Topical Encyclopedia Ajalon, also spelled Aijalon, is a significant valley mentioned in the Bible, known for its historical and theological importance. It is located in the territory of the tribe of Dan, near the border with the tribe of Benjamin, and is associated with several key biblical events.Geographical Context: The Valley of Ajalon is situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Israel, which served as a strategic corridor between the coastal plains and the central hill country. This location made Ajalon a critical site for military and trade routes. The modern identification of Ajalon is often associated with the area around the present-day village of Yalo, near the Ayalon Valley in Israel. Biblical References: 1. Joshua's Long Day: Ajalon is famously mentioned in the account of Joshua's battle against the Amorite kings. In Joshua 10:12-13 , during the battle at Gibeon, Joshua prayed for 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 Ajalon.' So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies." This miraculous event allowed the Israelites to achieve a decisive victory. 2. Tribal Allotment: The Valley of Ajalon was part of the land allotted to the tribe of Dan, as recorded in Joshua 19:42 : "Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah." However, the Danites struggled to fully possess their inheritance due to the presence of the Amorites and other Canaanite peoples. 3. Levitical City: Ajalon was designated as a Levitical city within the territory of the tribe of Dan. In 1 Chronicles 6:69 , it is listed among the cities given to the Levites: "Aijalon with its pasturelands, and Gath-rimmon with its pasturelands." 4. Conflict with the Philistines: The Valley of Ajalon also served as a battleground in the ongoing conflicts between Israel and the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 14:31 , during the reign of King Saul, the Israelites pursued the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, highlighting its strategic importance: "That day the Israelites struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, and they grew weary." Theological Significance: The events associated with Ajalon underscore themes of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Joshua's victory in the Valley of Ajalon is a testament to God's power and faithfulness in aiding His people against overwhelming odds. The miraculous halting of the celestial bodies serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His willingness to act on behalf of His covenant people. Ajalon's role as a Levitical city also emphasizes the importance of worship and the presence of the priestly class in maintaining the spiritual life of Israel. The Levites' presence in Ajalon would have facilitated the teaching of the Law and the offering of sacrifices, contributing to the spiritual health of the nation. In summary, the Valley of Ajalon holds a prominent place in biblical history as a site of divine intervention, tribal inheritance, and ongoing conflict, reflecting the broader narrative of Israel's journey in the Promised Land. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 10:12Then spoke Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand you still on Gibeon; and you, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. Nave's Topical Index Library Praying Saints of the Old Testaments On the Prophet Isaiah. I. From Letter xxix . --(For 357. ) from the Twenty-Ninth Letter, of ... Perpetual Youth The Content of Prayer: Its Four Moods On the Diversity of Spiritual Gifts. The Bitterness and Blessedness of the Brevity of Life Five Kings in a Cave The "Demonstrations" of Aphrahat. Commendation of those who came to Hear after Taking a Meal. ... Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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