Eliphelet is one of the lesser-known sons of King David, the renowned king of Israel. His name, Eliphelet, is of Hebrew origin and is often interpreted to mean "God is deliverance" or "God is my deliverance." This name reflects a common practice in ancient Israel of embedding theological significance into personal names, often expressing a parent's faith or hope in God's providence.

Biblical References

Eliphelet is mentioned in the genealogical records of David's descendants. In the book of 2 Samuel, we find a list of David's sons born to him in Jerusalem. The Berean Standard Bible records: "These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet" (2 Samuel 5:14-16). This passage places Eliphelet among the sons born to David after he established his reign in Jerusalem, following his earlier years of conflict and consolidation of power.

A parallel account is found in 1 Chronicles, which provides a similar list of David's sons: "These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet" (1 Chronicles 3:5-8). Notably, the Chronicles account includes an additional son, Nogah, and presents a slightly different order, which is not uncommon in ancient genealogical records.

Historical and Theological Context

Eliphelet's mention in the biblical text is primarily genealogical, and there is no detailed narrative or account of his life and deeds. As a son of David, Eliphelet was part of the royal lineage, which held significant importance in the history of Israel. David's descendants were central to the unfolding account of Israel, particularly in the context of God's covenant with David, which promised that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16).

The genealogical records, including the mention of Eliphelet, serve to underscore the fulfillment of God's promises to David and the continuity of his line, which is ultimately significant in the Christian tradition for its connection to the lineage of Jesus Christ. The New Testament traces Jesus' genealogy back to David, affirming the messianic promise and the divine plan of salvation through the house of David.

Cultural and Familial Significance

In the cultural context of ancient Israel, the birth of sons was particularly significant, as they were seen as carriers of the family name and heritage. The inclusion of Eliphelet in the biblical genealogies highlights the importance of family lineage and the preservation of tribal and familial identities within the broader narrative of Israel's history.

While Eliphelet himself does not play a prominent role in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogical records serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of David's house and the intricate tapestry of relationships and descendants that shaped the history of Israel and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.1 Chronicles 3:6
Ibhar also, and Elishama, and Eliphelet,
Nave's Topical Index

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