The Hebrew word ʼEltᵉqêʼ, represented by H514, identifies a place in Palestine known as Eltekeh or Elteke. Though its derivation is uncertain, its identity as a specific location is clear. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the context of tribal land allocation.
In the biblical narrative, H514 is first mentioned as one of the cities included in the territory assigned to the tribe of Dan Joshua 19:44. Shortly after, it is named again as a city given from that same tribe to the Levites. The record specifies the transfer of "Eltekeh with her suburbs," designating it as a Levitical city Joshua 21:23. Both of its occurrences firmly place it within the land distributions recorded in the book of Joshua.
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding Eltekeh:
- H1835 Dân (judge; Dan, one of the sons of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory): This is the tribe out of which Eltekeh was granted to the Levites Joshua 21:23.
- H1405 Gibbᵉthôwn (a hilly spot; Gibbethon, a place in Palestine): This city is listed immediately alongside Eltekeh in both biblical references, indicating a close geographical proximity or administrative connection Joshua 19:44.
- H1191 Baʻălâth (mistressship; Baalath, a place in Palestine): This location is also included in the list of cities belonging to the tribe of Dan, mentioned in the same verse as Eltekeh's initial assignment Joshua 19:44.
- H4054 migrâsh (a suburb... the area around a building): This term is essential for understanding Eltekeh's status as a Levitical city, as it was given "with her suburbs" to provide for the priestly tribe Joshua 21:23.
The significance of H514 is tied to its role in the fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel.
- Tribal Inheritance: The first mention of Eltekeh helps define the specific boundaries of the land promised and allotted to the tribe H4294 of Dan, marking a concrete piece of the inheritance Joshua 19:44.
- Levitical Provision: Its designation as a Levitical city demonstrates the provision made for the priests and Levites, who were not given a tribal territory but were assigned cities and suburbs H4054 among the other tribes Joshua 21:23.
- Geographic Marker: Paired consistently with Gibbethon, Eltekeh serves as a precise geographic point of reference within the land of Canaan during the period of settlement.
In summary, H514 is a specific place name whose importance lies in its function within the biblical record of the Israelite settlement. While appearing only twice, its role is twofold: it helps delineate the inheritance of the tribe of Dan and serves as an example of a city set apart for the Levites. The name Eltekeh, therefore, represents the precise and orderly fulfillment of God's distribution of the promised land.
TRV