Introduction

Elishama is a biblical figure whose name appears in several contexts within the Old Testament. The name Elishama means "God has heard" in Hebrew. This entry explores the various mentions of Elishama in the Bible, focusing on the possibility that these references may point to the same individual or related figures.

Elishama in the Tribe of Ephraim

One of the most prominent mentions of Elishama is as a leader of the tribe of Ephraim during the wilderness period. In the Book of Numbers, Elishama son of Ammihud is listed as the head of the tribe of Ephraim. Numbers 1:10 states, "from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud; from Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur." Elishama's role as a leader is further emphasized in Numbers 2:18, where he is described as the leader of the camp of Ephraim during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.

Elishama in the Royal Lineage

Elishama is also mentioned in the context of the royal lineage of Judah. In 1 Chronicles 2:41, Elishama is listed as a descendant of David, suggesting a connection to the royal family. This Elishama is likely a different individual from the leader of Ephraim, though the repetition of the name within different tribes and contexts is not uncommon in biblical genealogies.

Elishama in the Time of Jeremiah

Another Elishama appears during the time of the prophet Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 36:12 , Elishama is identified as a scribe in the court of King Jehoiakim. The verse reads, "he went down to the scribe’s chamber in the king’s palace, where all the officials were sitting: Elishama the scribe, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials." This Elishama played a role in the events surrounding the reading of Jeremiah's scroll, indicating his position of influence within the royal court.

Elishama in the Genealogies of Benjamin

In the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, Elishama is mentioned as a descendant of Benjamin. 1 Chronicles 8:27 lists Elishama among the sons of Elpaal, a Benjamite. This reference further illustrates the commonality of the name Elishama across different tribes and families in Israel.

Possible Identifications

The recurrence of the name Elishama in various contexts raises the possibility that some of these references may point to the same individual or related figures. The Elishama of Ephraim and the Elishama in the royal lineage of Judah are likely distinct due to their tribal affiliations. However, the Elishama mentioned in Jeremiah's time as a scribe could potentially be linked to the royal lineage, given the proximity to the king's court.

Conclusion

The name Elishama appears multiple times in the Old Testament, associated with different tribes and roles. While it is challenging to definitively identify all references as pointing to the same individual, the name's recurrence highlights its significance in Israel's history. The various Elishamas serve as leaders, scribes, and descendants within the broader narrative of the Israelite people.2 Kings 25:25
But it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, came, and ten men with him, and smote Gedaliah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldees that were with him at Mizpah.
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Jeremiah 41:1
Now it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, and the princes of the king, even ten men with him, came to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they did eat bread together in Mizpah.
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