ē´lath , or ē´loth ( אילות , 'ēlōth , אילת , 'ēlath ; Αἰλών , Ailō̇n (Deuteronomy 2:8 ), Αἰλάθ , Ailáth (2 Kings 16:6 )): A seaport on the Red Sea in the territory of Edom. It is named along with Ezion-geber in the account of Israel's journey round the land of Edom (Deuteronomy 2:8 ). It appears as Ailath, and Ailōn in the Septuagint, and in Josephus as Ilanis ( Ant. , VIII, vi, 4), while Eusebius (Onomasticon ) has Αΐλά , Ailá ̌ . From this we may gather that the Aramaic Ilān or Ilānā was in use as well as the Hebrew 'ēlath or 'ēlōth ̌ . The name, "grove," was doubtless derived from the presence of certain sacred trees. It may be identical with El-paran of Genesis 14:6 , and Elah of Genesis 36:41 . When David conquered Edom, Elath passed into the hands of Israel (2 Samuel 8:14 ). It was a position of great importance in connection with the trade with South Arabia. Here the merchant fleets of Solomon and Jehoshaphat were fitted out, and hence, they sailed (1 Kings 9:26; 2 Chronicles 8:17; 1 Kings 22:48 ). In the reign of Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, Edom shook off the hand of Judah (2 Kings 8:20 ), but under Amaziah and Uzziah it was again subdued (2 Kings 14:7 , 2 Kings 14:10 , 2 Kings 14:22 ). Finally it was taken from Ahaz by Rezin, king of Syria. The Jews were driven out and the Syrians (Edomites?) took permanent possession (2 Kings 16:6 ). It is identical with the modern ‛Aḳaba , at the head of the gulf of that name.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
Read More