Bible Dictionary
NAHALAL
Nahalal was a city in Zebulun assigned with its surrounding pasturelands to the Merarite Levites. The Canaanite inhabitants were not driven out, and the city is also called Nahalol.
Definition
Nahalal was a city in the territory of Zebulun. Its surrounding pasturelands were assigned to the Merarite Levites, but the Canaanite inhabitants were not driven out. The city is also called Nahalol.
Biblical Usage
Nahalal appears in the allotments of Zebulun and the Levitical cities, and in the account stating that the Canaanites remained among the inhabitants.
Historical Background
It has been identified with Mahlul in the Talmud. Suggested modern locations include Ain Mahil and Ma‘lul, near Nazareth; the change from “n” to “m” is described as not unusual.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>na'-hal-al (nachalal; Codex Vaticanus, Baithman; Codex Alexandrinus Naalol, and other forms): A city in the territory of Zebulun assigned with its suburbs to the Merarite Levites, out of which the Canaanite inhabitants were not driven (Jos 19:15, the King James Version (incorrectly) "Nahallal"; Jos 21:35; Jud 1:30, "Nahalol"). In the Talmud Jerusalem (Meg., i.1) it is identified with Mahlul. This name might correspond either with `Ain Mahil, or with Ma`lul. The former lies about 3 1/2 miles Northeast of Nazareth on a hill near the eastern boundary of Zebulun. The latter is situated about 3 1/2 miles West of Nazareth, near the southern border of Zebulun. The change of "n" to "m" is not unusual.</p><p>W. Ewing</p>