Wells: Elim
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Topical Encyclopedia
Elim is a significant location mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. It is noted for its refreshing and restorative qualities, providing a stark contrast to the harsh desert environment surrounding it.

Biblical Reference:

Elim is first mentioned in the Book of Exodus. After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and began their journey through the wilderness, they arrived at Marah, where the water was bitter and undrinkable. Following God's miraculous intervention to sweeten the waters of Marah, the Israelites continued their journey and came to Elim. Exodus 15:27 states: "Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the waters."

Significance:

1. Provision and Rest:
Elim represents a place of divine provision and rest for the Israelites. After the trials at Marah, Elim offered an abundance of water and shade, symbolizing God's care and sustenance for His people. The presence of twelve springs and seventy palm trees is often interpreted as a sign of completeness and divine order, reflecting God's perfect provision for the twelve tribes of Israel.

2. Symbolism:
The oasis of Elim serves as a symbol of God's faithfulness and the refreshment He provides in times of need. It is a reminder that even in the midst of a barren wilderness, God can create a place of abundance and peace. The number twelve, associated with the springs, often signifies the tribes of Israel, while the seventy palm trees may symbolize the elders or leaders, indicating a structured and divinely ordained community.

3. Spiritual Lessons:
Elim teaches believers about the importance of trusting in God's provision. Just as the Israelites found respite at Elim, Christians are encouraged to seek spiritual refreshment and rest in God's presence. The journey from Marah to Elim can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers move from bitterness and trial to a place of divine blessing and rest.

4. Historical and Geographical Context:
While the exact location of Elim is not definitively known, it is traditionally identified with an oasis in the Sinai Peninsula. Its geographical features, such as the presence of springs and palm trees, align with the biblical description, making it a plausible site for the events described in Exodus.

Theological Implications:

Elim's mention in the biblical narrative underscores the theme of God's guidance and provision throughout the Israelites' journey. It serves as a testament to God's ability to provide for His people in miraculous ways, reinforcing the belief in His sovereignty and care. For believers, Elim is a reminder of the spiritual refreshment available through faith and reliance on God, encouraging a deeper trust in His promises and provision.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 15:27
And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and three score and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The General Service to the Venerated and vivifying Cross.
... And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and three score
and ten palm trees; and they encamped there by the waters. ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter iii the general service.htm

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... Then the children of Israel came in to Elim, where as were twelve fountains of
water, and seventy palm trees, and they abode by the waters. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm

"Above the Sun. "
... Here are Elim's wells and palm-trees, grateful shade and waters cool, Whilst in
Christ's deep love there's healing far beyond Bethesda's pool. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jennings/old groans and new songs/above the sun.htm

The Redeemer's Prayer
... We sometimes come to the wells of Elim and the seventy palm trees, but when sitting
beneath the palm trees, we feel that it is just like an oasis; to-morrow we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the redeemers prayer.htm

Following the Cloud.
... and sweet. Soon after they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells
of water, and seventy palm trees, and there they rested. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

Why Christ Speaks
... bitter,' and nothing but the wood of the tree that grows there can ever sweeten
it, we shall be at 'Elim' to-morrow, where there are 'the twelve wells and the ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/why christ speaks.htm

Songs of Deliverance
... As Israel drank at Elim, and as the patriarchs drank at Beersheba, so have we wells
of salvation, out of which we joyfully draw the living water. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 13 1867/songs of deliverance.htm

Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise
... We pitch our tent by the wells and palms of Elim, but we strike it in the morning,
when the silver bugle sounds, "Up, and away!" and so we march to Marah, or ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/shoes of iron and strength.htm

Eternity in the Heart
... its place in the desert may vary"and we shall not need to care whether the encampment
be beneath the palm-trees and beside the wells of Elim, or amidst the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/eternity in the heart.htm

We Sure of To-Morrow? a New Year's Sermon
... Other springs may be left behind on the march, and the wells and palm-trees of each
Elim on our road may be succeeded by a dry and thirsty land where no water ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/we sure of to-morrow a.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about human rights? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian be opposed to globalization? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that God is the God of the hills and valleys (1 Kings 20:28)? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Wells

Wells and Springs

Wells of Jacob

Wells of Solomon

Wells of the Holy Spirit in Saints

Wells of the Mouth of the Righteous

Wells of the Ordinances of the Church

Wells of Uzziah

Wells of Wisdom and Understanding in Man

Wells were a Frequent Cause of Strife

Wells were often Stopped up by Enemies

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Wells: (Without Water) Hypocrites

Wells: At Haran

Wells: Beer (East of Jordan)

Wells: Beerlahairoi

Wells: Beer-Sheba

Wells: Bethlehem

Wells: Canaan Abounded With

Wells: Elim

Wells: Esek

Wells: First Mention of

Wells: Flgurative of Salvation

Wells: Flgurative without Water

Wells: Frequented by Travellers

Wells: Frequented by Women Who Came to Draw Water

Wells: Frequently Made in the Courts of Houses

Wells: Frequently Made in the Desert

Wells: Frequently Made: Near Encampments

Wells: Frequently Made: Outside Cities

Wells: had Troughs Placed Near for Watering Cattle

Wells: Hagar

Wells: Haran

Wells: Jacob

Wells: Many Supplied from Lebanon

Wells: Names often Given To

Wells: Often Afforded No Water

Wells: Often Covered to Prevent Their Being Filled With Sand

Wells: Often Deep and Difficult to Draw From

Wells: Rehoboth

Wells: Sitnah

Wells: Strangers not to Draw From, Without Permission

Wells: Supplied by Springs

Wells: Supplied by the Rain

Wells: Surrounded by Trees

Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Abraham and Abimelech

Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Isaac and Abimelech

Wells: Water of, Frequently Sold

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Wells: Canaan Abounded With
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