Introduction:
Eloth, also spelled Elat or Elath, is a significant port city mentioned in the Bible, located on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, which is part of the Red Sea. This city played a crucial role in the trade and economic activities of ancient Israel and its neighboring regions.

Biblical References:
Eloth is first mentioned in the context of King Solomon's reign. In 1 Kings 9:26 , it is recorded: "King Solomon also built ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom." This indicates that Eloth was strategically important for maritime activities and trade, serving as a hub for Solomon's fleet.

The city is also mentioned in 2 Kings 14:22 , which states: "He [King Azariah] rebuilt Elath and restored it to Judah after King Amaziah rested with his fathers." This passage highlights the city's fluctuating control and its restoration to Judah, emphasizing its strategic and economic significance.

In 2 Chronicles 8:17 , Eloth is again referenced in connection with Solomon's maritime ventures: "Then Solomon went to Ezion-geber and to Eloth on the coast of Edom." This further underscores the city's role in facilitating trade and commerce during Solomon's reign.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Eloth's location made it a vital point for trade routes connecting the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, and the Mediterranean. Its proximity to Ezion-geber, another significant port, allowed it to serve as a launching point for expeditions and trade missions, particularly those seeking gold and other valuable resources from Ophir and beyond.

Throughout its history, Eloth experienced periods of prosperity and decline, often influenced by the political and military dynamics of the region. Control of Eloth shifted between various powers, including the Edomites, Israelites, and later, other regional empires.

Economic and Strategic Importance:
The economic importance of Eloth cannot be overstated. As a port city, it facilitated the exchange of goods such as spices, precious metals, and other commodities that were highly valued in the ancient world. The city's strategic location also made it a focal point for military campaigns and territorial disputes.

The restoration of Eloth to Judah under King Azariah, as mentioned in 2 Kings 14:22, signifies its importance to the kingdom's economic and military strategy. Control over Eloth meant access to trade routes and resources that were crucial for the prosperity and security of the kingdom.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, Eloth's mention in the Bible highlights the interconnectedness of God's people with the broader world. The city's role in trade and commerce reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to bless Israel and make it a conduit of blessing to the nations. The prosperity and influence that came through such cities were seen as part of God's provision and plan for His people.

Conclusion:
While Eloth is not frequently mentioned in the biblical narrative, its strategic and economic significance is evident. The city's history reflects the broader themes of God's provision, the importance of trade and commerce in the ancient world, and the dynamic political landscape of the region.Eloth

(1 Kings 9:26) [ELATH, ELOTH]

ELATH; ELOTH

e'-lath, or e'-loth ('eloth, 'elath; Ailon (Deuteronomy 2:8), Ailath (2 Kings 16:6)):

A seaport on the Red Sea in the territory of Edom. It is named along with Ezion-geber in the account of Israel's journey round the land of Edom (Deuteronomy 2:8). It appears as Ailath, and Alion in the Septuagint, and in Josephus as Ilanis (Ant., VIII, vi, 4), while Eusebius (Onomasticon) has Aila. From this we may gather that the Aramaic Ilan or Ilana was in use as well as the Hebrew 'elath or 'eloth. The name, "grove," was doubtless derived from the presence of certain sacred trees. It may be identical with El-paran of Genesis 14:6, and Elah of Genesis 36:41. When David conquered Edom, Elath passed into the hands of Israel (2 Samuel 8:14). It was a position of great importance in connection with the trade with South Arabia. Here the merchant fleets of Solomon and Jehoshaphat were fitted out, and hence, they sailed (1 Kings 9:26 2 Chronicles 8:17 1 Kings 22:48).

In the reign of Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, Edom shook off the hand of Judah (2 Kings 8:20), but under Amaziah and Uzziah it was again subdued (2 Kings 14:7, 10, 22). Finally it was taken from Ahaz by Rezin, king of Syria. The Jews were driven out and the Syrians (Edomites?) took permanent possession (2 Kings 16:6). It is identical with the modern `Aqaba, at the head of the gulf of that name.

W. Ewing

ELOTH

e'-loth.

See ELATH.

359. Eloth -- "grove of lofty trees"
... 358, 359. Eloth. 360 . "grove of lofty trees". Transliteration: Eloth
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-loth') Short Definition: Eloth. Word ...
/hebrew/359.htm - 6k

How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ...
... king built many ships in the Egyptian Bay of the Red Sea, in a certain place called
Ezion-geber: it is now called Berenice, and is not far from the city Eloth. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how solomon fortified.htm

Eloth (3 Occurrences)
... ELATH; ELOTH. e'-lath, or e'-loth ('eloth, 'elath; Ailon (Deuteronomy 2:8), Ailath
(2 Kings 16:6)): A seaport on the Red Sea in the territory of Edom. ...ELOTH. ...
/e/eloth.htm - 9k

Elath (6 Occurrences)
... Grove; trees, (Deuteronomy 2:8), also in plural form Eloth (1 Kings 9:26, etc.);
called by the Greeks and Romans Elana; a city of Idumea, on the east, ie, the ...
/e/elath.htm - 10k

Ezion-geber (6 Occurrences)
... out into the sea), an ancient city and harbour at the north-east end of the Elanitic
branch of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Akabah, near Elath or Eloth (Numbers 33 ...
/e/ezion-geber.htm - 10k

Eziongeber (3 Occurrences)
... out into the sea), an ancient city and harbour at the north-east end of the Elanitic
branch of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Akabah, near Elath or Eloth (Numbers 33 ...
/e/eziongeber.htm - 9k

Geber (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 9:26 King Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion Geber, which is beside
Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. ...
/g/geber.htm - 10k

Ezion (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 9:26 King Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion Geber, which is beside
Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. ...
/e/ezion.htm - 8k

E'zion-Ge'ber (6 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Kings 9:26 King Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion Geber, which
is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. (See RSV). ...
/e/e'zion-ge'ber.htm - 7k

Eloquent (4 Occurrences)

/e/eloquent.htm - 8k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... It was at Ezion-geber near to Eloth on the Red Sea, in the land of Edom which David
had conquered, that Solomon built his fleet, "a navy of ships" (1 Kings 9:26 ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Shore (45 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 9:26 King Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion Geber, which is beside
Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. ...
/s/shore.htm - 22k

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