### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼEleph**, represented by `{{H507}}`, is a place name in Palestine. It appears only **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible, identifying it as a specific location within the land of Israel. Its definition is simply "Eleph, a place in Palestine".
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H507}}` is in the detailed account of the division of land among the tribes of Israel. It is listed as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. Specifically, the text names "Zelah, **Eleph**, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages" as part of the inheritance given to the children of Benjamin [[Joshua 18:28]]. This places it firmly within the context of God's fulfillment of His promise to give the land to His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context help clarify its significance:
* `{{H1144}}` **Binyâmîyn** (Benjamin): The tribe to which Eleph was assigned. The name refers to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe descended from him and its territory [[Genesis 49:27]]. The land allotment defined the physical space for this specific covenant family.
* `{{H5159}}` **nachălâh** (inheritance): This term defines Eleph's purpose as part of a divinely given "patrimony or portion" [[Proverbs 19:14]]. The land was not merely conquered but received as a holy inheritance from the LORD, who had chosen Israel as His own inheritance [[Psalms 33:12]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This identifies Eleph as a "city," a guarded or settled place. The verse lists it as one of "fourteen cities with their villages," indicating it was part of a network of established settlements forming the Benjamite territory [[Joshua 18:28]].
### Theological Significance
While mentioned only once, the context of `{{H507}}` carries theological weight.
* **Fulfillment of Covenant Promise:** The listing of Eleph as part of a specific tribal allotment is tangible proof of God fulfilling His promise to give the land to the children of Israel. This distribution of land, or **nachălâh** (inheritance), is a central theme of God's faithfulness [[Isaiah 58:14]].
* **Divine Order and Provision:** The detailed accounting of cities, including minor ones like Eleph, demonstrates God's meticulous care in providing for each tribe. The process established a settled and ordered society for the "families" of Israel, transitioning them from wanderers to inheritors of the land [[Joshua 18:28]].
* **Tribal Identity:** The location is part of the inheritance of **Binyâmîyn** (Benjamin), a tribe described as the "beloved of the LORD" who would "dwell in safety by him" [[Deuteronomy 33:12]]. The land portion is intrinsically tied to the identity and blessing of the people who inhabit it.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H507}}` **ʼEleph** is more than just an obscure place name. Its single mention in Scripture serves as a specific marker in the grand narrative of God's covenant with Israel. It represents the tangible fulfillment of God's promise of land, the careful provision He made for each tribe, and the secure establishment of the people of Benjamin in their God-given inheritance. It illustrates how every detail in the biblical text can contribute to the larger themes of divine faithfulness and sovereignty.
TRV