Eliel
Eliel the Mahavite was one of David's mighty men.
Biography
Eliel the Mahavite is listed among David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11:46, a roster of elite warriors who formed the backbone of David's military establishment. The designation 'Mahavite' likely denotes his place of origin, though the location of Mahavah remains uncertain to scholars. His inclusion among the Thirty, or the extended list of heroes beyond the core Thirty, marks him as a warrior of recognized exceptional ability. David's mighty men were more than soldiers; they were tested loyalists whose courage under fire had been proven in the difficult years before and during David's consolidation of the kingdom. Eliel's name, meaning 'my God is God,' is theologically fitting for a soldier whose martial service was understood within the framework of God's covenant purposes for Israel.
Significance
Eliel the Mahavite stands within the honored tradition of Israel's warrior-heroes whose service advanced God's covenant purposes through military faithfulness. The list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11 serves both a historical and a theological function: it honors those whose sacrifice and loyalty enabled the establishment of the Davidic kingdom, the very dynasty from which the Messiah would come. Eliel's presence on this list reminds readers that God's redemptive plan advances through the faithful contributions of individuals across diverse vocations and regions. His story encourages believers that courageous service rendered in loyalty to God's anointed, however obscure the servant may be, is eternally significant in the unfolding of God's purposes.
Verse Appearances (1)
1Chr
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]