1 Chronicles 14:7

Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.

Study Bible

Elishama
Elishama, meaning "God has heard," is a name that reflects the faith and reliance on God prevalent in the culture of ancient Israel. This name is significant as it underscores the belief in a God who listens to the prayers and needs of His people. Elishama is also a name found in other parts of the Bible, such as in the genealogy of the tribe of Ephraim (1 Chronicles 7:26). The repetition of this name in different contexts highlights its importance and the common practice of naming children with the hope of divine favor and intervention.

Beeliada
Beeliada, meaning "Baal knows," is an interesting name given the context of Israel's history with Baal worship. This name suggests a period when syncretism, or the blending of religious beliefs, might have been present in Israel. However, it is important to note that in 1 Chronicles 14:7, Beeliada is also referred to as Eliada in 2 Samuel 5:16, which means "God knows." This change in name could reflect a later editorial decision to emphasize monotheism and the worship of Yahweh alone, distancing from any association with Baal, a Canaanite deity. This highlights the ongoing struggle in Israel's history to maintain pure worship of Yahweh amidst surrounding pagan influences.

and Eliphelet
Eliphelet, meaning "God is deliverance," is a name that encapsulates a central theme of the biblical narrative: God's ability to save and deliver His people. This name is a testament to the hope and trust placed in God by the Israelites. Eliphelet is also mentioned in other genealogies, such as in 1 Chronicles 3:8, where he is listed among the sons of David born in Jerusalem. The recurrence of this name in the royal lineage underscores the importance of acknowledging God's role as a deliverer, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate deliverer and savior.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elishama
One of the sons of King David, whose name means "God has heard." This name reflects a common theme in the Bible of God hearing and responding to the prayers and needs of His people.

2. Beeliada
Another son of David, also known as Eliada in some translations. The name Beeliada means "Baal knows," which is interesting given the later negative connotations of Baal worship in Israel. It may reflect a cultural context or a different understanding of the name at the time.

3. Eliphelet
Also a son of David, whose name means "God is deliverance." This name underscores the belief in God's power to save and deliver His people.

4. David
The king of Israel, a central figure in the Old Testament known for his heart for God, his military conquests, and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

5. Jerusalem
The city where David reigned and where he established his family. It holds significant historical and theological importance as the city of David and later as the site of the Temple.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Names
In biblical times, names often carried significant meaning and reflected the character or destiny of a person. Reflect on the names given to David's sons and consider the importance of names and identity in your own life.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The birth of David's sons in Jerusalem is a testament to God's faithfulness in establishing David's line, which ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus Christ. Trust in God's promises and His timing in your life.

Cultural Context and Understanding
The name Beeliada may seem unusual given the later negative associations with Baal. This highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context of biblical events and names.

Legacy and Influence
David's legacy is not only in his military and political achievements but also in his family. Consider the legacy you are building and the influence you have on future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. What significance do the names of David's sons hold, and how can understanding their meanings deepen our understanding of God's character?

2. How does the account of David's family in Jerusalem reflect God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?

3. In what ways can we see the importance of understanding cultural and historical context when studying the Bible, particularly in the case of names like Beeliada?

4. How does the legacy of David's family encourage us to think about the legacy we are leaving for future generations?

5. How can we apply the lessons from David's life and family to our own lives, particularly in terms of trusting God's promises and timing?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 5:14-16
This passage provides a parallel account of David's sons born in Jerusalem, offering additional context and details about David's family.

1 Chronicles 3:5-9
Lists the sons of David born to him in Jerusalem, providing a broader genealogical context and showing the continuity of David's lineage.

Psalm 127:3-5
Speaks to the blessing of children as a heritage from the Lord, which can be related to David's numerous offspring and the significance of his family in God's plan.