The Hebrew name ʼĔlîyshâphâṭ, represented by H478, identifies a specific Israelite. The name means God of judgment. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, marking a singular but specific role in the scriptural narrative.
In the biblical narrative, Elishaphat H478 is named as one of the captains H8269 of hundreds H3967 who made a covenant H1285 with the priest Jehoiada H3077. This event took place in the seventh H7637 year H8141, as Jehoiada H3077 strengthened H2388 himself. Elishaphat, the son H1121 of Zichri H2147, joined with other captains including Azariah H5838, Ishmael H3458, and Maaseiah H4641 in this significant political and religious alliance 2 Chronicles 23:1.
Several related words provide context for the sole appearance of Elishaphat:
- H3077 Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ (Jehovah-known): The priest who initiated the covenant with Elishaphat and the other captains, serving as the central figure in the event 2 Chronicles 23:1.
- H1285 bᵉrîyth (a compact): This defines the formal agreement or pact that Elishaphat entered into with Jehoiada and the other leaders 2 Chronicles 23:1.
- H2388 châzaq (to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong): This word describes Jehoiada's action of strengthening himself, which was the catalyst for gathering Elishaphat and the others to make a covenant 2 Chronicles 23:1.
- H8269 sar (a head person (of any rank or class)): This title of "captain" designates the official rank and position of authority held by Elishaphat 2 Chronicles 23:1.
The theological weight of H478 is understood entirely through the context of its single mention.
- God of Judgment: The name Elishaphat H478 itself means "God of judgment," which aligns with the purpose of the covenant he joined—an act intended to restore order and justice under Jehoiada's leadership 2 Chronicles 23:1.
- Covenantal Allegiance: Elishaphat's sole appearance shows him entering a sacred covenant H1285 with the priest Jehoiada H3077. This highlights the theme of allegiance and the critical role of military leaders uniting with religious authority.
- Collective Strength: He is not mentioned alone but as part of a group of captains who were taken H3947 by Jehoiada H3077. This emphasizes the concept of strength in unity, as Jehoiada "strengthened himself" H2388 by securing the commitment of these key figures 2 Chronicles 23:1.
In summary, ʼĔlîyshâphâṭ H478 is the name of an Israelite captain whose contribution is recorded in a single, pivotal moment. While mentioned only once, his participation in Jehoiada's covenant H1285 is significant, representing the unified front of military and priestly power. His name, "God of judgment," provides a thematic backdrop to the events surrounding the restoration of rightful leadership in Judah 2 Chronicles 23:1.
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