Topical Encyclopedia El'tekeh is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial allotments to the tribes of Israel. It is identified as one of the cities given to the tribe of Dan. The name El'tekeh is derived from the Hebrew root, which may suggest meanings related to "God is my fear" or "God is my refuge," reflecting the theocentric culture of the Israelites.Biblical References: 1. Joshua 19:44 : "Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath." This verse lists El'tekeh among the cities in the inheritance of the tribe of Dan. The context of this passage is the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel, as orchestrated by Joshua following the conquest of Canaan. The mention of El'tekeh here situates it geographically within the territory assigned to Dan, although the exact location remains uncertain in modern times. 2. Joshua 21:23 : "From the tribe of Dan they gave Eltekeh, Gibbethon, with their pasturelands." This verse is part of the allocation of cities to the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel. El'tekeh, along with its surrounding pasturelands, was designated as a Levitical city. This allocation underscores the importance of providing for the Levites, who had no territorial inheritance of their own, by distributing cities among the other tribes. Historical and Archaeological Context: The precise location of El'tekeh has not been definitively identified by modern archaeology, but it is generally believed to have been situated in the lowland region of the Shephelah, an area characterized by rolling hills between the coastal plain and the central highlands of Israel. This region was strategically significant in ancient times, serving as a buffer zone between the Philistine cities on the coast and the Israelite settlements inland. Cultural and Theological Significance: El'tekeh's inclusion in the list of Levitical cities highlights the theological principle of God's provision for His people, particularly the Levites, who were set apart for religious duties. The Levites' reliance on the other tribes for their sustenance is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing the interconnectedness and mutual support within the covenant community of Israel. The mention of El'tekeh in the context of the tribal allotments also reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan. Each city and territory assigned to the tribes serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in delivering the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In summary, while El'tekeh is a relatively minor location in the biblical narrative, its mention in the context of tribal and Levitical allotments underscores key themes of divine provision, faithfulness, and the communal structure of ancient Israelite society. Concordance El'tekeh (1 Occurrence)Joshua 19:44 Thesaurus El-tekeh (1 Occurrence)El-tekeh. El'tekeh, El-tekeh. Eltekon . Multi-Version Concordance El-tekeh (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:44 and El-tekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath, (DBY). ... /e/el-tekeh.htm - 6k El'tekeh (1 Occurrence) Eltekon (1 Occurrence) Eltekeh (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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