מִשְׁאָל (mish.al)
mish.al
Mishal
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Mishal is a place name found in the Old Testament, specifically within the inheritance of the tribe of Asher. The Hebrew word carries the meaning of "entreaty" or "petition," suggesting a location associated with prayer or supplication.
This town appears only twice in Scripture, both times in the book of Joshua. It is listed among the cities allotted to the Gershonite Levites, highlighting its role as a settlement for those dedicated to temple service rather than military leadership. The brief mention underscores the organized distribution of land among Israel’s tribes and their religious leaders.
While the name itself points to a spiritual concept like asking or pleading, the text uses it simply to identify a geographic location. Its rarity in the biblical record makes it a minor but specific detail in the broader narrative of Israel’s settlement in the Promised Land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Mishal carries the gentle meaning of entreaty or petition. It marks a specific spot in the land allotted to Asher, where the Gershonite Levites settled. This detail reminds us that God’s plan for His people includes not just warriors and farmers, but those set apart for spiritual service.
When we read about these small towns, we see a God who cares about order and inclusion. Even a place named for prayer has its own portion of the inheritance. It suggests that our requests and worship are valuable parts of how God builds His community on earth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Mishal1×
- Mishal1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִשְׁאָ֖ל1×
- וּ/מִשְׁאָ֑ל1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 19:26
Allammelech, Amad, Mishal. It reached to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath.
This verse lists Mishal among the boundary cities of Asher, showing its geographic place in the tribal inheritance.
-
Joshua 21:30
Out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with its pasture lands, Abdon with its pasture lands,
Here Mishal is specifically designated for the Gershonite Levites, highlighting its role as a center for temple service rather than military defense.