Tophel
LocationsGeographical Setting
Tophel is an ancient geographical site referenced in biblical texts, traditionally associated with the modern settlement of Tafileh in Jordan.
What is the meaning of Tophel in the Bible?
Tophel is an ancient location mentioned in the Book of Deuteronomy as being situated within the wilderness of Sinai. It is generally identified by scholars as the site of Tafileh in modern-day Jordan.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying this site helps geographers reconstruct the migratory routes of the Israelites during the Exodus narrative. It provides a spatial context for the transition between the Sinai peninsula and the highlands of Edom.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Tophel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tophel clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.