אֱלִיפְלֵהוּ
Eliphelehu, an Israelite
Definition
Eliphelehu is a proper name meaning 'God of his distinction' or 'My God is his distinction.' It belongs to a Levite musician appointed by King David to serve in the tabernacle worship. The name signifies that this individual or his family line was set apart by God for a special purpose. He is specifically mentioned among the musicians who played the harp during the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:18, 21).
Biblical Usage
The name Eliphelehu appears exclusively in 1 Chronicles 15, in the context of organizing Levitical worship. He is listed as one of the secondary gatekeepers and musicians, playing the harp ('alamoth') as part of the grand procession bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. This usage highlights his role within the structured, corporate worship established by David.
Etymology
The name is a compound of two Hebrew elements: 'El' (H410, אֵל), meaning 'God,' and a form derived from the root 'palah' (H6395, פָּלָה), meaning 'to be distinct, separated, or wonderful.' Thus, the name literally translates to 'God of his distinction,' indicating a person distinguished or set apart by God.
Semantic Range
While a personal name, Eliphelehu reflects the theological theme of God's sovereign choice in setting apart individuals for specific service. His role as a Levitical musician underscores the importance of skilled, dedicated worship in God's presence, as seen in the careful organization of the tabernacle service (1 Chronicles 15:16-24). The name itself is a declaration that one's unique role and identity come from God.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried significant meaning, describing character, destiny, or divine action. Eliphelehu's name, implying divine selection, would have been a constant reminder of his family's calling to the Levitical priesthood and musical service. His specific instrument, the harp for 'alamoth' (possibly referring to a high-pitched mode or young women's voices), places him within a highly structured liturgical ensemble.
Asaph (H623, אָסָף) — Another chief Levite musician and seer, a composer of Psalms. Heman (H1968, הֵימָן) — A chief Levite musician, known as 'the king's seer.' Jeduthun (H3038, יְדוּתוּן) — A chief Levite musician, also associated with prophetic ministry in worship.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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