Elishaphat is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. His name, Elishaphat, means "God has judged" or "God is judge," reflecting a common theophoric element in Hebrew names that acknowledges the sovereignty and justice of God.

Biblical Reference:

Elishaphat is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 23:1, where he is identified as one of the key leaders who supported the priest Jehoiada in the overthrow of Queen Athaliah and the restoration of the rightful king, Joash, to the throne of Judah. The Berean Standard Bible records this event as follows:

"In the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds: Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri."

Historical and Theological Context:

The period during which Elishaphat lived was marked by significant political and religious turmoil. Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, had seized the throne of Judah following the death of her son, King Ahaziah. Her reign was characterized by the promotion of Baal worship, a practice that was in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Elishaphat's involvement in the coup against Athaliah indicates his commitment to the Davidic line and the covenantal faithfulness to Yahweh. His alliance with Jehoiada, the high priest, underscores the collaboration between religious and military leaders in restoring the rightful king and re-establishing the worship of Yahweh in Judah.

Role and Significance:

Elishaphat's role as one of the "commanders of hundreds" suggests that he held a significant military position, which he used to support the priestly leadership of Jehoiada. This alliance was crucial in the successful execution of the plan to anoint Joash as king, as it required both strategic planning and the mobilization of forces loyal to the Davidic dynasty.

The actions of Elishaphat and his fellow commanders were instrumental in preserving the line of David, through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would eventually come. This event highlights the providential care of God in maintaining His covenant promises despite human attempts to thwart His plans.

Legacy:

While Elishaphat is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his contribution to the preservation of the Davidic line and the re-establishment of true worship in Judah is significant. His actions serve as a testament to the importance of faithfulness and courage in the face of adversity, as well as the vital role of godly leadership in guiding the people of God back to righteousness.

Elishaphat's account, though brief, is a reminder of the impact that individuals can have when they align themselves with God's purposes and stand firm in their convictions. His legacy is one of faithfulness to God's covenant and a commitment to the rightful order established by God for His people.Elishaphat

my God judgeth

Elishaphat

(whom God judges), son of Zichri; one of the captains of hundreds in the time of Jehoiada. (2 Chronicles 23:1) (B.C. 877.)

Whom God has judged, one of the "captains of hundreds" associated with Jehoiada in the league to overthrow the usurpation of Athaliah (2 Chronicles 23:1). ELISHAPHAT

e-lish'-a-fat ('elishaphat, "God is judge"):

This man figures in the Levitical conspiracy against Athaliah, to make Joash king. He was one of the "captains of hundreds" employed in the enterprise by Jehoiada the priest (2 Chronicles 23:1).

478. Elishaphat -- "God has judged," an Israelite
... 477, 478. Elishaphat. 479 . "God has judged," an Israelite. Transliteration:
Elishaphat Phonetic Spelling: (el-ee-shaw-fawt') Short Definition: Elishaphat. ...
/hebrew/478.htm - 6kElishaphat (1 Occurrence)
...ELISHAPHAT. e-lish'-a-fat ('elishaphat, "God is judge"): This man figures in
the Levitical conspiracy against Athaliah, to make Joash king. ...
/e/elishaphat.htm - 7k

Zichri (12 Occurrences)
... (4) Father of Amasiah, "who willingly offered himself unto Yahweh" (2 Chronicles
17:16). (5) Father of Elishaphat, a captain in Jehoiada's time (2 Chronicles 23 ...
/z/zichri.htm - 12k

Elisha'phat (1 Occurrence)
Elisha'phat. Elishaphat, Elisha'phat. Elisha's . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Elishaphat, Elisha'phat. Elisha's . Reference Bible.
/e/elisha'phat.htm - 6k

Eli'shama (17 Occurrences)
Eli'shama. Elishama, Eli'shama. Elishaphat . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Elishama, Eli'shama. Elishaphat . Reference Bible.
/e/eli'shama.htm - 10k

Zicri (11 Occurrences)
... of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah
the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son ...
/z/zicri.htm - 9k

Units (14 Occurrences)
... of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah
the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son ...
/u/units.htm - 10k

Obed (13 Occurrences)
... of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah
the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son ...
/o/obed.htm - 12k

Jehohanan (9 Occurrences)
... of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah
the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son ...
/j/jehohanan.htm - 12k

Jeroham (11 Occurrences)
... of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah
the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son ...
/j/jeroham.htm - 12k

Jero'ham (10 Occurrences)
... of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah
the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son ...
/j/jero'ham.htm - 9k

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