Topical Encyclopedia Eliashib, a prominent figure in the post-exilic period of Israel's history, served as a high priest during the time of Nehemiah. His role and actions are documented primarily in the books of Nehemiah and Ezra, where he is depicted as a significant religious leader during the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile.Genealogy and Position Eliashib was a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and belonged to the priestly line. He was the son of Joiakim and the grandson of Jeshua, who was the high priest during the initial return from Babylonian captivity under Zerubbabel. Eliashib's position as high priest placed him at the center of religious and communal life in Jerusalem, responsible for overseeing temple worship and maintaining the spiritual integrity of the people. Role in Rebuilding Jerusalem Eliashib is notably mentioned in the book of Nehemiah for his involvement in the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. Nehemiah 3:1 states, "Then Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests set to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and installed its doors, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel." This passage highlights Eliashib's leadership and active participation in the physical and spiritual restoration of the city, emphasizing the cooperation between religious and lay leaders in this monumental task. Controversy and Compromise Despite his contributions, Eliashib's tenure as high priest was not without controversy. Nehemiah 13:4-5 records a significant compromise: "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." Eliashib's alliance with Tobiah, an Ammonite official and adversary of Nehemiah, led to the desecration of the temple storerooms. This act of compromise with a known enemy of Israel's restoration efforts was a significant breach of religious duty and covenantal faithfulness. Nehemiah's subsequent reforms included the expulsion of Tobiah and the purification of the temple, underscoring the need for vigilance and purity in worship. Family and Legacy Eliashib's family connections further complicated his legacy. His grandson, Jehoiada, married the daughter of Sanballat the Horonite, another adversary of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13:28). This intermarriage with foreign elements was contrary to the covenantal laws and posed a threat to the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish people. Nehemiah's response was decisive, as he drove Jehoiada away, reinforcing the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the priesthood and the community. Eliashib's life and actions serve as a reminder of the complexities faced by religious leaders in maintaining faithfulness amidst external pressures and internal challenges. His account is a testament to the enduring struggle for holiness and the need for steadfastness in upholding God's commandments. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 24:12The eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim, Nave's Topical Index Library Reformation How John Slew his Brother Jesus in the Temple; and How Bagoses ... Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ... The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Resources Who were Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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