The Hebrew word ʼElʻâlêʼ, represented by H500, is the name of a place east of the Jordan. Its name is derived from the words for God and "going up," meaning God (is) going up. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible, primarily as a town in the territory of Moab.
In the biblical narrative, Elealeh is first mentioned as one of the cities, along with Heshbon and Dibon, that the tribes of Reuben and Gad desired for their cattle Numbers 32:3. It was subsequently built, or rebuilt, by the children of Reuben as part of their inheritance east of the Jordan Numbers 32:37. Later, in the prophetic books, Elealeh is depicted as a Moabite city facing divine judgment. The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah describe a great cry of anguish coming from Heshbon and Elealeh, a voice of distress that would be heard as far as Jahaz (Isaiah 15:4, Jeremiah 48:34).
Several related words provide context for Elealeh's story:
- H2809 Cheshbôwn (Heshbon): This city is consistently named alongside Elealeh, indicating their close geographical and political connection. Their fates are intertwined in prophecies of judgment Isaiah 15:4.
- H1129 bânâh (to build): This verb is used to describe the action of the children of Reuben in establishing Elealeh, signifying its origins as a settled and constructed town Numbers 32:37.
- H2199 zâʻaq (to shriek): This word captures the sound of intense distress coming from Elealeh and Heshbon in the face of judgment, highlighting the terror and anguish of the city's inhabitants Isaiah 15:4.
- H1058 bâkâh (to weep; to bewail): In Isaiah's prophecy, the prophet declares he will bewail Elealeh, expressing profound sorrow over the city's downfall and the loss of its fruitful harvest Isaiah 16:9.
The significance of H500 is rooted in its journey from a place of settlement to a symbol of judgment.
- Tribal Inheritance: Elealeh's initial appearance marks it as part of the land settled by the tribe of Reuben, a tangible piece of the inheritance they received.
- Subject of Judgment: In the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah, Elealeh represents a place that, while once prosperous, is destined for desolation. Its cries of anguish serve as a stark warning of divine judgment against Moab.
- Loss of Prosperity: The lament over Elealeh is specifically tied to the failure of its harvest and the end of its joyful shouting, illustrating that judgment involves the removal of blessing and earthly abundance Isaiah 16:9.
In summary, H500 ʼElʻâlêʼ is a city whose biblical story arc is one of sharp contrast. Initially established by the tribe of Reuben, it is later seen as a Moabite town that becomes a focal point of prophetic lament and judgment. The name "God (is) going up" stands as a poignant counterpoint to the city's eventual fate, from which a cry of anguish, rather than a shout of praise, is heard.
TRV