Bible Dictionary
Azal
Azal is a place or boundary mentioned in Zechariah’s prophecy concerning the Mount of Olives. Its precise identification is uncertain, and the name may also be understood in the sense of “near.”
Definition
Azal is a name associated with the ravine extending from the Mount of Olives in Zechariah’s prophecy. It may be a proper name for a place near the western end of the valley near Jerusalem, but it may also be translated “very near,” referring to an easily accessible way of escape.
Biblical Usage
Azal marks the limit to which the ravine of the Mount of Olives will extend when the Lord goes forth to fight.
Historical Background
The exact identification of Azal is uncertain. The supplied material presents both a place-name interpretation and a rendering that means “very near.”
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Zech. 14:5) should perhaps be rendered “very near” = “the way of escape shall be made easy.” If a proper name, it may denote some place near the western extremity of the valley here spoken of near Jerusalem.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a name only occurring in (Zechariah 14:5) It is mentioned as the limit to which the ravine of the Mount of Olives will extend when “Jehovah shall go forth to fight.”
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a'-zal. See AZEL.</p>