Elihud is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. His name appears in the New Testament, specifically in the lineage that traces the ancestry of Jesus through Joseph, His legal father. Elihud is part of the genealogy that underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's lineage.

Biblical Reference:
Elihud is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew 1:15: "Eliud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob" . This passage is part of the genealogy that begins with Abraham and culminates in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the legal and royal lineage through which Jesus is presented as the rightful heir to the promises made to Abraham and David.

Genealogical Context:
The genealogy in Matthew is structured to highlight Jesus' legal right to the throne of David, fulfilling the covenantal promises made to David that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Elihud's place in this genealogy serves as a link in the chain that connects the post-exilic period to the birth of Jesus, bridging the gap between the Old and New Testaments.

Name Meaning and Significance:
The name Elihud is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is not definitively established, it is often associated with meanings such as "God is majestic" or "God is my praise." Names in biblical genealogies often carry theological significance, reflecting the character or attributes of God, and serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness throughout generations.

Historical and Theological Implications:
Elihud's mention in the genealogy of Jesus underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan through history. Each name in the genealogy represents a generation that carried forward the promise of a coming Messiah. The inclusion of Elihud, along with other lesser-known figures, highlights the ordinary and often obscure individuals whom God used to accomplish His divine purposes.

The genealogy in Matthew is divided into three sets of fourteen generations, a structure that may have been used for mnemonic purposes or to emphasize the completeness and divine orchestration of Jesus' lineage. Elihud's position within this genealogy serves as a testament to God's providential guidance and the unfolding of His salvation plan through history.

Conclusion:
While Elihud is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew's Gospel is significant. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promises and the intricate tapestry of history that God wove together to bring about the birth of the Savior. Through Elihud and others in the genealogy, the faithfulness of God to His covenantal promises is vividly displayed, pointing to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ.