מִגְדַּל־עֵ֫דֶר (mig.dal-e.der)
mig.dal-e.der
tower of Eder
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The phrase migdal-eder means "tower of the flock," referring to a specific shepherd’s watchtower located near Bethlehem. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, anchoring a geographical detail within the narrative of Jacob’s family and the prophetic vision of restoration.
In Genesis 35:21, it marks the place where Israel pitched his tent after leaving Bethel, serving as a quiet landmark in the journey of the patriarchs. Centuries later, Micah 4:8 uses the same term to describe the "tower of the flock" as a symbol of strength and authority, looking forward to a time when dominion will return to Jerusalem. The word combines migdal ("tower") with eder ("flock"), painting a picture of protection and oversight in a pastoral landscape.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The phrase "tower of Eder" appears only twice in Scripture, yet it carries a quiet weight for those who study the land. In Genesis, it marks a simple stop on Jacob’s journey, a place where he pitched his tent near Bethlehem. It reminds us that God is present in the ordinary pauses of life, even when we are moving from one season to another.
Centuries later, Micah uses this same image to speak of restoration. He calls Jerusalem the "tower of the flock," linking the city to a shepherd’s watchtower that once protected sheep in the fields. This picture suggests that God’s people are under His careful oversight. Just as a tower offered safety from danger, God promises to restore dominion and peace to His people.
For your faith, this word connects the humble beginnings of the patriarchs with the hopeful future of God’s kingdom. It invites you to trust in a God who watches over both the small steps of your daily walk and the grand plans He holds for history. You are part of a story where protection and promise go hand in hand.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Eder2×
- O Migdal1×
- <to>/ Migdal1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֵֽדֶר\׃1×
- עֵ֗דֶר1×
- מִגְדַּל\־1×
- לְ/מִגְדַּל\־1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 35:21
Israel traveled, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
This verse anchors the phrase in a specific geographical location near Bethlehem, showing its use as a landmark during Israel's journey.
-
Micah 4:8
You, tower of the flock, the hill of the daughter of Zion, to you it will come. Yes, the former dominion will come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.
Here the term shifts from a physical place to a metaphor for Jerusalem, symbolizing the restoration of royal authority and divine protection.