Bible Dictionary
Elath, Eloth
Elath, or Eloth, was a city at the head of the Arabian Gulf, commonly mentioned with Ezion-geber. It served as a seaport during the reigns of David and Solomon and was later known by the name Aila or Eyleh.
Definition
Elath, or Eloth, was a town of Edom at the head of the Arabian Gulf, which was consequently called the Elanitic Gulf. It was commonly mentioned with Ezion-geber and became a significant southern town and seaport.
Biblical Usage
Elath appears in the account of Israel’s wilderness journey, later came under David’s rule, and was connected with Solomon’s navy.
Historical Background
In the Roman period it became a southern frontier town and the residence of a Christian bishop. Its Arabic name was Eyleh, and palm groves remained there, corresponding to its name, “a grove.”
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(a grove), the name of a town of the land of Edom, commonly mentioned with Ezion-geber, and situated at the head of the Arabian Gulf, which was thence called the Elanitic Gulf. It first occurs in the account of the wanderings, (2:8) and in later times must have come under the rule of David. (2 Samuel 8:14) We find the place named again in connection with Solomon’s navy. (1 Kings 9:26) comp. 2Chr 8:17 In the Roman period it became a frontier town of the south and the residence of a Christian bishop. The Arabic name is Eyleh, and palm groves still exist there, after which it was named.