Elead is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Ephraim in the Old Testament. His name appears in 1 Chronicles 7:20-21, which provides a lineage of the descendants of Ephraim, one of the sons of Joseph. The passage reads:

"The descendants of Ephraim: Shuthelah, Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son. Ezer and Elead were killed by the native-born men of Gath when they went down to seize their livestock." (1 Chronicles 7:20-21)

Genealogical Context

Elead is listed as a descendant of Ephraim, the younger son of Joseph, who was one of the patriarchs of the tribes of Israel. Ephraim, along with his brother Manasseh, was adopted by Jacob (Israel) and given a portion of the inheritance among the tribes of Israel (Genesis 48:5). The tribe of Ephraim became one of the most prominent tribes in the northern kingdom of Israel, often representing the entire northern kingdom in biblical texts.

Historical and Cultural Background

The brief mention of Elead in the genealogical record provides insight into the turbulent times faced by the Israelites during their settlement in Canaan. The reference to Elead and his brother Ezer being killed by the men of Gath suggests ongoing conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines, who were among the native inhabitants of the land. Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities and is frequently mentioned in the context of Israelite-Philistine hostilities.

Theological Significance

While Elead himself is not a central figure in biblical narratives, his mention in the genealogies underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in the biblical tradition. The genealogies serve to connect the people of Israel to their patriarchal ancestors, affirming their identity as God's chosen people. The tragic fate of Elead and his brother also highlights the challenges and dangers faced by the Israelites as they sought to establish themselves in the Promised Land.

Lessons and Reflections

The account of Elead, though brief, serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the ever-present threats faced by the people of God throughout history. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people despite the adversities they encounter. The genealogies, including the mention of Elead, are a testament to the continuity of God's covenant promises through successive generations, ultimately pointing to the fulfillment of these promises in the person of Jesus Christ, who is traced through the lineage of Israel.Elead

witness of God

Elead

(praised by God), a descendant of Ephraim. (1 Chronicles 7:21)

ELEAD

el'-e-ad ('el`adh, "God has testified"):

An Ephraimite, slain while making a raid, by the men of Gath (1 Chronicles 7:21).

496. Elad -- "God has testified," an Ephraimite
... 495, 496. Elad. 497 . "God has testified," an Ephraimite. Transliteration:
Elad Phonetic Spelling: (el-awd') Short Definition: Elead. ... Elead. ...
/hebrew/496.htm - 6k

Turning Back in the Day of Battle
... Shuthelah, and Bered his son, and Tabath his son, and Eladah, and Tabath his son,
and Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/turning back in the day.htm

David's Dying Song
... Shuthelah and Bered his son, and Tahath his son, and Eladah his son, and Tahath
his son, and Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer and Elead, whom the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/davids dying song.htm

Elead (1 Occurrence)
...ELEAD. el'-e-ad ('el`adh, "God has testified"): An Ephraimite, slain while making
a raid, by the men of Gath (1 Chronicles 7:21). ...Elead (1 Occurrence). ...
/e/elead.htm - 7k

E'le-ad (1 Occurrence)
E'le-ad. Elead, E'le-ad. Eleadah . Multi-Version Concordance E'le-ad (1 Occurrence). ...
(See RSV). Elead, E'le-ad. Eleadah . Reference Bible.
/e/e'le-ad.htm - 6k

Eldest (17 Occurrences)

/e/eldest.htm - 12k

Zabad (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:21 and Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead,
whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down ...
/z/zabad.htm - 11k

Native-born (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:21 and Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead,
whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down ...
/n/native-born.htm - 11k

Raid (15 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:21 and Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead,
whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down ...
/r/raid.htm - 11k

Ezer (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:21 and Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead,
whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down ...
/e/ezer.htm - 11k

Shuthelah (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:21 and Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead,
whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down ...
/s/shuthelah.htm - 8k

Shuthe'lah (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:21 and Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son--and Ezer, and Elead,
whom the men of Gath that were born in the land slew, because they came down ...
/s/shuthe'lah.htm - 7k

Seize (91 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:21 and Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead,
whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down ...
/s/seize.htm - 34k

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