אֶלְעָלֵא

אֶלְעָלֵא

Elale or Elaleh, a place east of the Jordan

Definition

Elaleh is a proper noun referring to a city located east of the Jordan River, in the territory of Reuben. It is consistently presented as a place name, often mentioned alongside Heshbon (Numbers 32:3, 37). The name itself means 'God is going up' or 'God ascends,' which may reflect a local tradition or the city's location on a height. In the prophetic books of Isaiah and Jeremiah, Elaleh is listed among the Moabite cities that will face divine judgment and lamentation (Isaiah 15:4, 16:9; Jeremiah 48:34).

Biblical Usage

Elaleh is used exclusively as a geographical location in the Old Testament. It appears in historical contexts in Numbers, where it is listed as a city rebuilt by the tribe of Reuben after the Israelite conquest (Numbers 32:37). Its primary pattern of usage, however, is in prophetic oracles of judgment against Moab. In Isaiah 15:4 and Jeremiah 48:34, the cries from Elaleh are heard as part of the widespread mourning and destruction prophesied for the region.

Etymology

The name Elaleh (אֶלְעָלֵה or אֶלְעָלֵא) is a compound of two Hebrew elements: 'El' (אֵל, H410), meaning 'God,' and the verb 'alah' (עָלָה, H5927), meaning 'to go up, ascend.' Thus, the name translates directly as 'God ascends' or 'God is going up.' This likely signified a place associated with the worship or perceived presence of God, perhaps due to its elevated location.

Semantic Range

While primarily a place name, Elaleh's inclusion in prophetic judgment oracles (Isaiah 15–16; Jeremiah 48) connects it to the theme of God's sovereignty over all nations. Its name, 'God ascends,' stands in ironic contrast to its fate of being brought low in judgment. Understanding this name enriches the reading of these prophecies, highlighting that the God who 'ascends' in majesty is also the judge of the nations, including those like Moab who opposed Israel. As a city in the Transjordan, Elaleh was part of a contested region, originally associated with the Amorite king Sihon, then allotted to Reuben, and later coming under Moabite control. Its mention alongside Heshbon, a major regional capital, suggests it was a known settlement of some significance. The name's theophoric element ('El') was common in Semitic place names, reflecting the cultural practice of dedicating locations to a deity. Heshbon (Heshbôn, H2809) — A major city frequently paired with Elaleh in biblical texts. Sibmah (Sibmâh, H7643) — Another city in the same region and prophetic context (Isaiah 16:8-9; Jeremiah 48:32).

Word Details