Uzal

At a Glance

A biblical proper name tied to the descendants of Joktan and possibly to a trading place mentioned by Ezekiel.

Key Points

• Gen 10:27
• 1 Chr 1:21 list Uzal among Joktan's line.
• Ezek 27:19 appears to use Uzal as a place-name.
• The Ezekiel reference is uncertain, so identification should be stated cautiously.

Description

Uzal is not a doctrinal or theological concept but a biblical proper name. In the Table of Nations and its parallel genealogy, Uzal is listed among the descendants of Joktan (Gen. 10:27; 1 Chr. 1:21). In Ezekiel 27:19, many interpreters understand Uzal as a place-name tied to Tyre’s commerce, but the verse is not entirely free from interpretive uncertainty. The safest treatment is to regard Uzal as a proper name that may refer to a person or clan in Genesis and to a location in Ezekiel, without pressing beyond the evidence.

Biblical Context

The name occurs in early biblical genealogies and in Ezekiel's lament over Tyre, which catalogs trading partners and goods from across the ancient world.

Historical Context

The biblical references place Uzal within the world of ancient genealogies and Near Eastern trade networks. The Ezekiel passage likely reflects real commercial geography, though the precise identification of Uzal remains uncertain.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Jewish and later interpreters have often treated the Ezekiel reference as a geographic name, though the precise location cannot be established with confidence.

Primary Key Texts

• Genesis 10:27
• 1 Chronicles 1:21
• Ezekiel 27:19

Original Language Note

Hebrew: Uzal (אוּזָל), a proper name whose exact referent in Ezekiel 27:19 is debated.

Theological Significance

Uzal has little direct doctrinal significance. Its value is chiefly historical and lexical, illustrating how biblical genealogies and prophetic texts preserve ancient names and trade references.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not treat Uzal as a theological category or build doctrine from it. The Ezekiel 27:19 reference is uncertain and should be read cautiously.

Major Views

Most interpreters take Genesis 10:27 and 1 Chronicles 1:21 as a personal or clan name, while Ezekiel 27:19 is usually read as a place-name associated with trade; details are not certain.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Uzal is not a doctrine, covenant, or spiritual office. It should be treated as a proper name only.

Practical Significance

This entry reminds readers that Scripture includes genealogical and geographic names that anchor the Bible in real history and geography.

Related Entries

• Joktan
• Genesis 10
• Ezekiel 27
• Tyre

See Also

• Sheba
• Ophir
• Havilah
• Meshech