Aijalon

A city located in a valley 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of Jerusalem (modern-day Yalo).

It was originally given to the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:42). Aijalon was made as one of four cities in Dan for Levites (Joshua 21:24). Later, it became a city of refuge in the tribe of Ephraim (1 Chronicles 6:69). Dan had moved north, being unable to maintain its original territory, including Aijalon (Judges 1:34–36). Near Aijalon, Saul and Jonathan won a battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:31). People from Benjamin's tribe also lived there at one point (1 Chronicles 8:13).

After Solomon’s death, Israel split into two kingdoms. King Rehoboam strengthened Aijalon, as it was on the border of the two kingdoms (2 Chronicles 11:10). The Egyptian pharaoh Shishak claimed he conquered Aijalon around 924 BC (2 Chronicles 12:2–12). Much later, the Philistines took Aijalon during the reign of Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:18).

The valley of Aijalon is famous for a battle where Joshua fought to control Gibeon (Joshua 10:12). During this battle, Joshua prayed to God: “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon” (Joshua 10:12).

See also Cities of Refuge; Levitical Cities.

A city in the territory of Zebulun. The burial place of the judge Elon (Judges 12:12).