Overview:
Eleph is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial boundaries of the tribes of Israel. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel following their exodus from Egypt and subsequent conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership.

Biblical Reference:
The primary mention of Eleph is found in Joshua 18:28, where it is listed among the cities within the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. The verse in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "Zelah, Haeleph, the Jebusite city (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath-jearim—fourteen cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin."

Geographical Context:
Eleph is identified as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the smaller tribes of Israel. The territory of Benjamin was strategically located between the larger tribes of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north. This central location included significant cities such as Jerusalem, which later became the political and spiritual center of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
The mention of Eleph, though brief, contributes to the understanding of the tribal divisions and settlements during the period of the Judges. The allocation of land to the tribes was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan. Each city and village within these territories played a role in the daily life and governance of the tribes.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the division of the land, including the mention of cities like Eleph, underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs. It also highlights the importance of land in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The land was not only a physical inheritance but also a symbol of divine blessing and provision.

Archaeological Insights:
While Eleph itself has not been definitively identified in modern archaeology, the study of the region and its ancient cities provides valuable insights into the historical context of the biblical narrative. Archaeological findings in the broader area of Benjamin have shed light on the settlement patterns, architecture, and daily life of the Israelites during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy.

Conclusion:
The brief mention of Eleph in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the intricate details involved in the division of the Promised Land. It reflects the historical reality of the Israelite settlement and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.Eleph

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Eleph

(the ox), one of the towns allotted to Benjamin, and named next to Jerusalem. (Joshua 18:28)

ELEPH

e'-lef (ha-'eleph, "the ox"):

A place in the lot of Benjamin not far from Jerusalem (Joshua 18:28). The name is omitted by Septuagint, unless, indeed, it is combined with that of Zelah. It may be identical with Lifta, a village W. of Jerusalem (Conder, HDB, under the word).

Others identify Lifta with Nephtoah.

507. Eleph -- a city in Benjamin
... 506, 507. Eleph. 508 . a city in Benjamin. Transliteration: Eleph Phonetic
Spelling: (eh'-lef) Short Definition: Haeleph. ... Eleph. ...
/hebrew/507.htm - 6k

505. eleph -- a thousand
... 504, 505. eleph. 506 . a thousand. Transliteration: eleph Phonetic Spelling:
(eh'-lef) Short Definition: thousand. ... see HEBREW 'eleph. 504, 505. eleph. 506 ...
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504. eleph -- cattle
... 503, 504. eleph. 505 . cattle. Transliteration: eleph Phonetic Spelling:
(eh'-lef) Short Definition: herd. ... 503, 504. eleph. 505 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/504.htm - 6k

503. alaph -- to produce thousands
... Word Origin denominative verb from eleph Definition to produce thousands NASB Word
Usage bring forth (1). bring forth thousands. ... see HEBREW 'eleph. 502, 503. ...
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506. alaph -- a thousand
... Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to eleph Definition a thousand NASB Word Usage
thousand (2), thousands (2). thousand. ... see HEBREW 'eleph. 505, 506. ...
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441b. alluph -- a chief, chiliarch
... Word Origin from eleph Definition a chief, chiliarch NASB Word Usage chief (43),
chiefs (14), clan (1), clans (2). 441a, 441b. alluph. 442 . Strong's Numbers
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Eleph (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELEPH. e'-lef (ha-'eleph, "the ox"): A place in
the lot of Benjamin not far from Jerusalem (Joshua 18:28). ...Eleph (1 Occurrence). ...
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Ha-eleph (1 Occurrence)
Ha-eleph. Haeleph, Ha-eleph. Haemorrhage . Multi-Version Concordance
Ha-eleph (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:28 Zelah, Eleph...
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Kine (24 Occurrences)
... 7:21); parah (compare Arabic furar, "young of a sheep, goat, or cow"); paroth `aloth
(1 Samuel 6:7, 10), "milch kine," from `ul, "to suckle"; 'eleph): In Amos 4 ...
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Haeleph (1 Occurrence)
... Haeleph (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:28 Zelah, Eleph, the Jebusite (the same is Jerusalem),
Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. ...
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Elements (7 Occurrences)

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Zela (2 Occurrences)
... Zela (2 Occurrences). Joshua 18:28 Zelah, Eleph, the Jebusite (the same is Jerusalem),
Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. ...
/z/zela.htm - 7k

Zelah (2 Occurrences)
... Zelah (2 Occurrences). Joshua 18:28 Zelah, Eleph, the Jebusite (the same is Jerusalem),
Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. ...
/z/zelah.htm - 8k

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Joshua 18:28 and Zela, Eleph, and the Jebusite--the same is Jerusalem,
Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. ...
/k/kir'iath-je'arim.htm - 11k

Kiriath (34 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). Joshua 18:28 Zelah, Eleph, the Jebusite (the same is
Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. ...
/k/kiriath.htm - 17k

Kirjath (1 Occurrence)
... Kirjath (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:28 And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem,
Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. ...
/k/kirjath.htm - 7k

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