Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: Aijalon, also spelled Ayalon, is derived from the Hebrew word "אַיָּלוֹן" (Ayyalon), meaning "place of deer" or "field of deer." This name reflects the region's natural environment, which was likely abundant with wildlife. Biblical References and Historical Significance: Aijalon is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, serving as a significant location in various biblical narratives. It is primarily recognized as a city in the territory allotted to the tribe of Dan, although it was also associated with the tribe of Benjamin. 1. Tribal Allotment: In the division of the Promised Land, Aijalon was allocated to the tribe of Dan. Joshua 19:42 lists Aijalon among the cities given to Dan: "Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah." 2. Levitical City: Aijalon was designated as a Levitical city, a city of refuge for the Levites. In 1 Chronicles 6:69, it is mentioned: "Aijalon with its pasturelands, and Gath Rimmon with its pasturelands." 3. Battle of Aijalon: Aijalon is famously known for the miraculous event during the battle between the Israelites, led by Joshua, and the Amorites. In Joshua 10:12-13, Joshua commands the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon over the Valley of Aijalon: "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 Aijalon.' So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies." 4. Philistine Conflict: Aijalon was a site of conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 14:31, during the reign of King Saul, the Israelites pursued the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon: "That day they struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, and the people were very weary." 5. Rehoboam's Fortifications: King Rehoboam, Solomon's son, fortified Aijalon as part of his defensive strategy against potential invasions. 2 Chronicles 11:10 states: "Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, which are fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin." Geographical Location: Aijalon was situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Israel, strategically located on the border between the hill country of Judah and the coastal plain. This location made it a significant military and trade route, contributing to its historical importance. Archaeological Insights: Modern archaeological efforts have identified Aijalon with the site of Yalo, near the present-day Ayalon Valley in Israel. Excavations have revealed remains from various periods, including Canaanite, Israelite, and later civilizations, providing insights into the city's long history and cultural significance. Theological Implications: Aijalon's biblical narratives highlight themes of divine intervention, faith, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The miraculous event of the sun standing still serves as a testament to God's power and His willingness to aid His chosen people in times of need. Aijalon's role as a Levitical city underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and refuge within the community of Israel. Conclusion: Aijalon remains a symbol of God's providence and the historical struggles of the Israelites as they established themselves in the Promised Land. Its repeated mention in Scripture underscores its significance in the biblical narrative and its enduring legacy in the history of Israel. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AIJALONa'-ja-lon ('ayyalon, "deerplace"; the King James Version, Ajalon (Joshua 10:12)): Strong's Hebrew 357. Ayyalon -- "deer," the name of several cities in Palestine... "deer," the name of several cities in Palestine. Transliteration: Ayyalon Phonetic Spelling: (ah-yaw-lone') Short Definition: Aijalon. ... Aijalon, Ajalon. ... /hebrew/357.htm - 6k Library The Old Testament and Modern Science Concerning Rehoboam, and How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him for ... The Old Testament and Archeology The Septuagint as a Version. Thesaurus Aijalon (10 Occurrences)...AIJALON. ... The first mention of Aijalon is in the narrative of Joshua's defeat of the five Amorite kings: "thou, Moon, in the valley of Aijalon" (Joshua 10:12). ... /a/aijalon.htm - 11k Ai'jalon (10 Occurrences) Shaalbim (2 Occurrences) Shephelah (2 Occurrences) Battle (282 Occurrences) Heres (7 Occurrences) Bethhoron (12 Occurrences) Beth-horon (12 Occurrences) Zorah (10 Occurrences) Gederoth (2 Occurrences) Resources Who were Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Aijalon (10 Occurrences)Joshua 10:12 Joshua 19:42 Joshua 21:24 Judges 1:35 Judges 12:12 1 Samuel 14:31 1 Chronicles 6:69 1 Chronicles 8:13 2 Chronicles 11:10 2 Chronicles 28:18 Subtopics Related Terms |