### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼAyâlôwn**, represented by `{{H357}}`, is a place name meaning **"deer-field"**. It is used to identify five distinct places within Palestine. The name appears **10 times** in **10 unique verses**, marking it as a location of significant historical and military events in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Ajalon is most famously mentioned during Joshua's battle against the Amorites. Joshua speaks to the LORD and commands the moon to stand still in the **valley** of Ajalon [[Joshua 10:12]], a miraculous event that secured Israel's victory. The location also features in other military contexts; it was a site of conflict where the Israelites, under Saul, smote the Philistines [[1 Samuel 14:31]], and it was later invaded and taken by the Philistines from Judah [[2 Chronicles 28:18]]. It was fortified as a **fenced** city in the territories of Judah and Benjamin [[2 Chronicles 11:10]] and was also a place where the Amorites persisted until the house of Joseph subjected them to tribute [[Judges 1:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to understand the context and nature of Ajalon:
* `{{H6010}}` **ʻêmeq** (valley): This describes the geography of Ajalon, a broad depression, which was the setting for Joshua's command to the moon [[Joshua 10:12]].
* `{{H4694}}` **mᵉtsûwrâh** (fenced city, fort, munition, strong hold): This term is used to describe Ajalon as one of the fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin, highlighting its strategic importance [[2 Chronicles 11:10]].
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (suburb): Ajalon is listed with its **suburbs**, indicating it was designated as a Levitical city, a place for the priests and their flocks to dwell ([[Joshua 21:24]], [[1 Chronicles 6:69]]).
* `{{H8169}}` **Shaʻalbîym** (Shaalbim): This nearby town is frequently mentioned alongside Ajalon, particularly in the context of the Amorites dwelling there [[Judges 1:35]] and as part of the inheritance of Dan [[Joshua 19:42]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H357}}` is primarily geographical and historical, marking a key location in Israel's story.
* **Site of Divine Intervention:** Ajalon is the backdrop for one of scripture's most dramatic miracles, where God altered the natural order at Joshua's command to aid Israel in battle [[Joshua 10:12]].
* **Strategic Military Post:** Its role as a fenced city [[2 Chronicles 11:10]] and its involvement in multiple battles against the Philistines ([[1 Samuel 14:31]], [[2 Chronicles 28:18]]) underscore its value as a defensive and strategic location.
* **Tribal and Levitical Inheritance:** The city was part of the territory of Dan [[Joshua 19:42]] and was designated as one of the Levitical cities given to the sons of Kohath, complete with suburbs for their use ([[Joshua 21:24]], [[1 Chronicles 6:69]]).
* **A Multifaceted Location:** The mention of Elon the Zebulonite being buried in Aijalon in the country of Zebulun [[Judges 12:12]] suggests that the name, while famous for one location, was applied to several distinct areas in Palestine.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H357}}` **ʼAyâlôwn** identifies more than just a single point on a map. It represents a place of divine power, a strategic battleground in Israel's history, and a significant part of the nation's tribal and religious allotment. From the valley where the moon stood still to its walls as a fenced city, Ajalon serves as a recurring landmark in the unfolding narrative of Israel.
TRV