Metaphysical meaning of Elath (mbd)
Elath, e'-lath (Heb.)--oak trees; terebinth trees; grove of strong trees; palm grove; aggregation of strength.
A place that the Children of Israel passed while on their way from Egypt to Canaan (Deut. 2:8). It was a city of Edom, a port on an eastern gulf of the Red Sea. In II Samuel 8:14 we read that all the Edomites became subject to David. Under Joram, Edom revolted from Judah and made a king for itself (II Kings 8:20). Elath was rebuilt and was restored to Judah by Azariah, or Uzziah, king of Judah (II Kings 14:22). Later it was captured by the Syrians; the Jews were driven from it "and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there, unto this day' (II Kings 16:6).
Meta. A strengthening of the whole nervous system (aggregation of strength, oak trees). A tree is a connecting link between the heavens and the earth, the formless and the formed. The nervous system in man connects the spiritual and the physical; it is in very close union with the mental thoughts, or their impressions, are carried over the nerves--and it is by means of thinking that we contact both the physical and the spiritual. By the inner assurance of victory through Christ over error (palm grove; palms denote victory) and faith in God as a strong, protecting power and abiding place (oaks), the children of Israel (our higher, religious thoughts and tendencies) are helped on their way toward the Promised Land (the redemption of the body).
When man's nervous system is vitalized and strengthened, a conflict sometimes follows between the physical, the mental, and the spiritual as to which is to profit most by this new inflow of life and energy. Elath belonged to Edom, the physical.. (Man in his unawakened state looks upon the nervous system as mortal and corruptible, just as he does the remainder of his organism.) Elath was captured and rebuilt by Judah, who symbolizes praise and prayer. (The religious and spiritual nature lays hold of this new quickening life as its own, and utilizes it to its good.) Then the Syrians took Elath and possessed it (the Syrians belong to the sense mental realm in man).
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Preceding Entry: Elasah
Following Entry: El-berith
