אֵילוֹת

אֵילוֹת

Eloth or Elath, a place on the Red Sea

Definition

Eloth (or Elath) is a proper noun referring to a significant port city located on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, an arm of the Red Sea. It is first mentioned as a landmark on the Israelites' wilderness journey (Deuteronomy 2:8) and later became a strategic harbor for Israel's maritime trade, especially under King Solomon (1 Kings 9:26) and King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:36). The city was a point of contention between the kingdoms of Judah and Edom, being lost and recaptured multiple times, as seen in the reigns of King Amaziah (2 Kings 14:22) and King Ahaz (2 Kings 16:6). Its name is consistently associated with access to the sea and economic prosperity.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exclusively as a geographical proper noun in historical and narrative contexts. It appears in the Torah (Deuteronomy), the historical books of Kings and Chronicles, and always in reference to the same port city. Its usage highlights key moments: as a wilderness waypoint, a center for royal trade expeditions, and a contested border fortress. For example, 1 Kings 9:26 notes Solomon built a fleet there, while 2 Kings 16:6 records its capture by the Edomites.

Etymology

The name אֵילוֹת (ʼÊylôwth) or its variant אֵילַת (ʼÊylath) derives from the Hebrew root אַיִל (ʼayil, H352), meaning 'ram,' 'strength,' or 'large tree' (like a terebinth or oak). In this context, it likely refers to a 'grove of large trees,' specifically palm trees, which would have been a distinctive feature of an oasis settlement in an arid coastal region. The name thus paints a picture of a fertile, well-watered port.

Semantic Range

Eloth serves as a tangible symbol of God's provision of national blessings and the consequences of obedience and disobedience. Its establishment as a trade port under Solomon fulfilled part of the economic prosperity promised for obedience (1 Kings 9:26-28). Conversely, its loss to Edom during the reign of Ahaz (2 Kings 16:6) aligns with the prophetic warnings of military defeat due to idolatry and faithlessness. The city's history illustrates the biblical theme that geographical security and economic success are tied to covenant faithfulness. In the ancient Near East, control of a Red Sea port like Eloth was crucial for international trade, particularly for accessing goods from Arabia, Africa, and possibly India. Its grove of trees (implied by its name) would have made it a vital oasis for caravans and ships. For Israel, possessing Eloth represented not just economic opportunity but also the fulfillment of territorial promises, as it secured their southern border and access to global commerce, elevating their status among neighboring kingdoms. עֶצְיוֹן גֶּבֶר (Etsyon-Geber, H6100) — A closely associated harbor/port city near Eloth, used by Solomon for shipbuilding (1 Kings 9:26).

Word Details