Elim
“Strong trees, terebinths (or palms)”
Summary
The second encampment of the Israelites after crossing the Red Sea, a pleasant oasis distinguished by its twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees.
☩The Oasis
Elim was the second station where Israel encamped after crossing the Red Sea, following the bitter experience at Marah. In striking contrast to Marah's undrinkable waters, Elim was distinguished by 'twelve fountains of water and threescore and ten palm trees.' The Israelites camped there by the waters, enjoying abundant refreshment in the desert. The name means 'strong trees' or 'terebinths,' though palms were the dominant trees at this location.
☩Identification
Elim is generally identified with Wady Ghurundel, about halfway down the western shore of the Gulf of Suez. In the rainy season a torrent flows through to the Red Sea. A few palm trees still remain, though dwarfed and gnarled, along with tamarisks and acacias—the sole relics of the grove that once flourished in this desert oasis. The water is considered the best on the journey from Cairo to Sinai. Israel appears to have stayed here a considerable time, finding water and pasture abundant in this intermediate district.
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Elim," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.George Morrish, "Elim," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Elim," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Elim," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).