The term "Elkoshite" is used in the Bible to refer to the prophet Nahum, as seen in Nahum 1:1: "This is the burden against Nineveh, the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite." The designation "Elkoshite" indicates Nahum's place of origin or family lineage, though the exact location of Elkosh is a matter of scholarly debate and is not definitively identified in the biblical text.

Historical and Geographical Context

The identity and location of Elkosh have been subjects of various theories. Some traditions suggest that Elkosh was a village in Galilee, while others propose locations in Judah or even Mesopotamia. The lack of concrete archaeological evidence leaves the precise location uncertain. However, the reference to Nahum as an Elkoshite serves to root the prophet in a specific cultural and historical context, emphasizing his role as a genuine historical figure with a distinct heritage.

Prophetic Ministry

Nahum's prophetic ministry is primarily concerned with the impending judgment against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and brutality, and their empire had a significant impact on the history of Israel and Judah. Nahum's prophecy, therefore, is a message of divine justice and retribution against a nation that had long been an oppressor of God's people.

The book of Nahum is characterized by its vivid and poetic language, depicting the downfall of Nineveh with powerful imagery. Nahum 1:2-3 states, "The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies. The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished." This passage highlights the dual nature of God as both patient and just, underscoring the certainty of divine judgment.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the reference to Nahum as an Elkoshite underscores the personal and historical nature of God's revelation. Nahum's message is not an abstract or detached proclamation but is deeply rooted in the historical realities of his time. The prophecy against Nineveh serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the nations and His commitment to justice.

The book of Nahum, and by extension the Elkoshite identity, also serves to comfort the people of Judah by affirming that God is aware of their suffering and will act on their behalf. Nahum 1:7 declares, "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him." This assurance of divine protection and care is a central theme in Nahum's prophecy.

Conclusion

While the exact location of Elkosh remains uncertain, the designation of Nahum as an Elkoshite provides valuable insight into his identity and the historical context of his prophetic ministry. Through Nahum, God communicates His justice and sovereignty, offering both a warning to the wicked and hope to the faithful.Elkoshite

a man of Elkeshai

ELKOSHITE

el'-kosh-it (ha-'elqoshi; Septuagint Elkesaiou, Elkaiseou, Elkeseou):

Used with the article "the Elkoshite" (Nahum 1:1). Probably a gentilic adjective giving the home of the prophet; not definitely identified. Three traditions may be noted:

(1) The Nestorians venerate the supposed tomb of the prophet in the village of Alqush not far from the east bank of the Tigris, about two days' journey almost directly north of Mosul.

(2) Jerome states in the prologue to his commentary on Na that the village of Helkesei in Galilee was pointed out to him as Elkosh. This Helkesei is probably El-Kauzeh between Ramieh and Bint Jebeil.

(3) The treatise De Vitis Prophetarum of the Pseudo-Epiphanius says that Nahum came from "Elkesei beyond Jordan towards Begabor and was of the tribe of Simeon." Nestle has shown that the words "beyond Jordan" are probably a gloss, and that for Begabor should be read Betogabra, the modern Beit Jibrin in Southern Palestine. In favor of this identification may be urged the following facts:

(a) that parallels to the name Elkosh, such as Eltekeh and Eltekon, are found in the southern country;

(b) that the word probably contains the name of the Edomite god Qaush, whose name appears in the names of Edomite kings in the Assyrian inscriptions of the 8th and 7th centuries B.C., such as Qaush-malaka and the like.

(c) that the internal evidence of the prophecy makes the Judean origin of the prophet almost certain.

LITERATURE. Davidson, "Nahum," "Habakkuk," "Zephaniah," in Cambridge Bible, 9-13; G. A. Smith, "Book of the Twelve," in Expositor's Bible, Commentary on Nahum; Billerbeck and Jeremias, Beitraege zur Assyriologie, III, 91; Peiser, ZATW, 1897, 349; Nestle, PEFS, 1879, 136.

Walter R. Betteridge

512. Elqoshi -- a native of Elkosh
... 511, 512. Elqoshi. 513 . a native of Elkosh. Transliteration: Elqoshi Phonetic
Spelling: (el-ko-shee') Short Definition: Elkoshite. ... Elkoshite. ...
/hebrew/512.htm - 5k

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... Nahum is called "the Elkoshite," probably from Elkosh, a village of Galilee, which
Jerome (Introduction to Nahum) mentions as pointed out to him by his guide. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail.
... [3146] Nahum the Elkoshite was afraid before me, when he proclaimed the burden of
Nineveh, God is jealous, and the Lord takes vengeance in wrath upon His ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xvi on his fathers.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Nahum the Elkoshite,* a Hebrew born in the Assyrian province of Samaria, but at
that time an exile in Judah, lifted up his voice, and the echo of his words ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Elkoshite (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELKOSHITE. ... Walter R. Betteridge. Multi-Version
Concordance Elkoshite (1 Occurrence). Nahum 1:1 An oracle about Nineveh. ...
/e/elkoshite.htm - 8k

Elkosh (1 Occurrence)
... Elkosh (1 Occurrence). Nahum 1:1 An oracle about Nineveh. The book of the vision
of Nahum the Elkoshite. (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/elkosh.htm - 6k

Nahum (3 Occurrences)
... Consolation, the seventh of the so-called minor prophets, an Elkoshite. ... In Nahum
1:1 he is called "the Elkoshite," that is, an inhabitant of Elkosh. ...
/n/nahum.htm - 21k

Ellasar (2 Occurrences)

/e/ellasar.htm - 9k

Nin'eveh (18 Occurrences)
... and much cattle!' (See RSV). Nahum 1:1 Burden of Nineveh. The Book of the
Vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. (See RSV). Nahum 2:8 And ...
/n/nin'eveh.htm - 10k

Oracle (57 Occurrences)
... are. (See RSV NIV). Nahum 1:1 An oracle about Nineveh. The book of the
vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Habakkuk ...
/o/oracle.htm - 26k

Nineveh (23 Occurrences)
... NIV). Nahum 1:1 An oracle about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum
the Elkoshite. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/n/nineveh.htm - 52k

Anem (1 Occurrence)
... In Nahum 1:1 he is called "the Elkoshite," that is, an inhabitant of Elkosh.
Unfortunately, the location of this place is not known. ...
/a/anem.htm - 101k

Summary of the Book of Nahum - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

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