What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 11:46? Eliel the Mahavite • 1 Chronicles 11:46 names Eliel among “the mighty men,” David’s elite warriors who “strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom” (1 Chronicles 11:10). • Though the location of “Mahavite” is uncertain, Scripture places Eliel in the same honored roll as the better-known heroes of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47 and 2 Samuel 23:8-39, underscoring his real, historical role in establishing David’s rule. • His inclusion reminds us that God records every faithful servant, whether famous or obscure—echoing Hebrews 6:10, “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work.” • Application points: – Quiet faithfulness matters to God. – Obedience positions us to be used in larger purposes, just as Eliel’s bravery helped secure Israel’s united monarchy. Jeribai and Joshaviah • These two brothers are listed together in 1 Chronicles 11:46, immediately after Eliel, and again in verse 47. Their joint mention highlights a family serving side by side. • Their shared devotion calls to mind other sibling teams—Moses and Aaron (Exodus 4:14-16), James and John (Mark 1:19-20)—showing how God often multiplies impact through familial unity. • Lessons from their example: – Godly families can become powerful forces for righteousness (Psalm 133:1). – Spiritual legacy is strengthened when siblings pursue the same Lord together (Proverbs 17:17). the sons of Elnaam • “Jeribai and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam” (1 Chronicles 11:46) ties their valor back to their father, Elnaam. Though Scripture gives us no details about Elnaam, the very mention of his name suggests a father whose training produced two mighty warriors for God’s anointed king. • This aligns with Deuteronomy 6:6-7—parents are to “teach them diligently to your children”—and with Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go.” • Takeaways: – God notices not only the deeds of children but also the faithful shaping influence of parents. – A parent’s unseen labor in nurturing faith can yield public fruit in the next generation’s service. Ithmah the Moabite • Ithmah stands out because he is “the Moabite.” While Deuteronomy 23:3 restricted Moabites from entering Israel’s assembly, Ruth 1–4 and this text show that individuals who renounce idolatry and embrace Israel’s God are welcomed. • Ithmah’s presence among David’s mighty men (see the parallel list, 2 Samuel 23:37) testifies that God’s covenant grace extends beyond ethnic Israel to all who trust Him (cf. Isaiah 56:6-7). • Practical implications: – God delights to graft outsiders into His people (Romans 11:17). – The ground at the King’s side is level; faith, not ancestry, secures our place (Galatians 3:26-29). summary 1 Chronicles 11:46 spotlights four warriors—Eliel, the brothers Jeribai and Joshaviah, and Ithmah—men from varied backgrounds whose wholehearted loyalty aided David and honored God. Their stories affirm that: • God values every faithful servant, famous or obscure. • Families can pass down courageous faith. • Heritage never limits those who choose the Lord. Together these names encourage us to stand firm, serve boldly, and trust that the Lord records and rewards every act done for His kingdom. |
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