Lexical Definition

‎יָעֵל‎ yâʻêl (yaw-ale') Wildgoats' ^H:N-M
from ‎יַעַל‎

wild goat.

• an ibex (as climbing)

1) mountain goat

Brown-Driver-Briggs

I. [‎יָעֵל‎] noun [masculine] mountain-goat (Late Hebrew id.; ᵑ7 ‎יְעֵיעָא‎, Syriac ; Arabic , ; Assyrian ia'ilu Dl^{S 53} (but Hpt^{BAS i. 170}, Jäger^{ib. 465}); Ethiopic see Hom^{NS 280}) — Plural ‎יְעֵלִים‎ Ps 104:18 (|| ‎שְׁפַנִּים‎); ‎צוּרֵי‎ ‎׳‎‎הַיּ‎ 1Sam 24:3* ‎יַעֲלֵיסָֿ֑לַע‎ Job 39:1 (|| ‎אַיָּלוֺת‎; compare I. ‎יַעֲלָה‎).

Brown-Driver-Briggs References

Profile

Wildgoats' Rocks • A place near En Gedi where David hid from Saul

Wildgoats Rocks, a rugged area near En Gedi where David hid from Saul and had the opportunity to spare the king's life (1 Sam. 24:2).

• A location near Engedi עֵין גֶּדִי only mentioned at 1Sa.24.2;
• only referred to as Wildgoats_Rocks יָעֵל צוּר.
  

Wildgoats Rocks is a location mentioned in 1 Samuel 24:2 as a place where David and his men sought refuge while fleeing from King Saul. The area is described as being near En Gedi, a lush oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Saul, having returned from pursuing the Philistines, took 3,000 chosen men to search for David and his men in the Wildgoats Rocks region. While Saul was in a cave relieving himself, David had the opportunity to cut off a corner of the king's robe, demonstrating his loyalty and respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed. The rugged terrain of Wildgoats Rocks provided numerous hiding places for David and his men, making it difficult for Saul to locate them. The name "Wildgoats Rocks" likely refers to the rugged, steep cliffs in the area, which are suitable habitats for wild goats. This incident in the Wildgoats Rocks demonstrates David's integrity and faith in God's plan for his life, as he refused to harm Saul, even when presented with the opportunity.

All entries for Wildgoats Rocks: יָעֵל