Etymology and Meaning:
Aijalon, also spelled Ajalon, is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "place of deer" or "field of stags." The name reflects the region's natural environment, which was likely abundant with wildlife.

Biblical References:
Aijalon is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, primarily as a geographical location of significance in the history of Israel.

1. Tribal Allocation:
Aijalon was a city allocated to the tribe of Dan as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land. In Joshua 19:42, it is listed among the cities given to Dan: "Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah."

2. Levitical City:
Aijalon was also designated as a Levitical city, given to the Kohathite Levites. In 1 Chronicles 6:69, it is mentioned: "Aijalon with its pasturelands, and Gath Rimmon with its pasturelands."

3. Battle of Aijalon:
Aijalon is famously known for the miraculous event during the battle between the Israelites and the Amorites, where Joshua commanded the sun and moon to stand still. In Joshua 10:12, it is recorded: "On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: 'O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.'"

4. Philistine Incursion:
During the period of the Judges, Aijalon was a site of Philistine incursion. In Judges 1:35, it is noted that the Amorites forced the Danites into the hill country, and the Philistines occupied the plains, including Aijalon: "The Amorites were determined to dwell in Mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim, but when the power of the house of Joseph increased, they were put to forced labor."

5. King Saul's Campaigns:
Aijalon also appears in the narrative of King Saul's military campaigns. In 1 Samuel 14:31, it is mentioned as a location where Saul pursued the Philistines: "That day they struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, and the troops were exhausted."

6. Rehoboam's Fortifications:
King Rehoboam fortified Aijalon as part of his defensive strategy against potential invasions. In 2 Chronicles 11:10, it is listed among the fortified cities: "Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, which are fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin."

Geographical Significance:
Aijalon was strategically located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Israel, serving as a vital corridor between the coastal plains and the central highlands. Its position made it a significant military and trade route, often contested by various powers throughout Israel's history.

Historical and Archaeological Insights:
The site traditionally identified with Aijalon is modern-day Yalo, located northwest of Jerusalem. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains from various periods, including Canaanite, Israelite, and later civilizations, providing insights into its historical importance.

Theological Implications:
Aijalon's biblical narrative underscores themes of divine intervention, as seen in the miraculous event during Joshua's battle, and the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and surrounding nations. It serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the tribes of Israel.Ai'jalon (10 Occurrences)

Joshua 10:12
Then Joshua spoke to Yahweh in the day when Yahweh delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel; and he said in the sight of Israel, "Sun, stand still on Gibeon! You, moon, stop in the valley of Aijalon!"
(See RSV)

Joshua 19:42
Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah,
(See RSV)

Joshua 21:24
Aijalon with its suburbs, Gath Rimmon with its suburbs; four cities.
(See RSV)

Judges 1:35
the Amorites persisted in dwelling in Har-heres, in Ai'jalon, and in Sha-al'bim, but the hand of the house of Joseph rested heavily upon them, and they became subject to forced labor.
(DBY RSV)

Judges 12:12
Then Elon the Zeb'ulunite died, and was buried at Ai'jalon in the land of Zeb'ulun.
(DBY RSV)

1 Samuel 14:31
They struck of the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. The people were very faint;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 6:69
and Aijalon with its suburbs, and Gath Rimmon with its suburbs;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 8:13
and Beriah, and Shema, who were heads of fathers' houses of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who put to flight the inhabitants of Gath;
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 11:10
and Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin, fortified cities.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 28:18
The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the lowland, and of the South of Judah, and had taken Beth Shemesh, and Aijalon, and Gederoth, and Soco with its towns, and Timnah with its towns, Gimzo also and its towns: and they lived there.
(See RSV)

Ai'jalon (10 Occurrences)
Ai'jalon. Aijalon, Ai'jalon. Aijeleth . Multi-Version Concordance Ai'jalon
(10 Occurrences). Joshua 10:12 Then Joshua spoke to Yahweh ...
/a/ai'jalon.htm - 8k

Aijalon (10 Occurrences)

/a/aijalon.htm - 11k

Zeb'ulunite (2 Occurrences)
... (DBY RSV). Judges 12:12 Then Elon the Zeb'ulunite died, and was buried at Ai'jalon
in the land of Zeb'ulun. (DBY RSV). Zebulunite, Zeb'ulunite. Zebulunites > ...
/z/zeb'ulunite.htm - 6k

Persisted (8 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:35 the Amorites persisted in dwelling in Har-heres, in Ai'jalon, and in
Sha-al'bim, but the hand of the house of Joseph rested heavily upon them, and ...
/p/persisted.htm - 9k

Aijeleth (1 Occurrence)

/a/aijeleth.htm - 7k

Sha-al'bim (2 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:35 the Amorites persisted in dwelling in Har-heres, in Ai'jalon, and in
Sha-al'bim, but the hand of the house of Joseph rested heavily upon them, and ...
/s/sha-al'bim.htm - 6k

Zeb'ulun (41 Occurrences)
... them. (DBY RSV). Judges 12:12 Then Elon the Zeb'ulunite died, and was buried
at Ai'jalon in the land of Zeb'ulun. (Root in DBY RSV). ...
/z/zeb'ulun.htm - 16k

Rested (81 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:35 the Amorites persisted in dwelling in Har-heres, in Ai'jalon, and in
Sha-al'bim, but the hand of the house of Joseph rested heavily upon them, and ...
/r/rested.htm - 29k

Heavily (17 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:35 the Amorites persisted in dwelling in Har-heres, in Ai'jalon, and in
Sha-al'bim, but the hand of the house of Joseph rested heavily upon them, and ...
/h/heavily.htm - 11k

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