Eliab is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily known as the eldest son of Jesse and the eldest brother of King David. His account is found in the books of 1 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Eliab's name in Hebrew, אֱלִיאָב ('Eli'av), means "God is my father."

Family Background

Eliab was the firstborn of Jesse, a Bethlehemite from the tribe of Judah. Jesse had eight sons, and Eliab was the eldest among them. His lineage is significant as it places him in the ancestral line of King David, and ultimately, in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament.

Biblical References

1. 1 Samuel 16:6-7: Eliab is first introduced during the anointing of David by the prophet Samuel. When Samuel visits Jesse's house to anoint one of his sons as the future king of Israel, Eliab is the first to be presented. Samuel is initially impressed by Eliab's appearance and stature, thinking he must be the chosen one. However, the Lord tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" . This passage highlights the biblical theme that God's criteria for leadership are based on the heart rather than external attributes.

2. 1 Samuel 17:13-28: Eliab is also mentioned in the context of the battle against the Philistines, where his younger brother David famously defeats Goliath. Eliab, along with his brothers Abinadab and Shammah, follows Saul to the battlefront. When David arrives to bring provisions and check on his brothers, Eliab reacts with anger and accuses David of pride and insolence, questioning his motives for coming to the battlefield. This interaction reveals a tension between Eliab and David, possibly stemming from jealousy or misunderstanding of David's anointing and future role.

3. 1 Chronicles 2:13: Eliab is listed in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, affirming his position as the firstborn son of Jesse.

Character and Legacy

Eliab's character is portrayed with a mix of human qualities. While he is initially considered by Samuel as a potential king due to his impressive appearance, God's rejection of him underscores the biblical principle that divine selection is based on inner qualities rather than outward appearances. Eliab's reaction to David at the battlefield further illustrates a common human struggle with jealousy and misunderstanding within familial relationships.

Eliab's legacy is primarily tied to his role as the elder brother of David, the future king of Israel. Although he does not play a significant role in the biblical narrative beyond these accounts, his interactions with David provide insight into the dynamics of David's family and the divine selection process that led to David's rise as a central figure in Israel's history.

Cultural and Theological Significance

Eliab's account serves as a reminder of the biblical theme that God's ways and choices often defy human expectations. His rejection as king emphasizes the importance of inner character and faithfulness to God over physical attributes or social status. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, encouraging believers to seek God's perspective and prioritize spiritual qualities in their own lives.446. Eliab -- "God is father," the name of several Israelites
... 445, 446. Eliab. 447 . "God is father," the name of several Israelites.
Transliteration: Eliab Phonetic Spelling: (el-ee-awb') Short Definition: Eliab. ...
/hebrew/446.htm - 6k

April the Twenty-Eighth Preparing for Great Encounters
... He had conquered his temper. Read Eliab's irritating taunt in the twenty-eighth
verse, and mark the fine self-possession of the young champion's reply! ...
/.../april the twenty-eighth preparing for.htm

Eliab's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Eliab's (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 17:28 Eliab his
eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's...
/e/eliab's.htm - 6k

Eli'ab (19 Occurrences)
Eli'ab. Eliab, Eli'ab. Eliab's . Multi-Version Concordance Eli'ab (19 Occurrences).
Numbers 1:9 Of Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon. (See RSV). ...
/e/eli'ab.htm - 11k

Eli'ab's (1 Occurrence)
Eli'ab's. Eliab's, Eli'ab's. Eliada . Multi-Version Concordance Eli'ab's
(1 Occurrence). ... Eliab's, Eli'ab's. Eliada . Reference Bible.
/e/eli'ab's.htm - 6k

Naughtiness (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:28 Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's
anger was kindled against David, and he said, "Why have you come down? ...
/n/naughtiness.htm - 8k

Insolence (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke unto the men; and
Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said: 'Why art thou come down ...
/i/insolence.htm - 10k

Eldest (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:13 The three eldest sons of Jesse had gone after Saul to the battle:
and the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn ...
/e/eldest.htm - 12k

David's (142 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke unto the men; and
Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said: 'Why art thou come down ...
/d/david's.htm - 37k

Mightest (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and
Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down ...
/m/mightest.htm - 13k

Presumption (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke unto the men; and
Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said: 'Why art thou come down ...
/p/presumption.htm - 9k

Presumptuousness (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and
Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why art thou come down? ...
/p/presumptuousness.htm - 7k

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