The Hebrew word ʼEltᵉqôn, represented by H515, is the name of a place in Palestine, with a definition of God (is) straight. This name is exceptionally specific in its biblical usage, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse. Its meaning is derived from the combination of the Hebrew words for God (אֵל) and straight (תָּקַן).
The sole biblical reference to H515 occurs within a list of towns in the book of Joshua. In this passage, ʼEltᵉqôn is grouped with two other locations, Maarath and Beth-anoth, and the verse concludes by identifying them as part of a collective of "six cities with their villages" Joshua 15:59. This context firmly establishes ʼEltᵉqôn as a specific, named city in ancient Palestine.
The verse where ʼEltᵉqôn is found contains several related words that help define its context as a settlement:
- H4638 Maʻărâth: Defined as "waste," this is another place in Palestine listed alongside Eltekon Joshua 15:59.
- H1042 Bêyth ʻĂnôwth: Meaning "house of replies," this is also a place in Palestine that appears in the same list Joshua 15:59.
- H5892 ʻîyr: The term used for city. It classifies Eltekon as a fortified or guarded place. This word is broadly used, from describing a besieged place Isaiah 1:8 to identifying Jerusalem as the holy city Isaiah 52:1.
- H2691 châtsêr: This word, used for the villages surrounding the cities, also means an enclosed yard or court. This dual meaning is seen when it refers to both a hamlet Joshua 15:59 and the sacred "courts of the LORD" Psalms 92:13.
The theological weight of H515 comes directly from its meaning, "God (is) straight."
- A Statement of Divine Character: The name itself is a declaration about God's nature, equating Him with what is right, just, and unwavering.
- A Geographical Reminder: By giving a city this name, the location could serve as a constant, physical testimony to the inhabitants and surrounding regions of God's perfect and reliable standard.
- Embedded Truth: Even as a minor location in the biblical text, the name ʼEltᵉqôn demonstrates how foundational theological truths about God's righteousness were embedded into the daily life and landscape of Israel.
In summary, while ʼEltᵉqôn H515 is a name that appears only once in scripture, its significance outweighs its frequency. The name itself is a powerful theological statement: "God (is) straight." It serves as a prime example of how meaning is woven into the biblical narrative, turning even a simple place name into a declaration of God's unchanging, righteous character.
TRV