Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Aijalon" or "Ajalon" is derived from the Hebrew word "אַיָּלוֹן" (Ayyalon), which means "place of deer" or "field of stags." This name reflects the region's natural environment, which was likely abundant with wildlife.

Biblical References:
Aijalon is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, primarily as a geographical location of significance in the narratives of the Israelites.

1. Tribal Allocation:
Aijalon was a city allocated to the tribe of Dan as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land. In Joshua 19:42, it is listed among the cities given to Dan: "Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah."

2. Levitical City:
Aijalon was also designated as a Levitical city. In 1 Chronicles 6:69, it is mentioned as one of the cities given to the Levites from the tribe of Ephraim: "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 Incursion:
During the period of the Judges, Aijalon was a site of Philistine incursion. In Judges 1:35, it is noted that the Amorites forced the Danites into the hill country, and the Philistines occupied the plains, including Aijalon: "The Amorites were determined to dwell in Mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim, but when the power of the house of Joseph increased, they were put to forced labor."

5. King Saul's Campaigns:
Aijalon is also mentioned in the context of King Saul's military campaigns against the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 14:31, it is recorded that 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."

Geographical Location:
Aijalon is located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Israel, which lies between the coastal plain and the central highlands. It is situated northwest of Jerusalem and southwest of Bethel. The Valley of Aijalon served as a strategic corridor for military campaigns and trade routes.

Historical and Archaeological Significance:
The site of Aijalon has been identified with the modern-day location of Yalo, near the Ayalon Valley in Israel. Archaeological excavations in the region have uncovered remains from various periods, including Canaanite, Israelite, and later civilizations, providing insights into the historical significance of the area.

Theological Implications:
Aijalon's mention in the context of miraculous events, such as the sun standing still, underscores the theme of divine intervention and the power of God in the history of Israel. It serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to alter the natural order for the fulfillment of His purposes and the deliverance of His people.Aijalon or Ajalon

(place of gazelles).

1. A city of the Kohathites. (Joshua 21:24; 1 Chronicles 6:69) It was a Levitical city and a city of refuge. It was originally allotted to the tribe of Dan, (Joshua 19:42) Authorized Version, AJALON, which tribe, however, was unable to dispossess the Amorites of the place. (Judges 1:35) Aijalon was one of the towns fortified by Reheboam, (2 Chronicles 11:10) and the last we hear of it is being in the hands of the Philistines. (2 Chronicles 28:18) Being on the very frontier of the two kingdoms, we can understand how Aijalon should be spoken of sometimes, (1 Chronicles 6:69) comp. with 1Chr 6:66 As in Ephraim and sometimes, (2 Chronicles 11:10; 1 Samuel 14:31) as in Judah and Benjamin. It is represented by the modern Yalo , a little to the north of the Jaffa road, about 14 miles out of Jerusalem.
2. A broad and beautiful valley near the city of Aijalon over which Joshua commanded the moon to stand still during the pursuit after the battle of Gibeon. (Joshua 10:12)
3. A place in Zebulon, mentioned as the burial-place of Elon, one of the Judges. (Judges 12:12)

357. Ayyalon -- "deer," the name of several cities in Palestine
... NASB Word Usage Aijalon (10). Aijalon, Ajalon. From 'ayal; deer-field; Ajalon, the
name of five places in Palestine -- Aijalon, Ajalon. see HEBREW 'ayal. ...
/hebrew/357.htm - 6kWho were Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus