The Hebrew name ʼĔlîypheleṭ, represented by H467, means God of deliverance. It appears 9 times in 9 unique verses and is used as the name for at least six distinct individuals in the Old Testament. The name itself is a declaration of faith, combining the word for God (ʼēl) with a term for deliverance or escape. It is sometimes rendered as Eliphalet or Elpalet.
The name H467 appears in several significant genealogical and historical lists. It is recorded as the name of one of King David's sons, born in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:16, 1 Chronicles 3:6). Another individual named Eliphelet is listed as one of David's mighty men, identified as the son of Ahasbai 2 Samuel 23:34. In the post-exilic period, an Eliphelet is named among the sons of Adonikam who returned to Jerusalem with Ezra Ezra 8:13. The name also appears among the sons of Hashum who had married foreign women and later made a covenant to separate from them Ezra 10:33.
Several individuals are mentioned in close connection with those named Eliphelet, highlighting their roles within families and communities:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is fundamental to establishing lineage for figures named Eliphelet, such as identifying one as the son of Ahasbai 2 Samuel 23:34 or as belonging to the "sons of Hashum" Ezra 10:33.
- H251 ʼâch (a brother): This term of kinship connects one Eliphelet to his siblings in the genealogy of Eshek, where he is listed as the third son 1 Chronicles 8:39.
- H476 ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ (God of hearing): Elishama is frequently listed alongside Eliphelet as one of the sons of David, linking two names that both declare a characteristic of God 1 Chronicles 3:8.
- H450 ʼElyâdâʻ (God (is) knowing): Another son of David, Eliada is also listed with Eliphelet, reinforcing the theological nature of the names given to the king's children 2 Samuel 5:16.
The theological significance of H467 is found directly in its meaning, "God of deliverance." The presence of this name in the biblical text serves as a recurring testimony to a core aspect of God's character.
- Royal Deliverance: A son of David is named Eliphelet, a fitting name within the household of a king who was repeatedly delivered by God from his enemies 1 Chronicles 14:7.
- Hope in Exile: The name is carried by one who returned from the Babylonian captivity, a historical event that was a profound national deliverance for Israel Ezra 8:13.
- Warrior's Strength: As one of David's mighty men, the name Eliphelet connects the concept of God's deliverance to the sphere of military conflict and protection 2 Samuel 23:34.
In summary, H467 is more than just a personal identifier; it is a statement of faith. The name ʼĔlîypheleṭ, meaning "God of deliverance," is borne by several individuals at key moments in Israel's history, including a son of David, a mighty warrior, and a returnee from exile. Each mention of the name reinforces the biblical theme of God's power to rescue and save His people, embedding this theological truth within the genealogies and narratives of scripture.
TRV