Eli'ashib is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly noted for his role during the period of the return from the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. His name, meaning "God restores" or "God will repay," reflects the hope and renewal associated with his leadership.

High Priesthood and Lineage

Eli'ashib served as the high priest during the time of Nehemiah, a period marked by the restoration of Jerusalem's walls and the reestablishment of the Jewish community. He was a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and belonged to the priestly line, which was responsible for the spiritual leadership of Israel. His position as high priest placed him at the center of religious and communal life in Jerusalem.

Role in Rebuilding the Wall

Eli'ashib is prominently mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah for his role in the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. Nehemiah 3:1 states, "Then Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests set to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set up its doors, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel." This passage highlights Eli'ashib's leadership and active participation in the physical and spiritual restoration of the city. His involvement underscores the cooperation between religious and civic leaders in achieving communal goals.

Controversy and Compromise

Despite his contributions, Eli'ashib's tenure was not without controversy. Nehemiah 13:4-5 records a significant compromise: "Now before this, Eliashib the priest had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God and was closely associated with Tobiah. And he had prepared for him a large room where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests."

This association with Tobiah, an Ammonite official and adversary of Nehemiah, was a serious breach of the covenantal laws that prohibited alliances with foreign entities that could lead Israel astray. Nehemiah's subsequent actions to cleanse the temple and restore its sanctity (Nehemiah 13:8-9) reflect the ongoing struggle to maintain religious purity and adherence to God's commandments.

Family and Legacy

Eli'ashib's family also played a role in the events of this period. His grandson, Jehoiada, was involved in a marriage alliance with Sanballat the Horonite, another adversary of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13:28). This further illustrates the challenges faced by the Jewish community in maintaining their distinct identity amidst external pressures.

Eli'ashib's legacy is a complex one, marked by both commendable leadership in rebuilding efforts and notable lapses in upholding the covenant. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the potential consequences of compromise in spiritual leadership.Eli'ashib (15 Occurrences)

1 Chronicles 3:24
And the sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Delaiah, and Anani, seven.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 24:12
the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim;
(See RSV)

Ezra 10:6
Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib; and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water; for he mourned because of the faithlessness of them of the captivity.
(See RSV)

Ezra 10:24
And of the singers: Eliashib; and of the porters: Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.
(See RSV)

Ezra 10:27
And of the sons of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza.
(See RSV)

Ezra 10:36
Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib;
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Nehemiah 3:1
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Hammeah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananel.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 3:20
After him Baruch the son of Zaccai earnestly repaired another portion, from the Turning unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 3:21
After him repaired Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz another portion, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.
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Nehemiah 12:10
And Jeshua begot Joiakim, and Joiakim begot Eliashib, and Eliashib begot Joiada,
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Nehemiah 12:22
The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded heads of fathers' houses; also the priests, in the reign of Darius the Persian.
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Nehemiah 12:23
The sons of Levi, heads of fathers' houses, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.
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Nehemiah 13:4
Now before this, Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, being allied unto Tobiah,
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 13:7
and I came to Jerusalem, and understood the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 13:28
And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite; therefore I chased him from me.
(See RSV)

Eli'ashib (15 Occurrences)
Eli'ashib. Eliashib, Eli'ashib. Eliashib's . Multi-Version Concordance
Eli'ashib (15 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 3:24 And the sons ...
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Eliashib (15 Occurrences)

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Eliashib's (1 Occurrence)

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