Eli'sheba
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Eli'sheba, also spelled Elisheba, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament. She is recognized as the wife of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel, and the sister-in-law of Moses. Her name, Eli'sheba, is of Hebrew origin and is often interpreted to mean "God is my oath" or "God is my abundance," reflecting a deep spiritual significance and a connection to divine promises.

Biblical References:

Eli'sheba is mentioned explicitly in the Book of Exodus. In Exodus 6:23 , it is written: "Aaron married Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar." This passage highlights her lineage and her role as the matriarch of a significant priestly family.

Family and Lineage:

Eli'sheba was the daughter of Amminadab and the sister of Nahshon, who was a leader of the tribe of Judah during the Israelites' wilderness journey. Her marriage to Aaron, the brother of Moses, positioned her within the Levitical priestly line, making her the mother of four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Her sons played crucial roles in the establishment of the priesthood, with Eleazar and Ithamar continuing the priestly line after the tragic deaths of Nadab and Abihu, who were consumed by fire from the LORD for offering unauthorized fire before Him (Leviticus 10:1-2).

Role and Significance:

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Eli'sheba's life or her personal actions, her role as Aaron's wife and the mother of his sons places her in a position of considerable influence within the nascent Israelite religious community. As the wife of the high priest, Eli'sheba would have been intimately involved in the life and duties of the priestly family, supporting Aaron in his sacred responsibilities and raising her children in the ways of the LORD.

Eli'sheba's connection to the tribe of Judah through her brother Nahshon also underscores the intertribal alliances and the unity among the tribes of Israel during their formative years. Her marriage to Aaron symbolizes the joining of the priestly and royal lines, as Nahshon is an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ, according to the genealogies presented in the Gospels (Matthew 1:4-5).

Legacy:

Eli'sheba's legacy is primarily seen through her descendants, who played pivotal roles in the religious life of Israel. Her son Eleazar succeeded Aaron as high priest, and her lineage continued to serve in the priesthood for generations. Through her family, Eli'sheba contributed to the spiritual leadership and guidance of the Israelite people, ensuring the continuation of the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen nation.

In summary, Eli'sheba, though briefly mentioned, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative. Her life and legacy are intertwined with the foundational events of Israel's history, and her role as the wife of Aaron and mother of the priestly line highlights her importance in the spiritual heritage of the Israelites.
Concordance
Eli'sheba (1 Occurrence)

Exodus 6:23
And Aaron took him Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, to wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Eli'sheba (1 Occurrence)
Eli'sheba. Elisheba, Eli'sheba. Elishua . Multi-Version Concordance
Eli'sheba (1 Occurrence). Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba ...
/e/eli'sheba.htm - 6k

Elisheba (1 Occurrence)

/e/elisheba.htm - 7k

Elishua (3 Occurrences)

/e/elishua.htm - 7k

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Elisheba
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