Location
Overview
Elim was a welcome oasis after the bitterness of Marah — a place of springs and shade, a token of God's provision in the desert.
Twelve springs and seventy palms
"And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters" (Exodus 15:27). The numbers — twelve and seventy — would later echo the tribes and the elders of Israel.
A place of rest
After the trials of thirst, Elim offered abundance and shade, and Israel camped by its waters before pressing on toward Sinai.
On the way to Sinai
"They took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation... came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai" (Exodus 16:1) — the next stage toward the mountain of God.
Events Here
Israel rests at the oasis of Elim — twelve springs, seventy palms
Scripture References
4 versesExodus2 verses
Exodus 15:27
And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
Exodus 16:1
And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.
Numbers2 verses
Numbers 33:9
And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there.
Numbers 33:10
And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea.
Archaeology & History
Elim is traditionally located at Wadi Gharandel in the western Sinai, a watered valley with palms and tamarisks that has long served travellers — a natural resting place on the route south toward the Sinai massif, though, as with the other stations, certainty is impossible.
Frequently asked about Elim
Where is Elim today?
Today, Elim corresponds to Wadi Gharandel, Sinai (traditional).
What does the name Elim mean?
The name Elim means “Great trees / palms”.
What happened at Elim in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Elim include israel rests at the oasis of elim — twelve springs, seventy palms.
Where is Elim first mentioned in the Bible?
Elim is first mentioned in Exodus 15:27.
How often is Elim mentioned in the Bible?
Elim is mentioned in 4 verses across 2 books: Exodus, Numbers.
What was special about Elim?
It was a desert oasis with twelve wells (springs) of water and seventy palm trees where Israel camped and rested after the bitter water of Marah.
Where was Elim?
In the western Sinai, traditionally identified with the palm-shaded Wadi Gharandel, on the route between Marah and the wilderness of Sin.