Bible Dictionary
Elah
Elah, meaning “terebinth” or “oak,” was the name of a valley, an Edomite chief, two descendants of Judah, and two kings connected with Israel. King Elah, son of Baasha, was killed by Zimri while reigning over Israel.
Definition
Elah means “terebinth” or “oak.” The name identifies a valley near Shochoh and Azekah, an Edomite chief, descendants of Caleb, a king of Israel, and the father of Hoshea, the last king of Israel.
Biblical Usage
The Valley of Elah was where Israel encamped when David fought Goliath. King Elah, son of Baasha, ruled Israel and was killed by Zimri while drunk; another Elah was the father of Hoshea.
Historical Background
The Valley of Elah is identified with modern Wady es-Sunt and was named for terebinth trees. It lay near Shochoh in Judah and Azekah. The sources describe large ancient terebinths still associated with the valley.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Terebinth or oak. (1.) Valley of, where the Israelites were encamped when David killed Goliath (1 Sam. 17:2, 19). It was near Shochoh of Judah and Azekah (17:1). It is the modern Wady es-Sunt, i.e., “valley of the acacia.” “The terebinths from which the valley of Elah takes its name still cling to their ancient soil. On the west side of the valley, near Shochoh, there is a very large and ancient tree of this kind known as the ’terebinth of Wady Sur,’ 55 feet in height, its trunk 17 feet in circumference, and the breadth of its shade no less than 75 feet. It marks the upper end of the Elah valley, and forms a noted object, being one of the largest terebinths in Palestine.” Geikie’s, The Holy Land, etc. (2.) One of the Edomite chiefs or “dukes” of Mount Seir (Gen. 36:41). (3.) The second of the three sons of Caleb, the son of Jephunneh (1 Chr. 4:15). (4.) The son and successor of Baasha, king of Israel (1 Kings 16:8-10). He was killed while drunk by Zimri, one of the captains of his chariots, and was the last king of the line of Baasha. Thus was fullfilled the prophecy of Jehu (6, 7, 11-14). (5.) The father of Hoshea, the last king of Israel (2 Kings 15:30; 17:1).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(an oak, strength).