This, the name of the most southerly settlement in Israel, appears several times in Tanach. It is mentioned (Devarim 2:8) as one of the stations of Israel’s journey from Egypt to Eretz Yisrael. It appears again as a geographical designation for the adjoining port of Etzion Gever where King Solomon’s navy carried on commerce with a neighboring country (Melachim I 9:26) and again in connection with King Yehoshafat’s ill-fated attempt to send ships to Ophir for gold (ibid. 22:49).

Modern Eilat serves as the country’s Red Sea port and has developed into a town with permanent residents. Its main claim to fame, however, is as a popular tourist attraction both for Israelis and for visitors from abroad.

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