Migdol

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Migdol, or migdal, is a Hebrew word (מגדּלה מגדּל , מגדּל מגדּול) which means either a tower (from its size or height), an elevated stage (a rostrum or pulpit), or a raised bed (within a river). Physically, it can mean fortified land, i.e. a walled city or castle; or elevated land, as in a raised bed, like a platform, possibly a lookout. Figuratively, it has connotations of proud authority.

Joshua referred to Migdal-Gad, ‘tower of Gad’, one of the fortified cities of Judah, and also to Migdal-El, ‘tower of God’, a place in Palestine.

Jeremiah referred to the Migdol of Egypt, an island in the Nile, and Ezekiel referred to the Migdol of Syene, in Upper Egypt, in the context of the seat of government.

The Book of Exodus records that the children of Israel encamped at Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the Red Sea, before their historic crossing. The migdol in that location was not a place name, but an elevated land mass between two river beds, rising to about 300 metres.

Migdal Ha'emek is a large hill surrounded by the Kishon river, west of Nazareth.