Haeleph is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is part of the territorial descriptions that outline the boundaries of the tribes of Israel as they settled in the Promised Land. The name "Haeleph" itself is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is not definitively known, it is often associated with the concept of "thousand" or "oxen," which are common interpretations of the root word in Hebrew.

Biblical Reference:

Haeleph is mentioned in Joshua 18:24 as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin. The verse in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "Kephar-haammoni, Ophni, and Geba—twelve cities, along with their villages." Although Haeleph is not directly named in this verse, it is understood to be part of the region described in the surrounding context of the tribal allotments.

Geographical Context:

The location of Haeleph is not precisely identified in modern geographical terms, and it does not appear frequently in biblical records. However, it is generally considered to be situated within the territory allocated to the tribe of Benjamin. This area is characterized by its proximity to other significant locations such as Jerusalem and Bethel, which were central to the religious and political life of ancient Israel.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The mention of Haeleph, though brief, contributes to the broader understanding of the tribal divisions and settlements in the land of Canaan. Each location listed in the tribal allotments holds significance as part of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land that his descendants would inherit (Genesis 15:18-21). The detailed descriptions of these territories underscore the historical reality of the Israelite settlement and the divine orchestration of their inheritance.

From a theological perspective, the allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, including the mention of places like Haeleph, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the covenant relationship between God and His people. It reflects the ordered and purposeful nature of God's plan for Israel, as each tribe received its portion according to divine instruction.

Archaeological Insights:

While there is limited archaeological evidence directly associated with Haeleph, the study of ancient Israelite settlements in the region of Benjamin provides valuable insights into the lifestyle, culture, and religious practices of the time. Archaeological findings in nearby areas, such as pottery, inscriptions, and architectural remains, help to paint a picture of the historical context in which Haeleph would have existed.

In summary, Haeleph, though a minor location in the biblical narrative, plays a role in the larger tapestry of Israel's history and God's covenantal promises. Its mention in the tribal allotments of Benjamin highlights the meticulous care with which the land was distributed among the tribes, reflecting the fulfillment of divine promises and the establishment of Israel in the land of Canaan.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 ...
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Hadst (43 Occurrences)

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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
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