### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼÊylim**, represented by `{{H362}}`, refers to **Elim, a place in the Desert**. It appears **6 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is defined as the plural of אַיִל, meaning **palm-trees**, which points directly to the key features of this location in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Elim is a significant oasis and encampment site for the children of Israel during their journey out of Egypt. After departing from the bitter waters of **Marah** `{{H4785}}` [[Numbers 33:9]], the Israelites **came** `{{H935}}` to Elim. The location is described as a place of abundant provision, having **twelve** `{{H8147}}` **wells** `{{H5869}}` of **water** `{{H4325}}` and **threescore and ten** `{{H7657}}` **palm trees** `{{H8558}}`. The people of Israel **encamped** `{{H2583}}` there by the waters [[Exodus 15:27]]. Elim served as a waypoint; from there, they **took their journey** `{{H5265}}` to the **wilderness** `{{H4057}}` of **Sin** `{{H5512}}`, which is located between Elim and **Sinai** `{{H5514}}` [[Exodus 16:1]]. After leaving Elim, they also **encamped** `{{H2583}}` by the **Red** `{{H5488}}` **sea** `{{H3220}}` [[Numbers 33:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the significance of Elim in the Israelites' journey:
* `{{H4785}}` **Mârâh** (bitter; Marah, a place in the Desert): This is the location the Israelites came from immediately before reaching Elim [[Numbers 33:9]]. Its name, meaning "bitter," stands in stark contrast to the life-giving abundance found at Elim.
* `{{H2583}}` **chânâh** (to encamp): This verb describes the action of the Israelites at Elim, where they **pitched** `{{H2583}}` their tents by the waters [[Numbers 33:9]]. It signifies that Elim was a place of rest and temporary dwelling on their long journey.
* `{{H8558}}` **tâmâr** (a palm tree): The seventy palm trees are a defining feature of Elim [[Exodus 15:27]]. The palm tree is elsewhere associated with flourishing and righteousness [[Psalms 92:12]], underscoring the oasis-like, restorative nature of the location.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H362}}` is found in its representation of God's care for Israel.
* **Divine Provision:** Elim is a powerful symbol of God's provision. Coming directly after the trial of bitter water at **Marah** `{{H4785}}`, the arrival at an oasis with plentiful water and palm trees demonstrates God's faithfulness in providing sustenance and rest for His people in the wilderness [[Exodus 15:27]].
* **Ordered Refreshment:** The specific quantities of **twelve** `{{H8147}}` fountains and **threescore and ten** `{{H7657}}` palm trees provided for the entire **congregation** `{{H5712}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[Exodus 16:1]]. These numbers reflect the structure of the nation, which was composed of the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob [[Genesis 35:22]] and led by seventy elders [[Exodus 24:1]].
* **A Waystation of Grace:** Elim is not the final destination. The narrative shows the Israelites journeying from Elim toward the wilderness of **Sin** `{{H5512}}` and **Sinai** `{{H5514}}` [[Exodus 16:1]]. This positions Elim as a temporary, God-given respite on the longer spiritual journey from bondage in **Egypt** `{{H4714}}` toward receiving the law and entering the promised land.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H362}}` is more than a geographical marker. It is a landmark of divine grace in the Old Testament narrative. As a place of **water** `{{H4325}}` and **palm trees** `{{H8558}}`, Elim serves as a memorial to God's timely and abundant provision for the **children** `{{H1121}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` in the midst of the harsh **wilderness** `{{H4057}}`. It illustrates a key aspect of God's character: His ability and willingness to lead His people from bitterness to rest.
TRV