Eli'ab is a biblical figure mentioned primarily in the Old Testament, known for his role within the tribe of Judah and his familial connection to King David. His name, Eli'ab, means "God is Father" in Hebrew, reflecting the theocentric nature of Hebrew names and their significance in biblical narratives.

Family and Lineage

Eli'ab was the eldest son of Jesse, a Bethlehemite, and thus the eldest brother of David, the future king of Israel. He is listed among Jesse's eight sons in 1 Samuel 16:6-13, where the prophet Samuel visits Jesse's household to anoint the next king of Israel. Eli'ab's stature and appearance initially impressed Samuel, leading him to believe that Eli'ab was the Lord's chosen one. However, God instructed Samuel not to consider Eli'ab's outward appearance, saying, "Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

Role in the Narrative of David and Goliath

Eli'ab is also mentioned in the account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. As a soldier in Saul's army, Eli'ab was present at the Valley of Elah, where the Israelites faced the Philistine threat. When David arrived at the battlefield to deliver provisions to his brothers, Eli'ab reacted with anger and skepticism towards David's intentions. He questioned David's motives, accusing him of pride and insolence: "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the wickedness of your heart; you have come down to see the battle" (1 Samuel 17:28). This interaction highlights the tension between Eli'ab and David, possibly stemming from Eli'ab's jealousy or misunderstanding of David's divine calling.

Tribal Leadership

Eli'ab is also noted as a leader within the tribe of Judah. In 1 Chronicles 2:13, he is listed as the firstborn of Jesse, affirming his position within the family hierarchy. His role as a leader is further emphasized in 1 Chronicles 27:18, where he is mentioned as the chief officer for the tribe of Judah during King David's reign. This position indicates that despite the initial rejection for kingship, Eli'ab held a significant role within the tribal structure of Israel.

Legacy and Significance

Eli'ab's account serves as a reminder of the biblical theme that God values the heart over outward appearances. His interactions with David illustrate the complexities of familial relationships and the challenges of understanding God's purposes. Eli'ab's presence in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of humility and the recognition of God's sovereign choice in leadership and service.Eli'ab (19 Occurrences)

Numbers 1:9
Of Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon.
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Numbers 2:7
and the tribe of Zebulun; the prince of the children of Zebulun being Eliab the son of Helon,
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Numbers 7:24
On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun:
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Numbers 7:29
and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.
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Numbers 10:16
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zebulun was Eliab the son of Helon.
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Numbers 16:1
Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men;
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Numbers 16:12
And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab; and they said: 'We will not come up;
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Numbers 26:8
And the sons of Pallu: Eliab.
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Numbers 26:9
And the sons of Eliab: Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. These are that Dathan and Abiram, the elect of the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD;
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1 Samuel 16:6
And it came to pass, when they were come, that he beheld Eliab, and said: 'Surely the LORD'S anointed is before Him.'
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1 Samuel 17:13
And the three eldest sons of Jesse had gone after Saul to the battle; and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the first-born, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
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1 Samuel 17:28
And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said: 'Why art thou come down? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy presumptuousness, and the naughtiness of thy heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.'
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1 Chronicles 2:13
and Jesse begot his first-born Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimea the third;
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1 Chronicles 6:27
Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.
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1 Chronicles 12:9
Ezer the chief, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third;
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1 Chronicles 15:18
and with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Eliphalehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, the doorkeepers.
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1 Chronicles 15:20
and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries set to Alamoth;
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1 Chronicles 16:5
Asaph the chief, and second to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, with psalteries and with harps; and Asaph with cymbals, sounding aloud;
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2 Chronicles 11:18
And Rehoboam took him a wife, Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David, and of Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse;
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Eli'ab (19 Occurrences)
Eli'ab. Eliab, Eli'ab. Eliab's . Multi-Version Concordance Eli'ab (19 Occurrences).
Numbers 1:9 Of Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon. (See RSV). ...
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Eli'ab's (1 Occurrence)
Eli'ab's. Eliab's, Eli'ab's. Eliada . Multi-Version Concordance Eli'ab's
(1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother ...
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Eliab (20 Occurrences)

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Eliada (4 Occurrences)

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Eliab's (1 Occurrence)

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