Elparan is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis. It is associated with the journey of Chedorlaomer and his allied kings during their military campaign in the region. The name "Elparan" is thought to mean "the terebinth of Paran" or "oak of Paran," indicating a notable tree or grove in the wilderness of Paran.

Biblical Reference:

Elparan is mentioned in Genesis 14:6, which describes the conquests of Chedorlaomer and his allies: "And the Horites in their hill country of Seir, as far as Elparan, which is by the wilderness." (Genesis 14:6). This passage is part of the narrative detailing the military campaign of four kings, led by Chedorlaomer, against five rebellious kings in the region of the Dead Sea. The campaign extended through various territories, including the land of the Horites in Seir, reaching as far as Elparan.

Geographical Context:

Elparan is located in the wilderness of Paran, a significant desert region in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula. The wilderness of Paran is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a place where the Israelites wandered during their exodus from Egypt. It is also associated with Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, who settled in the wilderness of Paran (Genesis 21:21).

The exact location of Elparan is not definitively known, but it is generally considered to be in the vicinity of the modern-day southern Negev or northern Sinai. The mention of Elparan in Genesis 14:6 suggests it was a landmark or notable location during the time of the patriarchs.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The mention of Elparan in the context of Chedorlaomer's campaign highlights the extensive reach and influence of these ancient Near Eastern kings. The campaign narrative in Genesis 14 serves to set the stage for the subsequent rescue of Lot by Abram (later Abraham), demonstrating God's providence and protection over Abram and his family.

From a theological perspective, the account of Chedorlaomer's campaign, including the mention of Elparan, underscores the historical reality of the patriarchal narratives. It provides a backdrop for understanding the geopolitical dynamics of the time and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to Abram, despite the challenges and conflicts in the region.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

While there is limited archaeological evidence directly identifying Elparan, the broader region of Paran has been the subject of various archaeological studies. These studies aim to understand the historical and cultural context of the biblical narratives. The wilderness of Paran, with its harsh desert environment, serves as a testament to the resilience and faith of the biblical figures who traversed it.

In summary, Elparan is a significant biblical location mentioned in the context of ancient military campaigns. Its mention in Genesis 14:6 provides insight into the historical and geographical setting of the patriarchal narratives, highlighting the enduring themes of God's sovereignty and faithfulness.Elparan

(God his deliverance), literally "the terebinth of Paran." (Genesis 14:6) [PARAN, ELPARAN]

Oak of Paran, a place on the edge of the wilderness bordering the territory of the Horites (Genesis 14:6). This was the farthest point to which Chedorlaomer's expedition extended. It is identified with the modern desert of et-Tih. (see PARAN.) PARAN, EL-PARAN

pa'-ran, (pa'ran, 'el-pa'ran; Pharan):

(1) El-paran (Genesis 14:6) was the point farthest South reached by the kings. Septuagint renders 'el by terebinthos, and reads, "unto the terebinth of Paran." The evidence is slender, but it is not unreasonable to suppose that this is the place elsewhere (Deuteronomy 2:8 1 Kings 9:26, etc.) called Elath or Eloth ('el with feminine termination), a seaport town which gave its name to the Aelanitic Gulf (modern Gulf of `Aqaba), not far from the wilderness of Paran (2).

(2) Many places named in the narrative of the wanderings lay within the Wilderness of Paran (Numbers 10:12; Numbers 13:21; Numbers 27:14; compare 13:3, 16, etc.). It is identified with the high limestone plateau of Ettih, stretching from the Southwest of the Dead Sea to Sinai along the west side of the Arabah. This wilderness offered hospitality to Ishmael when driven from his father's tent (Genesis 21:21). Hither also came David when bereaved of Samuel's protection (1 Samuel 25:1).

(3) Mount Paran (Deuteronomy 33:2 Habakkuk 3:3) may be either Jebel Maqrah, 29 miles South of `Ain Kadis (Kadesh-barnea), and 130 miles North of Sinai (Palmer, Desert of the Exodus, 510); or the higher and more imposing range of mountains West of the Gulf of `Aqaba. This is the more probable if El-paran is rightly identified with Elath.

(4) Some place named Paran would seem to be referred to in Deuteronomy 1:1; but no trace of such a city has yet been found. Paran in 1 Kings 11:18 doubtless refers to the district West of the Arabah.

W. Ewing

EL-PARAN

el-pa'-ran.

See PARAN.

Elparan (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Elparan (1 Occurrence). Genesis 14:6 and the Horites in
their Mount Seir, to Elparan, which is by the wilderness. (WEB KJV ASV). ...
/e/elparan.htm - 9k

El-paran (1 Occurrence)
El-paran. Elparan, El-paran. Elpelet . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ... (BBE
DBY JPS WBS YLT NAS RSV). Elparan, El-paran. Elpelet . Reference Bible.
/e/el-paran.htm - 9k

Elpalet (1 Occurrence)

/e/elpalet.htm - 7k

El (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance El (8 Occurrences). Genesis 14:6 and the Horites
in their Mount Seir, to Elparan, which is by the wilderness. ...
/e/el.htm - 9k

Paran (11 Occurrences)
... W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Paran (11 Occurrences). Genesis 14:6 and the
Horites in their Mount Seir, to Elparan, which is by the wilderness. ...
/p/paran.htm - 13k

Border (233 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NIV). Genesis 14:6 and the Horites in their Mount
Seir, to Elparan, which is by the wilderness. (See RSV). ...
/b/border.htm - 40k

Se'ir (36 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Se'ir (36 Occurrences). Genesis 14:6 and the Horites in
their Mount Seir, to Elparan, which is by the wilderness. (See RSV). ...
/s/se'ir.htm - 16k

Seir (38 Occurrences)
... Seir (38 Occurrences). Genesis 14:6 and the Horites in their Mount Seir, to Elparan,
which is by the wilderness. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/s/seir.htm - 21k

Horites (6 Occurrences)
... Horites (6 Occurrences). Genesis 14:6 and the Horites in their Mount Seir, to Elparan,
which is by the wilderness. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV) ...
/h/horites.htm - 8k

Wilderness (304 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV). Genesis 14:6 and the Horites in their Mount Seir,
to Elparan, which is by the wilderness. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/w/wilderness.htm - 43k

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