Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and Meaning:Aijalon, also spelled Ayalon, is derived from the Hebrew word "אַיָּלוֹן" (Ayyalon), meaning "place of deer" or "field of deer." This name reflects the region's natural environment, which was likely abundant with wildlife.
Biblical References and Historical Significance:Aijalon is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, serving as a significant location in various biblical narratives. It is primarily recognized as a city in the territory allotted to the tribe of Dan, although it was also associated with the tribe of Benjamin.
1.
Tribal Allotment: In the division of the Promised Land, Aijalon was allocated to the tribe of Dan.
Joshua 19:42 lists Aijalon among the cities given to Dan: "Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah."
2.
Levitical City: Aijalon was designated as a Levitical city, a city of refuge for the Levites. In
1 Chronicles 6:69, it is mentioned: "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 Conflict: Aijalon was a site of conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. In
1 Samuel 14:31, during the reign of King Saul, 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."
5.
Rehoboam's Fortifications: King Rehoboam, Solomon's son, fortified Aijalon as part of his defensive strategy against potential invasions.
2 Chronicles 11:10 states: "Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, which are fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin."
Geographical Location:Aijalon was situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Israel, strategically located on the border between the hill country of Judah and the coastal plain. This location made it a significant military and trade route, contributing to its historical importance.
Archaeological Insights:Modern archaeological efforts have identified Aijalon with the site of Yalo, near the present-day Ayalon Valley in Israel. Excavations have revealed remains from various periods, including Canaanite, Israelite, and later civilizations, providing insights into the city's long history and cultural significance.
Theological Implications:Aijalon's biblical narratives highlight themes of divine intervention, faith, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The miraculous event of the sun standing still serves as a testament to God's power and His willingness to aid His chosen people in times of need. Aijalon's role as a Levitical city underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and refuge within the community of Israel.
Conclusion:Aijalon remains a symbol of God's providence and the historical struggles of the Israelites as they established themselves in the Promised Land. Its repeated mention in Scripture underscores its significance in the biblical narrative and its enduring legacy in the history of Israel.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
AIJALONa'-ja-lon ('ayyalon, "deerplace"; the King James Version, Ajalon (Joshua 10:12)):
(1) The name of a town allotted to the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:42), which was also designated a Levitical city (Joshua 21:24), which fell to the Sons of Kohath (1 Chronicles 6:69). The first mention of Aijalon is in the narrative of Joshua's defeat of the five Amorite kings: "thou, Moon, in the valley of Aijalon" (Joshua 10:12). The Danites failed to take it from the Amorites (Judges 1:35), although the men of Ephraim held it in vassalage. Here Saul and Jonathan won a great victory over the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:31). At one time it was held by the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:13). Rehoboam fortified it against the kingdom of Israel (2 Chronicles 11:10). In the days of King Ahaz it was captured by the Philistines (2 Chronicles 28:18). It has been identified with the modern Yalo; its antiquity goes back to Tell el-Amarna Letters, in which it has mention. It Is situated Northwest of Jerusalem in a valley of the same name, which leads down from the mountains to the sea.
(2) A town in the tribe of Zebulun, site unknown, where Elon the judge was buried (Judges 12:12).
Edward Mack
Strong's Hebrew
357. Ayyalon -- "deer," the name of several cities in Palestine... "deer," the name of several cities in Palestine. Transliteration: Ayyalon Phonetic
Spelling: (ah-yaw-lone') Short Definition:
Aijalon.
...Aijalon, Ajalon.
...Library
The Old Testament and Modern Science
... results. When, for example, the poetic passage,. Sun, stand thou still
upon Gibeon, And thou, moon, in the valley ofAijalon. And...
Concerning Rehoboam, and How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him for...
... Etare, and Tekoa, and Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam, and Ipan, and Maresha, and
Ziph, and Adorlam, and Lachlsh, and Azekah, and Zorah, andAijalon, and Hebron...
The Old Testament and Archeology
... prisoner. Some of the most familiar names in this list are Gaza, Abel,
Adullam, Bethhoron,Aijalon, Gibeon, and Shunem.[11]. From...
The Septuagint as a Version.
... Kai eipen Iesous, Heb. 'and he said in the eyes of Israel.' Steto, Heb. 'be still.'
Gabaon, 'Gibeon.' Ailon. 'Aijalon' ('ylvn); Cf.2 Chron. xi.10 A, Aialon.13....
Thesaurus
Aijalon (10 Occurrences)...AIJALON.
... The first mention of
Aijalon is in the narrative of Joshua's defeat of the
five Amorite kings: "thou, Moon, in the valley of
Aijalon" (Joshua 10:12).
...Ai'jalon (10 Occurrences)
Ai'jalon.Aijalon, Ai'jalon. Aijeleth .... You, moon, stop in the valley ofAijalon!"
(See RSV). Joshua 19:42 Shaalabbin,Aijalon, Ithlah, (See RSV)....
Shaalbim (2 Occurrences)
... dwelt in Mt. Heres,Aijalon and Shaalbim, where, it appears, they were made
tributary to the house of Joseph (Judges 1:35). In the...
Shephelah (2 Occurrences)
... They all lie within the strip of hill country that runs along the western base of
the mountains of Judah, terminating in the North at the Valley ofAijalon....
Battle (282 Occurrences)
... ballads) ascribes to Joshua the command: + `Sun, be thou silent upon (be) Gibeon
(compare Revised Version margin); And thou, Moon, in (be) the valley ofAijalon...
Heres (7 Occurrences)
... he'-res: (1) har-cherec, "Mount Heres" (Judges 1:34 f), a district from which the
Amorites were not expelled; it is mentioned along withAijalon and Shallbim....
Bethhoron (12 Occurrences)
... ballads) ascribes to Joshua the command: + `Sun, be thou silent upon (be) Gibeon
(compare Revised Version margin); And thou, Moon, in (be) the valley ofAijalon...
Beth-horon (12 Occurrences)
... ballads) ascribes to Joshua the command: + `Sun, be thou silent upon (be) Gibeon
(compare Revised Version margin); And thou, Moon, in (be) the valley ofAijalon...
Zorah (10 Occurrences)
... It is probable that it is mentioned under the name Tsarkha along with Aialuna
(Aijalon; 2 Chronicles 11:10) in the Tell el-Amarna Letters(No....
Gederoth (2 Occurrences)
... 41). It is mentioned along with Bethshemesh andAijalon as taken by the
Philistines in the reign of Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:18). It...
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