Eltekeh in the Bible
A Levitical city in Dan where Sennacherib fought Egyptian forces.
Eltekeh was a city in the tribal territory of Dan, designated as a Levitical city. It is also known from Assyrian records as the site where Sennacherib fought Egyptian forces during his campaign against Judah — the same campaign that culminated in the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem under Hezekiah.
Modern Location
Likely Tell esh-Shallaf in the coastal plain, Israel
Key Biblical Events
- 1Eltekeh assigned as a Levitical city in Dan (Joshua 21:23)
- 2Sennacherib defeats Egyptian forces near Eltekeh (Assyrian records)
Key KJV Scriptures
"And out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with her suburbs, Gibbethon with her suburbs."
Spiritual Significance
Eltekeh illustrates the intersection of biblical and ancient Near Eastern history, confirming the broader geopolitical context of biblical events.
Why Eltekeh Matters
Eltekeh holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands at the crossroads of God's covenant promises to His chosen people. With 2 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Joshua, Sennacherib linked to its story — Eltekeh is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Rooted in the Old Testament narrative, Eltekeh is referenced in 1 key scriptures that reveal God's faithfulness across generations. Eltekeh illustrates the intersection of biblical and ancient Near Eastern history, confirming the broader geopolitical context of biblical events.
For today's believer, studying Eltekeh is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Eltekeh, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Joshua encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Eltekeh?
According to Assyrian annals, Sennacherib defeated Egyptian and Ethiopian forces at Eltekeh around 701 BC during the same campaign that threatened Jerusalem under King Hezekiah.
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Where to go next
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