Biblical References:
El'teke, also spelled Eltakeh, is mentioned in the Old Testament within the context of the territorial allotments of the tribes of Israel. It appears specifically in the Book of Joshua.

Scriptural Citations:
· Joshua 19:44: "Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath,"

Historical and Geographical Context:
El'teke is identified as one of the cities within the inheritance of the tribe of Dan. The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The allotment of land to the tribes, including Dan, is detailed in the Book of Joshua, which describes the division of the Promised Land among the tribes after the Israelites' conquest of Canaan.

The city of El'teke is listed among other cities in the territory of Dan, which was located in the central coastal region of Canaan. This area was known for its fertile land and strategic location, which made it significant for trade and military purposes. However, the tribe of Dan struggled to fully possess their allotted territory due to the presence of the Philistines and other Canaanite peoples.

Archaeological Insights:
While the exact location of El'teke is not definitively identified in modern archaeology, it is generally believed to have been situated in the region that corresponds to the modern-day central coastal plain of Israel. Some scholars suggest that it may be associated with the archaeological site of Tell esh-Shallaf, though this identification remains speculative.

Theological Significance:
The mention of El'teke in the Bible, though brief, contributes to the broader narrative of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the inheritance of the land. The allocation of cities like El'teke to the tribes underscores the importance of land in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

The challenges faced by the tribe of Dan in securing their territory, including El'teke, highlight the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the surrounding nations. This struggle serves as a reminder of the need for faithfulness and reliance on God in the face of opposition and adversity.

Cultural and Religious Context:
In the ancient Near Eastern context, cities like El'teke were not only centers of habitation but also held religious and cultural significance. They often contained altars, high places, or other religious sites where the inhabitants would worship. The Israelites were commanded to destroy the Canaanite religious sites and establish worship according to the laws given by God through Moses.

The presence of El'teke in the biblical record serves as a testament to the historical reality of the Israelite settlement and the complex interactions between the Israelites and the indigenous peoples of Canaan.El'teke (1 Occurrence)

Joshua 21:23
Out of the tribe of Dan, Elteke with its suburbs, Gibbethon with its suburbs,
(See RSV)

El'teke (1 Occurrence)
El'teke. Elteke, El'teke. Eltekeh . Multi-Version Concordance El'teke
(1 Occurrence). Joshua 21:23 Out of the tribe of Dan, Elteke ...
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Elteke (1 Occurrence)

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Eltekeh (2 Occurrences)

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