What is…
Ajalon

Hebrew: אַיָּלוֹן —transliteration: Ayyalon —meaning: deer; place of deer

also known as: Aijalon , Aij'alon and Ayyalon

This is the name of 2 biblical places.

  1. Ajalon, a valley and town

    Ajalon is a town and valley (modern name: Ayalon Valley in Israel) originally assigned to the tribe of Dan, from which, however, they could not drive the Amorites (Judges 1:35).

    It was one of the Levitical cities given to the Kohathites (1 Chronicles 6:69). It was not far from Beth-shemesh (2 Chronicles 28:18). It was the boundary between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, and is frequently mentioned in Jewish history (2 Chronicles 11:10; 1 Samuel 14:31; 1 Chronicles 8:13).

    With reference to the valley named after the town, Joshua uttered the celebrated command, “Sun, stand thou still on Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon” (Joshua 10:12 KJV). (see: Miracles)

    And as they fled from Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth-horon, the Lord hurled large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died; there were more who died from the hailstones than those whom the sons of Israel killed with the sword.

    Then Joshua spoke to the Lord on the day when the Lord turned the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel,

    “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, And moon, at the Valley of Aijalon!” So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies. —Joshua 10:11–13 NASB

    Ajalon has been identified as the modern Yalo (Yalu), at the foot of the Beth-horon (Bethoron) pass (near modern Beit Horon, Israel).

    In the Tell Amarna letters Adoni-zedek speaks of the destruction of the “city of Ajalon” by the invaders, and describes himself as “afflicted, greatly afflicted” by the calamities that had come on the land, urging the king of Egypt to hasten to his help.

    ALSO SEE

    • Who is Joshua?
    • Can we explain the “long days” of Joshua and Hezekiah? Answer
    • About MIRACLES in the Bible, including a comprehensive list
    • Is it logical to believe that the biblical miracles really happened? Answer
    • “Miracles are not possible,” some claim. Is this true? Answer
  2. Ajalon, city of Zebulun

    This is a city in the tribe of Zebulun (Judges 12:12) where Elon was buried.

    It is identified with the modern Jalun, 3 miles north of Cabul, Israel (aka Kabul, Kabbul, al-Kabul).

Article Version: July 26, 2021