Elidad is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. He is recognized as one of the leaders appointed to assist in the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. His role is significant in the context of the Israelites' journey and settlement in Canaan, as it underscores the importance of orderly distribution and governance according to divine instruction.

Biblical Reference:

Elidad is mentioned in Numbers 34:21, where the LORD commands Moses regarding the division of the land. The passage reads: "And from the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad son of Chislon" . This verse identifies Elidad as a leader from the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His father's name, Chislon, is also noted, which was a common practice in biblical genealogies to establish lineage and tribal affiliation.

Role and Responsibilities:

Elidad's primary responsibility, as outlined in the biblical narrative, was to serve as a representative of his tribe in the allocation of the land. This task was crucial for maintaining tribal boundaries and ensuring that each tribe received its inheritance as promised by God. The division of the land was not merely a logistical task but a fulfillment of God's covenant with the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—regarding the inheritance of the land of Canaan.

The appointment of leaders like Elidad was part of a broader divine directive given to Moses. Numbers 34:16-29 details the list of leaders from each tribe who were to oversee the distribution process. These leaders were chosen for their wisdom, integrity, and ability to represent their respective tribes fairly and justly.

Tribe of Benjamin:

Elidad's association with the tribe of Benjamin is noteworthy. The tribe of Benjamin was the smallest of the tribes of Israel, yet it held a significant position in Israel's history. It was known for its warriors and later became the tribe of Israel's first king, Saul. The inclusion of a leader from Benjamin in the land division process highlights the tribe's integral role in the collective identity and future of the nation of Israel.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The appointment of Elidad and other tribal leaders for the division of the land reflects the organized and communal nature of Israelite society. It underscores the importance of leadership and governance in accordance with divine will. Theologically, it demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham, ensuring that each tribe received its rightful inheritance.

Elidad's mention, though brief, is part of a larger narrative that emphasizes the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people. The division of the land was not only a practical necessity but also a spiritual act, symbolizing the realization of God's promises and the establishment of Israel as a nation under His guidance.Elidad

beloved of God

Elidad

(whom God loves), the man chosen to represent the tribe of Benjamin in the division of the land of Canaan. (Numbers 34:21) (B.C. 1452.)

Whom God has loved, son of Chislon, and chief of the tribe of Benjamin; one of those who were appointed to divide the Promised Land among the tribes (Numbers 34:21). ELIDAD

e-li'-dad ('elidhadh, "God has loved"):

Prince of Benjamin in the division of the land (Numbers 34:21);

perhaps the same as ELDAD (which see).

449. Elidad -- "God has loved," an Israelite name
... 448, 449. Elidad. 450 . "God has loved," an Israelite name. Transliteration:
Elidad Phonetic Spelling: (el-ee-dawd') Short Definition: Elidad. ...
/hebrew/449.htm - 6kElidad (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ELIDAD. ... Multi-Version Concordance Elidad (1 Occurrence).
Numbers 34:21 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon. ...
/e/elidad.htm - 7k

Eli'dad (1 Occurrence)
Eli'dad. Elidad, Eli'dad. Eliehoenai . Multi-Version Concordance Eli'dad (1
Occurrence). Numbers 34:21 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon. ...
/e/eli'dad.htm - 6k

Chislon (1 Occurrence)
... CHISLON. kis'-lon, kiz'-lon (kiclon, "strength"): A prince of Benjamin, the father
of Elidad (Numbers 34:21). Multi-Version Concordance Chislon (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/chislon.htm - 6k

Benjamin (167 Occurrences)
... Numbers 2:22 f). Benjamin was represented among the spies by Palti the son of Raphu;
and at the division of the land the prince of Benjamin was Elidad the son ...
/b/benjamin.htm - 50k

Kislon (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kislon (1 Occurrence). Numbers 34:21 Of the
tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon. (See NIV). ...
/k/kislon.htm - 6k

Eliazar (1 Occurrence)

/e/eliazar.htm - 6k

Tribe (250 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 34:21 Of the tribe of Benjamin,
Elidad the son of Chislon. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/tribe.htm - 45k

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