Topical Bible: Valleys: Ajalon

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Topical Encyclopedia

Geographical Context:
The Valley of Ajalon, also known as the Aijalon Valley, is a significant geographical location in the biblical narrative. It is situated in the Shephelah region, which is the lowland area between the central highlands of Israel and the coastal plain. The valley served as a strategic corridor in ancient times, connecting the hill country of Judah and Benjamin with the coastal territories. Its fertile lands and strategic location made it a site of numerous historical and biblical events.

Biblical Significance:
The Valley of Ajalon is most famously mentioned in the context of Joshua's conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 10:12-13 , during the battle against the Amorite kings, Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon over the Valley of Ajalon: "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." This miraculous event allowed the Israelites to achieve a decisive victory.

Tribal Allotment:
The Valley of Ajalon was allocated to the tribe of Dan as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land (Joshua 19:42). However, due to the Danites' struggles in securing their territory, the valley also became associated with the tribe of Benjamin. The city of Aijalon, located within the valley, was designated as a Levitical city and a city of refuge (1 Chronicles 6:69).

Historical Events:
Throughout Israel's history, the Valley of Ajalon was a site of military significance. In 1 Samuel 14:31, during the reign of King Saul, the Israelites pursued the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, highlighting the valley's role as a battleground. Additionally, in 2 Chronicles 28:18, the Philistines captured Aijalon during the reign of King Ahaz, demonstrating the ongoing conflict over this strategic location.

Prophetic References:
The Valley of Ajalon is also mentioned in the context of prophetic literature. In Isaiah 28:21, the LORD's actions are compared to His past deeds at Mount Perazim and the Valley of Ajalon, emphasizing His power and intervention in history: "For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim, He will rouse Himself as in the Valley of Gibeon, to do His work, His strange work, and to perform His task, His disturbing task."

Cultural and Theological Insights:
The events in the Valley of Ajalon underscore themes of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. The miraculous halting of celestial bodies in response to Joshua's prayer illustrates God's sovereignty over creation and His commitment to His covenant people. The valley's repeated mention in military contexts highlights the ongoing struggle between Israel and its neighbors, serving as a reminder of the spiritual and physical battles faced by God's people.

Modern Identification:
Today, the Valley of Ajalon is identified with the modern-day Ayalon Valley in Israel. It remains a region of agricultural and historical importance, with archaeological sites that continue to shed light on its rich biblical heritage.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 10:12
Then spoke Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand you still on Gibeon; and you, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... mountains contained nearly as many states as there were valleys, while in ... similar
fortresses and villages, such as Iurza, Migdol, Lachish, Ajalon, Shocho, Adora ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Manasseh settled to the north of Ephraim, in the hills and valleys of the ... they attempted
to insert themselves to the north of Judah, between Ajalon and Joppa ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... sanctuary, but the King of Judah, to whom the Edomite valleys belonged, did ... Soco,
Adullam, Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah, Zorah, Ajalon, Hebron ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm