," three Israelites... Yigal. 3009 . "He redeems," three Israelites. Transliteration: Yigal Phonetic
Spelling: (yig-awl') Short Definition:
Igal.
... NASB Word Usage
Igal (3).
Igal, Igeal
...Thesaurus
Igal (3 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
IGAL.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Igal (3 Occurrences).
Numbers 13:7 Of the tribe of Issachar,
Igal the son of Joseph.
...Ab'igal (1 Occurrence)
Ab'igal. Abigal, Ab'igal. Abihail . Multi-Version Concordance
Ab'igal (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 17:25 And Absalom had...
Joel (22 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:36 has "Igal son of Nathan," and the Septuagint's Codex Vaticanus has
"son" in 1 Chronicles, a reading which Curtis adopts. SeeIGAL....
Nathan (42 Occurrences)
... See preceding article. (2) A son of King David (2 Samuel 5:14 1 Chronicles 3:5;
1 Chronicles 14:4). (3) Father ofIgal, one of David's heroes (2 Samuel 23:36)....
Zobah (15 Occurrences)
... 12. This latter may be the native place ofIgal, one of David's "thirty"
(2 Samuel 23:36), who is named among eastern Israelites....
Issachar (40 Occurrences)
... Later this place was held byIgal ben-Joseph, the tribal representative among the
spies (Numbers 13:7). The prince chosen from Issachar to assist in the...
Abihail (6 Occurrences)
Abigal (1 Occurrence)
Resources
Who were the mighty men of David? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
