Elaleh, also spelled Elealeh, is a biblical town mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the territory of Moab. The name Elaleh means "God has ascended" or "God is exalted," reflecting the theocentric nature of many ancient place names in the region.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 32:3, 37 · Elaleh is first mentioned in the context of the Israelites' conquest of the Transjordan region. The Reubenites and Gadites, two of the tribes of Israel, requested to settle in the land of Jazer and Gilead, which included Elaleh, because it was suitable for their livestock. "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon" (Numbers 32:3) are listed among the cities they desired. Later, the text confirms, "The Reubenites rebuilt Heshbon, Elealeh, and Kiriathaim" (Numbers 32:37).

2. Isaiah 15:4 · The prophet Isaiah includes Elaleh in his oracle against Moab, highlighting the town's significance and its impending doom. "Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far away as Jahaz. Therefore the armed men of Moab cry out, and their souls tremble within them" (Isaiah 15:4). This passage underscores the distress and lamentation that would befall Moab, including Elaleh, due to divine judgment.

3. Isaiah 16:9 · Continuing the theme of judgment, Isaiah again mentions Elaleh in a lament over Moab's destruction. "So I weep, as Jazer weeps, for the vines of Sibmah. I drench you with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh, for the shouts of joy over your summer fruits and your harvest have fallen silent" (Isaiah 16:9). This verse poetically describes the cessation of joy and prosperity in Elaleh as a result of the coming devastation.

4. Jeremiah 48:34 · The prophet Jeremiah echoes Isaiah's lament in his own oracle against Moab. "The cry will resound from Heshbon to Elealeh and Jahaz, from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath-shelishiyah. For even the waters of Nimrim will be dried up" (Jeremiah 48:34). This passage emphasizes the widespread nature of the calamity that would affect Moab, including Elaleh.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Elaleh was located in the region of Moab, east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The town was situated near Heshbon, another significant Moabite city, and was part of the fertile plateau known for its vineyards and agriculture. The strategic location of Elaleh made it a notable settlement in biblical times, contributing to its frequent mention in prophetic literature.

Theological Significance:

Elaleh's inclusion in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises and judgments. The town's history reflects the broader themes of divine sovereignty and justice, as seen in the prophetic declarations against Moab. The lamentations over Elaleh and its neighboring cities illustrate the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable downfall that follows.

In summary, Elaleh stands as a symbol of both the prosperity and the eventual judgment that befell the Moabite nation, serving as a reminder of the enduring truths found within the biblical text.500. Elale -- "God ascends," four Israelites
... Elealeh. Or (more properly) gel aleh {el-aw-lay'}; from 'el and alah; God (is) going
up; Elale or Elaleh, a place east of the Jordan -- Elealeh. see HEBREW 'el. ...
/hebrew/500.htm - 6kElaleh (3 Occurrences)
...Elaleh (3 Occurrences). Numbers 32:3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jaazer, and Nimrah,
and Heshbon, and Elaleh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, (DBY). ...
/e/elaleh.htm - 7k

Jaazer (12 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Numbers 32:3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jaazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon,
and Elaleh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, (DBY). Numbers ...
/j/jaazer.htm - 11k

Elah's (1 Occurrence)

/e/elah's.htm - 6k

Eglath-shelishijah (1 Occurrence)
... Jeremiah 48:34 Because of the cry from Heshbon, unto Elaleh, unto Jahaz have they
uttered their voice, from Zoar unto Horonaim, unto Eglath-shelishijah: for ...
/e/eglath-shelishijah.htm - 6k

Desolations (18 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 48:34 Because of the cry from Heshbon, unto Elaleh, unto Jahaz have they
uttered their voice, from Zoar unto Horonaim, unto Eglath-shelishijah: for ...
/d/desolations.htm - 12k

Elam (24 Occurrences)

/e/elam.htm - 48k

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