Elnaam is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical and military records of King David's reign. The name "Elnaam" is of Hebrew origin, and it is often understood to mean "God is pleasant" or "God is delightful." This entry will explore the biblical references to Elnaam and provide context for his role in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References

Elnaam is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 11:46, within the context of David's mighty warriors. The passage lists Elnaam as the father of two of David's valiant men, indicating his significance through his offspring. The Berean Standard Bible renders this verse as follows:

"Eliel, Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite."

This brief mention places Elnaam within the larger narrative of David's military exploits and the establishment of his kingdom. The inclusion of his sons among David's warriors suggests that Elnaam was a man of some standing, whose family was closely associated with the king's military endeavors.

Context and Significance

The mention of Elnaam in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of family lineage and military prowess in the ancient Israelite society. The Chronicler, who is traditionally believed to have compiled these records, emphasizes the role of David's mighty men in securing and expanding the kingdom of Israel. These warriors were renowned for their bravery and loyalty, and their families were often noted for their contributions to the nation's military strength.

Elnaam's inclusion in this list, albeit brief, underscores the interconnectedness of family and military service in the biblical narrative. His sons, Jeribai and Joshaviah, are recognized for their valor, which reflects positively on Elnaam's legacy. The mention of Ithmah the Moabite alongside Elnaam's sons also highlights the diverse backgrounds of those who served under David, illustrating the unifying nature of his leadership.

Cultural and Historical Insights

The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles serve not only as historical documentation but also as a means of reinforcing the theological themes of God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. By listing the families and warriors associated with David, the Chronicler emphasizes the divine favor that rested upon David's reign and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

Elnaam's name, meaning "God is pleasant," may also reflect the broader theological message of God's benevolence and the blessings bestowed upon those who serve Him faithfully. The Chronicler's inclusion of Elnaam and his sons in the narrative serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who contributed to the establishment of the Davidic kingdom.

In summary, while Elnaam is a minor figure in the biblical text, his mention in the context of David's mighty warriors highlights the importance of family lineage, military service, and divine favor in the history of Israel. His legacy is preserved through the valor of his sons, who played a role in the consolidation of David's kingdom.Elnaam

God's fairness

Elnaam

(God his delight), the father of Jeribai and Joshaviah, two of David's guard, according to (1 Chronicles 11:46)

ELNAAM

el-na'-am ('elna`am, "God is delightfulness"; compare Phoenician "Gadnaam"):

According to Massoretic Text the father of two of David's warriors (1 Chronicles 11:46); according to Septuagint himself one of the warriors.

493. Elnaam -- "God is pleasantness," the father of two of David's ...
... Elnaam. 494 . "God is pleasantness," the father of two of David's heroes.
Transliteration: Elnaam Phonetic Spelling: (el-nah'-am) Short Definition: Elnaam. ...
/hebrew/493.htm - 6kElnaam (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELNAAM. el-na'-am ('elna ... the warriors.
Multi-Version Concordance Elnaam (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
/e/elnaam.htm - 7k

Joshaviah (1 Occurrence)
... josh-a-vi'-a (yoshawyah, allied form to JOSHAH (which see)): Son of Elnaam, one
of the band of braves who served David (1 Chronicles 11:46), omitted from the ...
/j/joshaviah.htm - 7k

El'na-am (1 Occurrence)
... Elnaam, El'na-am. Elnathan . ... 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai,
and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite, (See RSV). ...
/e/el'na-am.htm - 6k

Joshavi'ah (1 Occurrence)
... Joshavi'ah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and
Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite; (See RSV). ...
/j/joshavi'ah.htm - 6k

Jeribai (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam,
and Ithmah the Moabite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/j/jeribai.htm - 7k

Jithmah (1 Occurrence)
... Jithmah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel of Mahavim, and Jeribai, and
Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Jithmah the Moabite, (DBY). ...
/j/jithmah.htm - 6k

Jer'ibai (1 Occurrence)
... Jer'ibai (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and
Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite; (See RSV). ...
/j/jer'ibai.htm - 6k

Ithmah (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam,
and Ithmah the Moabite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/i/ithmah.htm - 7k

Eliel (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam,
and Ithmah the Moabite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/e/eliel.htm - 10k

Eli'el (10 Occurrences)
... RSV). 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah,
the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite; (See RSV). 1 ...
/e/eli'el.htm - 8k

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