Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name Eliasib, also spelled Eliashib, is of Hebrew origin, meaning "God restores" or "God will restore." This name reflects a common theme in the Old Testament of divine restoration and faithfulness.Biblical References: Eliasib is a name associated with several individuals in the Old Testament, primarily within the context of the post-exilic period and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. 1. Eliasib the High Priest: Eliasib is most notably recognized as a high priest during the time of Nehemiah. He played a significant role in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah 3:1 states, "Then Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests set to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and installed its doors, rebuilding as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel." This passage highlights Eliasib's leadership and dedication to the restoration of Jerusalem's defenses. 2. Eliasib's Family and Connections: Eliasib's family is mentioned in several contexts, indicating their prominence in the religious and social life of the community. In Nehemiah 12:10 , we read, "Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib, Eliashib was the father of Joiada." This genealogy underscores the continuity of the priestly line and the importance of maintaining religious traditions. 3. Controversy and Compromise: Despite his significant contributions, Eliasib's tenure as high priest was not without controversy. Nehemiah 13:4-5 records, "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 adversary of Nehemiah, suggests a compromise that led to a breach in the sanctity of the temple, highlighting the challenges of maintaining purity and faithfulness amidst external pressures. 4. Eliasib's Descendants: The descendants of Eliasib continued to serve in various capacities, maintaining the legacy of their forebear. Nehemiah 12:22 mentions, "In the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, the heads of the priestly families were recorded during the reign of Darius the Persian." This record indicates the ongoing influence of Eliasib's lineage in the religious leadership of the Jewish community. Historical and Theological Significance: Eliasib's role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and his subsequent actions reflect the complexities of leadership in a time of restoration. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the potential pitfalls of compromising with opposing influences. Eliasib's account is a testament to the enduring theme of restoration and the challenges faced by those called to lead God's people in times of renewal. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELIASIBe-li'-a-sib. Library How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ... Thesaurus EliasibEliasib. Eliashib's, Eliasib. Eliasibus . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELIASIB. e-li'-a-sib. See ELIASHIB. Eliashib's, Eliasib. Eliasibus . ... /e/eliasib.htm - 6k Joanan (1 Occurrence) Jonas (11 Occurrences) Eliasibus Eliashib's (1 Occurrence) Eliashib (15 Occurrences) Sanasib Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |