Topical Encyclopedia Ajalon, also spelled Aijalon, is a significant city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the tribal territory of Dan. It holds historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative, serving as a backdrop for several key events and figures.Geographical and Historical Context Ajalon is situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Israel, which served as a buffer zone between the coastal plains and the central highlands. This strategic location made Ajalon a site of military and economic significance. The Valley of Ajalon, in particular, is noted for its fertile land and was a vital route for trade and military campaigns. Biblical References Ajalon is first mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. Joshua 19:42 lists Ajalon as one of the towns given to the tribe of Dan: "Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah." This allocation underscores its importance as part of the inheritance of the Israelites as they settled in the Promised Land. The city is also noted in the narrative of the battle between the Israelites and the Amorites. In Joshua 10:12-13, during the battle at Gibeon, Joshua famously commands the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon over the Valley of Ajalon: "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.' So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies." This miraculous event highlights Ajalon's role in God's deliverance of Israel and His control over creation. Levitical City Ajalon was designated as a Levitical city, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 6:69: "Aijalon with its pasturelands, and Gath Rimmon with its pasturelands." This designation indicates its religious significance, as Levitical cities were set apart for the Levites, who were responsible for religious duties and instruction in Israel. Military Significance Throughout its history, Ajalon was a site of military encounters. In 1 Samuel 14:31, during the reign of King Saul, the Israelites pursued the Philistines from Michmash to Ajalon, demonstrating its continued strategic importance in Israel's military campaigns. Later Historical References In the period of the divided monarchy, Ajalon is mentioned in the context of King Rehoboam's fortifications. 2 Chronicles 11:10 notes that Rehoboam fortified Ajalon as part of his defensive strategy against potential invasions: "Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, which are fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin." Conclusion Ajalon, as a city within the territory of Dan, serves as a testament to the rich historical and theological tapestry of the biblical narrative. Its mention in various contexts—from tribal allotments to miraculous events and military campaigns—underscores its multifaceted role in the history of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 19:42And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah, Nave's Topical Index Library Appendices The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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