Eliashib is a name attributed to three distinct individuals in the Old Testament, each playing a significant role in the history and religious life of Israel. The name Eliashib means "God restores" or "God will restore," reflecting a theme of divine restoration and faithfulness.

1. Eliashib the High Priest: The most prominent Eliashib is the High Priest during the time of Nehemiah. He is a descendant of Jeshua, the High Priest who returned with Zerubbabel from the Babylonian exile. Eliashib's tenure is noted during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, a critical period of restoration for the Jewish people. 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 set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel." Despite his significant role in the reconstruction efforts, Eliashib's legacy is marred by his familial alliances with Tobiah, an adversary of Nehemiah. Nehemiah 13:4-5 records, "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 alliance led to a conflict with Nehemiah, who took decisive action to cleanse the temple.

2. Eliashib, a Leader of the Exiles: Another Eliashib is mentioned in the context of the return from Babylonian exile. He is listed among the leaders who returned with Zerubbabel. Ezra 10:24 notes, "From the singers: Eliashib. From the gatekeepers: Shallum, Telem, and Uri." This Eliashib is part of the group that took a stand against intermarriage with foreign women, a significant issue addressed by Ezra to maintain the purity and distinctiveness of the Israelite community.

3. Eliashib, a Descendant of Bani: The third Eliashib is identified as a descendant of Bani, who also dealt with the issue of foreign marriages. Ezra 10:36 lists him among those who pledged to put away their foreign wives in obedience to the covenant renewal led by Ezra. This action was part of a broader movement to restore the community's faithfulness to the Mosaic Law and to ensure the continuity of Israel's religious and cultural identity.

In summary, the name Eliashib is associated with leadership, restoration, and the challenges of maintaining covenant faithfulness in post-exilic Israel. Each Eliashib played a role in the spiritual and communal life of the Jewish people during a pivotal time in their history.Ezra 10:24,27,36
Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.
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