Topical Encyclopedia Ben-Elah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the military and administrative organization of King David's reign. The name "Ben-Elah" translates to "son of Elah," indicating a patronymic designation rather than a personal name. This reflects the common biblical practice of identifying individuals by their lineage or family association.Biblical Reference: Ben-Elah is referenced in 1 Chronicles 27:10, which details the divisions of the Israelite army under King David. The passage reads: "The seventh, for the seventh month, was Helez the Pelonite, from the sons of Ephraim; there were 24,000 men in his division." In this context, Ben-Elah is identified as one of the leaders of the monthly divisions of the army, specifically for the seventh month. The text does not provide extensive details about his personal life or exploits, focusing instead on his role within the military structure. Historical and Cultural Context: The division of the army into monthly rotations was a strategic move by King David to maintain a well-organized and efficient military force. Each division consisted of 24,000 men, and leaders like Ben-Elah were responsible for overseeing these troops during their month of service. This system allowed for a standing army that could be mobilized quickly in times of need while also enabling soldiers to return to their civilian lives and duties during the rest of the year. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the mention of Ben-Elah and others in the military divisions underscores the importance of order and structure in the governance of Israel. It reflects the biblical theme of God as a God of order, who establishes systems and hierarchies for the well-being and protection of His people. The organization of the army under David's rule can be seen as a reflection of divine order, with each leader and division playing a specific role in the larger plan for Israel. Conservative Christian Interpretation: In conservative Christian thought, the account of Ben-Elah and the military divisions is often viewed as an example of God's providence and sovereignty in establishing leadership and governance. It highlights the importance of faithful service and the role of individuals in fulfilling God's purposes. Leaders like Ben-Elah are seen as instruments through whom God works to achieve His divine plans for His chosen people, Israel. Conclusion: While Ben-Elah is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the list of military leaders serves as a testament to the detailed organization of King David's reign and the broader themes of divine order and leadership in the Bible. Concordance Ben-elah (1 Occurrence)1 Kings 4:18 Thesaurus Ben-elah (1 Occurrence)Ben-elah. Bene-ja'akan, Ben-elah. Benevolence . Multi-Version Concordance Ben-elah (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:18 Shimei Ben-Elah 'is' in Benjamin. (YLT). ... /b/ben-elah.htm - 6k Elah (17 Occurrences) Benevolence (2 Occurrences) Bene-ja'akan (3 Occurrences) Resources Who was King Baasha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org Old Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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