Topical Encyclopedia Eliphal is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's mighty warriors. His name appears in the list of David's valiant men, who were renowned for their bravery and loyalty to the king. The name "Eliphal" is believed to mean "God has judged" or "God is deliverance," reflecting the theocentric nature of Hebrew names and their emphasis on divine attributes or actions.Biblical Reference: Eliphal is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 11:35, where he is listed among the mighty warriors who served under King David. The Berean Standard Bible records this passage as follows: "Eliphal son of Ur, Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite..." This brief mention places Eliphal within the larger narrative of David's reign, highlighting the importance of these warriors in establishing and maintaining the kingdom of Israel. The list of David's mighty men is significant as it underscores the military prowess and organizational skills that were instrumental in David's successful rule. Historical and Cultural Context: The era of King David was marked by numerous military campaigns and the consolidation of the tribes of Israel into a unified nation. David's mighty men, including Eliphal, played a crucial role in these endeavors. These warriors were not only skilled in battle but also deeply loyal to David, often risking their lives to support his kingship and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. The mention of Eliphal alongside other warriors from various regions and backgrounds illustrates the diverse composition of David's forces. This diversity reflects the unifying leadership of David, who was able to bring together individuals from different tribes and territories to serve a common purpose. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Eliphal in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. The mighty men, including Eliphal, are seen as instruments through which God delivered Israel from its enemies and established a kingdom that would ultimately lead to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, from the line of David. The name Eliphal, meaning "God has judged" or "God is deliverance," can be seen as a reflection of the divine justice and salvation that are central themes throughout the Bible. The lives and actions of David's warriors, including Eliphal, are often viewed as part of God's overarching plan for His people, demonstrating His faithfulness and sovereignty. Conclusion: While Eliphal is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical text, his inclusion in the list of David's mighty men highlights the importance of each individual's contribution to the larger narrative of Israel's history. His name and role serve as a reminder of the divine judgment and deliverance that are central to the biblical message. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary EliphalSmith's Bible Dictionary Eliphal(whom God judges), son of Ur, one of David's guard. (1 Chronicles 11:35) [ELIPHELET, 3] International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELIPHALe-li'-fal, el'-i-fal ('eliphal, "God has judged"): Strong's Hebrew 465. Eliphal -- "God has judged," one of David's heroes... 464, 465. Eliphal. 466 . "God has judged," one of David's heroes. Transliteration: Eliphal Phonetic Spelling: (el-ee-fawl') Short Definition: Eliphal. ... /hebrew/465.htm - 6k Thesaurus Eliphal (1 Occurrence)...ELIPHAL. e-li'-fal, el'-i-fal ('eliphal, "God has judged"): Son of Ur, one of the mighty men of David's armies (1 Chronicles 11:35). ...Eliphal (1 Occurrence). ... /e/eliphal.htm - 7k Eli'phal (1 Occurrence) Ur (5 Occurrences) Eliphelet (8 Occurrences) Elionas Ahi'am (2 Occurrences) Ahiam (2 Occurrences) Sacar (2 Occurrences) Sachar (2 Occurrences) Hararite (4 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Eliphal (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 11:35 Subtopics Eliphal: A Captain in David's Army Related Terms |