Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Ela is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His account is intertwined with the political and spiritual dynamics of the Israelite monarchy during a tumultuous period marked by idolatry and divine judgment. Biblical References: Ela is primarily mentioned in the First Book of Kings. His narrative is brief but significant in understanding the decline of the Northern Kingdom due to its departure from the worship of Yahweh. Historical Context: Ela was the son of Baasha, who was the third king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Baasha came to power by overthrowing the previous king, Nadab, and subsequently exterminating the entire house of Jeroboam, as recorded in 1 Kings 15:27-29. Baasha's reign was marked by continued idolatry and opposition to the prophetic word of God. Reign of Ela: Ela ascended to the throne after the death of his father, Baasha. His reign is recorded in 1 Kings 16:6-10. Ela's rule was short-lived, lasting only two years. The biblical account highlights his indulgence and lack of vigilance, which ultimately led to his downfall. 1 Kings 16:8-10 : "In the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Ela son of Baasha became king of Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah two years. Then his servant Zimri, commander of half his chariots, conspired against him. While Ela was in Tirzah drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza, who was in charge of the palace at Tirzah, Zimri came in, struck him down, and killed him in the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, and succeeded him as king." Significance of Ela's Reign: Ela's brief reign is emblematic of the instability and moral decline that plagued the Northern Kingdom. His assassination by Zimri, a military commander, underscores the internal strife and the lack of divine favor that characterized Israel during this period. The narrative of Ela serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable judgment that follows. Theological Implications: Ela's account is a reflection of the broader theme of divine retribution found throughout the Old Testament. The Northern Kingdom's persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments led to a series of violent regime changes, as prophesied by the prophets. Ela's demise is a fulfillment of the prophetic word against the house of Baasha, as declared by the prophet Jehu in 1 Kings 16:1-4. Conclusion: Ela's reign, though brief, is a critical component of the narrative of the Northern Kingdom's decline. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dire consequences of neglecting His commandments. The account of Ela is a testament to the biblical principle that leadership without adherence to divine guidance leads to chaos and destruction. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELAe'-la (Ela, APC 1Esdras 9:27): Strong's Hebrew 414. Ela -- an Israelite... 413, 414. Ela. 415 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Ela Phonetic Spelling: (ay-law') Short Definition: Ela. ... NASB Word Usage Ela (1). Elah. ... /hebrew/414.htm - 5k Library Ela The visitation In his Room Abiud his Son Held the Kingdom at Jerusalem for Six ... Of the Church Subject Index Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God ... Hymn Writers of the Church The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Thesaurus Ela (2 Occurrences)...ELA. e'-la (Ela, APC 1Esdras 9:27): (1) Same as Elam (Ezra 10:26). (2) Father of Shimei (1 Kings 4:18, the King James Version "Elah"). ...Ela (2 Occurrences). ... /e/ela.htm - 7k Ela'sah (2 Occurrences) Shammah (8 Occurrences) Elasah (4 Occurrences) Vale (20 Occurrences) Oabdius Lehi (5 Occurrences) El- Elah (17 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Ela (2 Occurrences)2 Samuel 23:11 1 Kings 4:18 Subtopics Related Terms |
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