Ha-eleph is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the genealogical and geographical records of the tribes of Israel. The name "Ha-eleph" is associated with a location or a clan within the tribe of Benjamin. The term itself is Hebrew, and its meaning is often interpreted as "the thousand" or "the chief," which may indicate a place of significance or a leading family within the tribe.

Biblical References:

Ha-eleph is mentioned in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. In Joshua 18:28, the text lists the towns belonging to the tribe of Benjamin: "Zelah, Ha-eleph, Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath-jearim—fourteen cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin."

This passage situates Ha-eleph among other notable locations within the territory allotted to Benjamin. The inclusion of Ha-eleph alongside cities like Jerusalem and Gibeah suggests its importance within the tribal inheritance.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The tribe of Benjamin occupied a central region in the land of Canaan, bordered by the tribes of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north. This strategic location included significant cities and routes, contributing to the tribe's historical and military importance. Ha-eleph, as part of this region, would have been integral to the tribal structure and its defense.

The exact location of Ha-eleph is not definitively known today, and it is not prominently featured in other biblical narratives or archaeological findings. However, its mention in the context of Benjamin's inheritance underscores its role in the tribal organization and settlement patterns during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In the broader biblical narrative, the tribe of Benjamin holds a unique position. It is the tribe of King Saul, Israel's first monarch, and later, the Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the New Testament, identifies himself as a Benjamite (Philippians 3:5). The mention of Ha-eleph within Benjamin's territory highlights the detailed record-keeping and the importance of land and lineage in Israel's history.

Theologically, the division of the land among the tribes of Israel is seen as the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Each tribe's inheritance, including the towns and villages like Ha-eleph, represents God's faithfulness and the establishment of Israel as a nation under His covenant.

Conclusion:

While Ha-eleph may not be as prominent as other biblical locations, its inclusion in the scriptural record reflects the comprehensive nature of the tribal inheritances and the meticulous documentation of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land. As part of the tribe of Benjamin's territory, Ha-eleph contributes to the understanding of Israel's early history and the fulfillment of divine promises.507. Eleph -- a city in Benjamin
... 506, 507. Eleph. 508 . a city in Benjamin. Transliteration: Eleph Phonetic
Spelling: (eh'-lef) Short Definition: Haeleph. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/507.htm - 6kHaeleph (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Haeleph (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:28 Zelah, Eleph,
the Jebusite (the same is Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath ...
/h/haeleph.htm - 6k

Ha-eleph (1 Occurrence)
Ha-eleph. Haeleph, Ha-eleph. Haemorrhage . Multi-Version Concordance Ha-eleph
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Haeleph, Ha-eleph. Haemorrhage . Reference Bible
/h/ha-eleph.htm - 6k

Hadst (43 Occurrences)

/h/hadst.htm - 20k

Eleph (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELEPH. e'-lef (ha-'eleph, "the ox"): A place
in the lot of Benjamin not far from Jerusalem (Joshua 18:28). ...
/e/eleph.htm - 7k

Haemorrhage (3 Occurrences)

/h/haemorrhage.htm - 7k

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