Bible Dictionary
Igal
Igal is the name of three men: a spy from Issachar, one of David’s warriors from Zobah, and a descendant of David’s royal line.
Definition
Igal is the name of three men in the biblical records: a spy from Issachar, one of David’s warriors from Zobah, and a descendant of David through the royal line.
Biblical Usage
The first Igal was one of the twelve spies sent from the wilderness. The second was a hero of David, while the third was the son of Shemaiah and a descendant of Zerubbabel.
Historical Background
The name is explained as “whom God will avenge” or “he whom God redeems.” In a parallel passage, David’s warrior Igal is called Joe, the brother of Nathan.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Avengers. (1.) Num. 13:7, one of the spies of the tribe of Issachar. (2.) Son of Nathan of Zobah, and one of David’s warriors (2 Sam. 23:36). (3.) 1 Chr. 3:22.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(whom God will avenge).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>i'-gal (yigh'al, "he (God) redeems"; Septuagint variously Igal, Gaal, Ieol):</p><p>(1) One of the twelve spies sent by Moses from the wilderness of Paran; son of Joseph, tribe of Issachar (Nu 13:7).</p><p>(2) One of David's heroes, son of Nathan of Zobah (2Sa 23:36). In 1Ch 11:38 he is "Joe (yo'el), the brother of Nathan."</p><p>(3) Son of Shemaiah of the royal house of David, descendant of Zerubbabel (1Ch 3:22, the King James Version "Igeal").</p>