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H500 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֶלְעָלֵא
El'ale
Proper noun, place
El'aleh

Definition

The Hebrew place name El'ale (H500) refers to a town east of the Jordan River, located in the territory originally allotted to Reuben and later occupied by Moab. The name likely means 'God ascends' or 'God is exalted', a compound of El (God) and alah (to go up, ascend). It is mentioned alongside Heshbon in several prophetic passages.

Usage & Theological Significance

El'aleh appears in the oracles against Moab in Isaiah 15–16 and Jeremiah 48, where the prophets lament the devastation of this once-flourishing city. The prophetic laments over Moab illustrate that God's sovereignty extends even over neighboring nations — He holds all peoples accountable and mourns their destruction. The name itself, meaning 'God ascends,' stands in ironic tension with the city's fall, reminding Israel that true exaltation belongs to God alone (Isaiah 2:11-12).

Key Bible Verses

Numbers 32:3 Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon —
Numbers 32:37 The Reubenites rebuilt Heshbon, Elealeh and Kiriathaim,
Isaiah 15:4 Heshbon and Elealeh cry out, their voices are heard as far as Jahaz.
Isaiah 16:9 So I weep, as Jazer weeps, for the vines of Sibmah. O Heshbon, O Elealeh, I drench you with tears!
Jeremiah 48:34 From the cry of Heshbon to Elealeh and Jahaz, from Zoar as far as Horonaim and Eglath Shelishiyah...

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