Bible Dictionary
Elath
Elath was a city of Edom at the head of the Gulf of Akabah. It became associated with Israel’s southern trade routes and seaports, was used by Solomon, and was later recovered by Uzziah after a period of revolt.
Definition
Elath, also called Eloth, was a city of Edom situated at the head of the Gulf of Akabah, or Elanitic Gulf, of the Red Sea. Its name is associated with a grove or trees. It lay within Solomon’s dominion, later revolted, and was recovered for a time by Uzziah.
Biblical Usage
Elath is first mentioned during Israel’s wilderness journey and is later associated with Ezion-geber and Solomon’s naval activity. Its recovery under Uzziah is also recorded.
Historical Background
The Greeks and Romans called the city Elana. The site was later known as Aila and is represented by ruins called Aila.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Grove; trees, (Deut. 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, i.e., the Elanitic, gulf, or the Gulf of Akabah, of the Red Sea. It is first mentioned in Deut. 2:8. It is also mentioned along with Ezion-geber in 1 Kings 9:26. It was within the limits of Solomon’s dominion, but afterwards revolted. It was, however, recovered and held for a time under king Uzziah (2 Kings 14:22). Now the ruin Aila.