Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Eliashib is a significant figure in the post-exilic period of Israel's history, primarily known for his role as a high priest during the time of Nehemiah. His name, meaning "God restores," is fitting given the context of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile and the subsequent rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem.Genealogy and Position Eliashib was a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and belonged to the priestly line. He is identified as the son of Joiakim and the grandson of Jeshua, who was the high priest during the initial return from exile under Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:10). As high priest, Eliashib held a position of great religious and social influence in the community. Role in Rebuilding Jerusalem Eliashib played a crucial role in the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls, a project led by Nehemiah. The Book of Nehemiah records that Eliashib and his fellow priests were among the first to begin the work, specifically rebuilding the Sheep Gate (Nehemiah 3:1): "Then Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests set to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set up its doors, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel." This act of leadership and dedication was significant, as it set a precedent for the rest of the community to follow in the rebuilding efforts. The Sheep Gate was particularly important as it was the entry point for sheep being brought to the temple for sacrifices, highlighting the religious significance of Eliashib's work. Controversies and Challenges Despite his contributions, Eliashib's tenure as high priest was not without controversy. One of the major issues was his association with Tobiah the Ammonite, an adversary of Nehemiah. Eliashib allowed Tobiah to use a large room in the temple courts, which was meant for storing offerings and temple articles (Nehemiah 13:4-5): "Now before this, Eliashib the priest had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God and was closely associated with Tobiah. And he had prepared for him a large room where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests." This act of compromise with an enemy of Israel was met with strong opposition from Nehemiah, who took decisive action to cleanse the temple and restore its sanctity (Nehemiah 13:8-9). Family and Legacy Eliashib's family connections also posed challenges. His grandson, Joiada, married the daughter of Sanballat the Horonite, another adversary of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13:28). This intermarriage with foreign nations was against the Mosaic Law and was a source of tension within the community. Nehemiah's reforms included addressing these unlawful alliances to preserve the purity of the Israelite community. Eliashib's legacy is thus a complex one, marked by both commendable leadership in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and controversial associations that threatened the spiritual integrity of the nation. His life and actions serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by leaders in maintaining faithfulness amidst external pressures and internal conflicts. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary EliashibSmith's Bible Dictionary Eliashib(whom God restores).
ATS Bible Dictionary EliashibA high priest in the days of Nehemiah, who took part in rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, Nehemiah 3:1. The same person probably was afterwards censured for profaning the temple, by giving the use of one of its chambers to a heathen and an Ammonite, his relative, De 23:3,4 Nehemiah 12:10 13:1-9. Easton's Bible Dictionary Whom God will restore. (1.) A priest, head of one of the courses of the priests of the time of David (1 Chronicles 24:12). (2.) A high priest in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 12:22, 23). He rebuilt the eastern city wall (3:1), his own mansion being in that quarter, on the ridge Ophel (3:20, 21). His indulgence of Tobiah the Ammonite provoked the indignation of Nehemiah (13:4, 7). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELIASHIBe-li'-a-shib ('elyashibh, "God restores"): Strong's Hebrew 475. Elyashib -- "God restores," the name of several Israelites... Elyashib. 476 . "God restores," the name of several Israelites. Transliteration: Elyashib Phonetic Spelling: (el-yaw-sheeb') Short Definition: Eliashib. ... Eliashib ... /hebrew/475.htm - 6k Library Reformation Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ... How John Slew his Brother Jesus in the Temple; and How Bagoses ... The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Thesaurus Eliashib (15 Occurrences)...ELIASHIB. e-li'-a-shib ('elyashibh, "God restores"): (1) A descendant of David (1 Chronicles 3:24). ... Multi-Version Concordance Eliashib (15 Occurrences). ... /e/eliashib.htm - 13k Eliashib's (1 Occurrence) Eli'ashib (15 Occurrences) Joiada (5 Occurrences) Meremoth (6 Occurrences) Tobiah (14 Occurrences) Johanan (31 Occurrences) Joiakim (3 Occurrences) Joha'nan (25 Occurrences) Joi'ada (4 Occurrences) Resources Who were Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Eliashib (15 Occurrences)1 Chronicles 3:24 1 Chronicles 24:12 Ezra 10:6 Ezra 10:24 Ezra 10:27 Ezra 10:36 Nehemiah 3:1 Nehemiah 3:20 Nehemiah 3:21 Nehemiah 12:10 Nehemiah 12:22 Nehemiah 12:23 Nehemiah 13:4 Nehemiah 13:7 Nehemiah 13:28 Subtopics Eliashib: Name of Three Israelites Mentioned In Related Terms |