Topical Encyclopedia Eliasibus, also known as Eliashib, is a significant figure in the post-exilic period of Israel's history, particularly during the time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple. He is primarily mentioned in the books of Nehemiah and Ezra, where he plays a crucial role as a high priest.Genealogy and Position Eliasibus was a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and belonged to the priestly line. He was the son of Joiakim and the grandson of Jeshua, who was the high priest during the initial return from Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel. As high priest, Eliasibus held a position of great spiritual and social influence among the Jewish people who had returned to Jerusalem. Role in Rebuilding Jerusalem Eliasibus is prominently mentioned in the book of Nehemiah, where he is noted for his leadership in the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem. 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, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel." This passage highlights his active participation and leadership in the physical and spiritual restoration of the city. Controversies and Challenges Despite his contributions, Eliasibus's tenure as high priest was not without controversy. One of the significant issues was his association with Tobiah, an Ammonite official who opposed Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem. 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 was seen as a compromise of the sanctity of the temple, leading to Nehemiah's strong reaction to cleanse the temple and restore its proper use. Nehemiah's reform efforts included the removal of Tobiah's belongings from the temple precincts and the reinstatement of the temple's intended functions. Family and Legacy Eliasibus's family connections also posed challenges. His grandson, Joiada, married the daughter of Sanballat the Horonite, another adversary of Nehemiah. This intermarriage with foreign elements was against the covenantal laws that the Israelites were to uphold, as recorded in Nehemiah 13:28 : "Even one of the sons of Joiada son of Eliashib the high priest was a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. So I drove him away from me." Despite these controversies, Eliasibus's role in the rebuilding efforts and his position as high priest underscore the complexities of leadership and the challenges of maintaining religious purity and integrity in a time of restoration and renewal for the Jewish community. His life and actions serve as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the impact of leadership on the spiritual health of a community. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELIASIBUSe-li-as'-i-bus (Eliasibos, the King James Version Eleazurus): Thesaurus Eliasibus... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELIASIBUS. e-li-as'-i-bus (Eliasibos, the King James Version Eleazurus): One of the holy singers ... /e/eliasibus.htm - 6k Eleazurus Eliasib Eliasimus Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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