Elealeh

A town in the territory of Reuben.

About Elealeh

Elealeh was a town located across the Jordan River to the northeast of Heshbon. The tribes of Reuben and Gad conquered this town (Numbers 32:3, 37). Later, the Moabites took control of Elealeh again. The prophets mentioned Elealeh together with Heshbon when they spoke against Moab (Isaiah 15:4; 16:9; Jeremiah 48:34).

Eusebius, a church historian who lived in the fourth century AD, described Elealeh as a large village. Scholars identify Elealeh with the modern village of el-'Al. This village is 910.1 meters ( 2,986 feet) above sea level in an area known for growing many grapes. Archaeologists have found the remains of walls dating back to the time before the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) lived.

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Key References

Numbers 32:37

The Reubenites built up Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim,

Isaiah 15:4

Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far as Jahaz. Therefore the soldiers of Moab cry out; their souls tremble within.

All Scripture References (5)

Numbers (2)
Numbers 32:3

“Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon,

Numbers 32:37

The Reubenites built up Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim,

Isaiah (2)
Isaiah 15:4

Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far as Jahaz. Therefore the soldiers of Moab cry out; their souls tremble within.

Isaiah 16:9

So I weep with Jazer for the vines of Sibmah; I drench Heshbon and Elealeh with my tears. Triumphant shouts have fallen silent over your summer fruit and your harvest.

Jeremiah (1)
Jeremiah 48:34

There is a cry from Heshbon to Elealeh; they raise their voices to Jahaz, from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath-shelishiyah; for even the waters of Nimrim have dried up.