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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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