Topical Encyclopedia Ela'sah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. His name, which can be translated to mean "God has made," reflects a common theophoric element in Hebrew names, indicating a connection to the divine.Biblical References: 1. Jeremiah 29:3 · Ela'sah is identified as one of the messengers sent by King Zedekiah of Judah to Babylon. The verse states: "He entrusted the letter to Elasah son of Shaphan and Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon." This mission involved delivering a letter from the prophet Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon, conveying God's message to the people who had been taken captive. Historical and Theological Context: Ela'sah's role as a messenger during the reign of King Zedekiah places him in a significant historical context. Zedekiah was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest, and his reign was marked by political turmoil and prophetic warnings. The letter carried by Ela'sah contained Jeremiah's counsel to the exiles, urging them to settle in Babylon, build homes, and seek the welfare of the city, as their captivity would last seventy years (Jeremiah 29:4-10). This message was crucial for the exiles, as it provided guidance and hope during a period of uncertainty and displacement. Family Background: Ela'sah is noted as the son of Shaphan. Shaphan was a scribe during the reign of King Josiah and played a significant role in the religious reforms of that time, particularly in the rediscovery of the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:3-13). This connection to Shaphan suggests that Ela'sah came from a family with a history of involvement in the religious and political life of Judah. Significance: Ela'sah's participation in delivering Jeremiah's letter highlights the importance of faithful communication of God's word. His role underscores the theme of obedience to divine instruction, even in challenging circumstances. The message he carried was pivotal in shaping the exilic community's understanding of their situation and God's plans for their future restoration. In summary, Ela'sah serves as a minor yet significant figure in the biblical narrative, representing the transmission of prophetic messages and the continuity of faith amidst adversity. His actions contributed to the preservation and dissemination of God's guidance to His people during a critical period in their history. Concordance Ela'sah (2 Occurrences)Ezra 10:22 Jeremiah 29:3 Thesaurus Ela'sah (2 Occurrences)Ela'sah. Elasah, Ela'sah. Elated . Multi-Version Concordance Ela'sah (2 Occurrences). Ezra 10:22 And of the sons of Pashhur: Elioenai ... /e/ela'sah.htm - 6k Elasah (4 Occurrences) Elated (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |