Meaning
Elim is a place-name mentioned in the biblical account of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt. The Hebrew name is associated with palms or trees, although reference works differ in how they explain its precise meaning.
Biblical Usage
After leaving Marah, the Israelites came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees. They camped there beside the waters (Exodus 15:27).
Elim is also recorded as a stopping place before the Israelites entered the wilderness of Sin (Exodus 16:1; Numbers 33:9-10).
Some reference works identify Elim with Wadi Gharandel in the Sinai region, but this identification is not certain.
Key References
- Exodus 15:27 — Elim is described as having twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees.
- Exodus 16:1 — The Israelites depart from Elim and enter the wilderness of Sin.
- Numbers 33:9-10 — Elim is recorded in the list of Israel’s stopping places.
Related Terms
- Marah — The stopping place where the Israelites found bitter water before reaching Elim.
- Wilderness — An uncultivated or sparsely inhabited region.
- Mount Sinai — The mountain associated with the giving of God’s law to Israel.