רָכָל (ra.khal)
ra.khal
Racal
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun rakhal refers to a specific town located in the southern region of Judah. Its name likely derives from a root meaning "trade," suggesting that this settlement was known as a commercial hub or marketplace in ancient times. This etymological connection helps explain its role as a center for economic exchange in the arid landscape of the south.
In Scripture, this location appears only once, recorded in 1 Samuel 30:29. The text lists rakhal among the cities to which King David distributed spoils taken from the Amalekites after their defeat. This distribution served as a gesture of gratitude and political alliance with the elders of Judah, highlighting the town’s significance within the local community.
Some ancient sources identify rakhal as another name for Carmel (H3760), though this identification remains a matter of scholarly discussion rather than definitive fact. Regardless of whether it is distinct from or synonymous with that other location, the mention in Samuel anchors the word firmly in the historical geography of David’s reign and the administrative divisions of southern Judah.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When David returned from battle, he did not keep the spoils for himself or his immediate warriors. Instead, he sent portions to the elders of Judah, including those in a place called Racal. This small town, likely a trading center, received its share alongside other communities like the cities of the Jerahmeelites and the Kenites.
For you, this detail reveals how God values community over individual gain. Even in victory, David remembered the broader body of believers. It reminds us that our blessings are not meant to be hoarded but shared with those around us, strengthening the ties that bind the people of God together in mutual care and gratitude.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [were] in/ Racal1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/רָכָ֗ל1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 30:29
to those who were in Racal, to those who were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, to those who were in the cities of the Kenites,
This verse lists Racal among the recipients of David's distributed spoils, highlighting its role as a recognized community within Judah during his reign.