Bible Dictionary

Elim

Places & Geography • Old Testament

Elim was the second encampment of Israel after crossing the Red Sea. It had twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, providing a refreshing place in the wilderness.

Definition

Elim was the second encampment of the Israelites after they crossed the Red Sea. It had twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, making it a well-watered contrast to the preceding station at Marah.

Biblical Usage

Israel camped at Elim during the wilderness journey before moving toward the wilderness of Sin.

Historical Background

Elim is traditionally identified with Wady Ghurundel, or Wady Garundel, near the Gulf of Suez. Water and some palm trees remained at the identified site.

Scripture References

Exodus 15:27 Numbers 33:9 Exodus 16:1

Historical Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Trees, (Ex. 15:27; Num. 33:9), the name of the second station where the Israelites encamped after crossing the Red Sea. It had “twelve wells of water and threescore and ten palm trees.” It has been identified with the Wady Ghurundel, the most noted of the four wadies which descend from the range of et-Tih towards the sea. Here they probably remained some considerable time. The form of expression in Ex. 16:1 seems to imply that the people proceeded in detachments or companies from Elim, and only for the first time were assembled as a complete host when they reached the wilderness of Sin (q.v.).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(strong trees), (Exodus 15:27; Numbers 33:9) the second station where the Israelites encamped after crossing the Red Sea. It is distinguished as having had “twelve wells (rather ’fountains’) of waster, and three-score and ten palm trees.” It is generally identified by the best authorities with Wady Garundel, about halfway down the shore of the Gulf of Suez. A few palm trees still remain, and the water is excellent.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)

e'-lim ('elim, "terebinths"; Aileim):The second encampment of the Israelites after crossing the Red Sea. It was a contrast to the previous camp called "Marah" because of the bitterness of the waters, for there "were twelve springs of water, and threescore and ten palm trees" (Ex 15:27; 16:1; Nu 33:9 f). The traditional site is an oasis in Wady Ghurundel, circa 63 miles from Suez.See EXODUS; WANDERINGS OF ISRAEL.

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