Elath, also known as Eloth, was a significant port city located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, part of the Red Sea. This strategic location made it a vital center for trade and military endeavors in the ancient Near East. The city is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, highlighting its importance in the history of Israel and its neighboring nations.

The conquest of Elath by King Uzziah of Judah is a notable event recorded in the biblical narrative. Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was the tenth king of Judah and reigned during the 8th century BC. His reign is characterized by military successes, economic prosperity, and a period of relative peace for the kingdom of Judah.

The account of Uzziah's conquest of Elath is found in 2 Kings 14:22 and 2 Chronicles 26:2. According to 2 Kings 14:22 , "He [Uzziah] rebuilt Elath and restored it to Judah after King Amaziah rested with his fathers." This passage indicates that Uzziah not only conquered Elath but also undertook efforts to rebuild and fortify the city, integrating it into the kingdom of Judah.

The conquest of Elath by Uzziah is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates Uzziah's military prowess and his ability to expand Judah's territory. The capture and rebuilding of Elath allowed Judah to control a crucial trade route, enhancing the kingdom's economic strength. The port city provided access to maritime trade with regions such as Arabia, Africa, and beyond, contributing to the wealth and prosperity of Judah during Uzziah's reign.

Furthermore, the restoration of Elath to Judah symbolized a period of national revival and strength. Uzziah's successful campaigns and infrastructure projects, including the rebuilding of Elath, are indicative of his effective leadership and the divine favor that the biblical narrative attributes to his reign. 2 Chronicles 26:5 states, "He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success."

The conquest of Elath also had religious and cultural implications. By securing this strategic location, Uzziah reinforced the influence of Judah in the region, promoting the worship of Yahweh and the cultural practices of the Israelites. This expansion of territory under a godly king was seen as a fulfillment of the divine promises to the descendants of David, further solidifying the Davidic dynasty's legitimacy and divine mandate.

In summary, the conquest of Elath by Uzziah was a pivotal event in the history of Judah, reflecting the king's military acumen, the economic benefits of controlling a key trade hub, and the religious significance of expanding the kingdom's influence. The biblical account of this conquest underscores the themes of divine favor, national strength, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.2 Chronicles 26:2
He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.
Nave's Topical Index

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... chronicler tells of the conquest of Elath by King ... led them, after trials innumerable,
to the conquest of the ... similar conduct on the part of Uzziah is recorded ...
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