Elnathan

Elnathan is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah. He is identified as the son of Achbor and served as an official in the court of King Jehoiakim of Judah. Elnathan's role is particularly noted during the events surrounding the prophet Jeremiah's scroll. In Jeremiah 36, the prophet is instructed by God to write down all the words He has spoken against Israel, Judah, and the nations. Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, writes these words on a scroll and reads them in the temple.

When the scroll is brought to the attention of the king's officials, Elnathan is among those who hear it. The officials, recognizing the gravity of the message, decide to inform King Jehoiakim. Elnathan, along with Delaiah and Gemariah, is part of the group that advises the king. However, when the scroll is read to Jehoiakim, he reacts with disdain, cutting the scroll with a knife and burning it in the fire (Jeremiah 36:23). Despite the king's actions, Elnathan's involvement in the events highlights his position and influence within the royal court.

Delaiah

Delaiah is another official in the court of King Jehoiakim, mentioned alongside Elnathan and Gemariah in the context of Jeremiah's scroll. His presence in the narrative of Jeremiah 36 indicates his role as a significant figure in the administration of Judah during a tumultuous period. Delaiah, like his fellow officials, is part of the group that hears Baruch's reading of the scroll and recognizes the importance of its message.

The officials, including Delaiah, are portrayed as being concerned about the implications of the prophetic words and the potential consequences for the nation. Their decision to bring the matter to the king's attention demonstrates their sense of responsibility and their awareness of the seriousness of the situation. Although the king ultimately dismisses the message by destroying the scroll, Delaiah's involvement underscores the tension between the prophetic word and the royal authority.

Gemariah

Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, is another key figure in the events of Jeremiah 36. He is one of the officials who hears the reading of Jeremiah's scroll and is part of the group that decides to inform King Jehoiakim. Gemariah's father, Shaphan, was a scribe during the reign of King Josiah and played a role in the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple (2 Kings 22:3-13). This connection suggests a family legacy of involvement in significant religious and political events in Judah.

Gemariah's participation in the events surrounding the scroll indicates his position of influence and his concern for the spiritual and political state of the nation. Despite the king's rejection of the prophetic message, Gemariah's actions, along with those of Elnathan and Delaiah, reflect the complex dynamics at play in the court of Judah during a time of impending judgment.

Biblical Reference

· Jeremiah 36:12-25 : This passage details the events involving Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah as they hear the reading of Jeremiah's scroll and bring it to the attention of King Jehoiakim. Their involvement highlights the tension between the prophetic message and the king's authority, as well as the officials' awareness of the seriousness of the situation.