Elishama, identified as a secretary during the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah. His role as a scribe or secretary places him within the administrative and bureaucratic framework of the Judean monarchy, a position of significant responsibility and influence.

Biblical References

Elishama is mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah, specifically in Jeremiah 36. This chapter details a critical moment in the history of Judah, where the prophet Jeremiah, under divine inspiration, dictates a scroll containing all the words the LORD had spoken to him concerning Israel, Judah, and other nations. Baruch, the son of Neriah, serves as Jeremiah's scribe, writing down these words.

Jeremiah 36:12 states: "he went down to the secretary’s chamber in the king’s palace, where all the officials were sitting: Elishama the secretary, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials."

This passage situates Elishama within the royal court, highlighting his role as a key official. The "secretary's chamber" suggests a place where important documents were stored and where significant administrative activities took place. Elishama's presence among other high-ranking officials underscores his importance in the governance of Judah.

Historical and Cultural Context

The role of a secretary in ancient Judah was multifaceted, involving the recording, preservation, and communication of royal decrees, legal documents, and other official correspondences. Secretaries like Elishama would have been well-educated, literate, and skilled in the art of writing, which was a specialized and respected profession.

During Jehoiakim's reign, Judah was a vassal state under the influence of larger empires, such as Egypt and Babylon. The political climate was tense, with shifting allegiances and external threats. In this context, the role of a secretary was crucial for maintaining the stability and continuity of the king's administration.

Theological Significance

Elishama's mention in the narrative of Jeremiah 36 highlights the tension between the prophetic word and royal authority. The chapter describes how King Jehoiakim, upon hearing the words of the scroll read by Baruch, reacts with hostility, cutting the scroll with a knife and burning it in the fire (Jeremiah 36:23). This act of defiance against the prophetic message underscores the resistance of the Judean leadership to divine warnings and their preference for political expediency over spiritual obedience.

Elishama's role, though not elaborated upon in detail, places him at the intersection of this conflict. As a secretary, he would have been responsible for the dissemination and preservation of official documents, including those that might have contradicted the king's actions. His presence in the narrative serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between God's prophetic word and human authority.

Legacy and Interpretation

While Elishama's personal actions and beliefs are not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, his inclusion in the account of Jeremiah 36 invites reflection on the broader themes of fidelity to God's word and the challenges faced by those in positions of power and influence. His role as a secretary during a tumultuous period in Judah's history highlights the enduring tension between divine revelation and human governance, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.Jeremiah 36:12
Then he went down into the king's house, into the scribe's chamber: and, see, all the princes sat there, even Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes.
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