### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼĔlîyʼâb**, represented by `{{H446}}`, translates to "God of (his) father." Occurring **21 times** across **20 unique verses**, it is the name given to six distinct Israelites in scripture. The name itself, a combination of terms for God and father, points to a legacy of faith and lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical narrative features several key individuals named **ʼĔlîyʼâb**. The most prominent is the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` son of Jesse, whom Samuel initially assumed would be king [[1 Samuel 16:6]]. This Eliab's anger toward his younger **brother** `{{H251}}`, David, is recorded during the confrontation with Goliath [[1 Samuel 17:28]]. In contrast, another **ʼĔlîyʼâb**, a Reubenite, was the father of Dathan and Abiram, who rebelled against Moses and were destroyed ([[Numbers 16:1]]; [[Deuteronomy 11:6]]). Other figures include a captain `{{H5387}}` of the tribe of Zebulun [[Numbers 2:7]], a Levite musician [[1 Chronicles 15:18]], a mighty Gadite warrior who joined David [[1 Chronicles 12:9]], and an ancestor in a Levitical genealogy [[1 Chronicles 6:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Hebrew words provide a deeper understanding of the contexts surrounding the name **ʼĔlîyʼâb**:
* `{{H1060}}` **bᵉkôwr** (firstborn): This title is explicitly given to Eliab, the son of Jesse, establishing his position as the eldest son in the family ([[1 Samuel 17:13]]; [[1 Chronicles 2:13]]). This status is central to the narrative where he is passed over for kingship.
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This fundamental term defines the lineage of every Eliab mentioned. He is the **son** of Jesse [[2 Chronicles 11:18]], the **son** of Helon [[Numbers 1:9]], or the father of **sons** like Dathan and Abiram [[Numbers 16:1]].
* `{{H251}}` **ʼâch** (brother): This word highlights the familial tension in the story of David, as Eliab is identified as his **brother** who questions his motives and character [[1 Samuel 17:28]].
### Theological Significance
The name **ʼĔlîyʼâb** is attached to several important theological and narrative concepts:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Human Status:** The story of Eliab, son of Jesse, is a powerful illustration of this theme. Despite being the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` and having an impressive appearance, he was not God's choice for king, demonstrating that God's selection criteria differ from man's [[1 Samuel 16:6]].
* **Leadership and Service:** Multiple individuals named Eliab held positions of responsibility. One was a tribal captain `{{H5387}}` for Zebulun [[Numbers 2:7]], another was a ranked warrior [[1 Chronicles 12:9]], and a third served as a Levite musician in the house of God [[1 Chronicles 16:5]].
* **Consequences of Rebellion:** The name is also linked to one of the most notable rebellions in Israel's history through Eliab the Reubenite, whose **sons** Dathan and Abiram were destroyed for striving against the LORD [[Numbers 26:9]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼĔlîyʼâb `{{H446}}`** is not a monolithic identity but a name carried by men who represent a wide spectrum of faithfulness, leadership, and human failure. From the overlooked **firstborn** son of Jesse to the loyal tribal leader and the father of rebels, the name appears in stories of divine selection, orderly worship, and severe judgment. It illustrates how individuals sharing a common name rooted in faith can walk profoundly different paths in the biblical record.
TRV