Who was Elihu in the Bible?

Elihu, also called Eliel, was an ancestor of the prophet Samuel from the tribe of Levi. He is listed in genealogies as the father of Jeroham and the grandfather of the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1; 1 Chronicles 6:27, 34).

What is the significance of Elihu in the Bible?

Elihu's primary significance is his genealogical connection, establishing the priestly lineage of the prophet Samuel. His inclusion in the biblical record confirms Samuel's Levitical heritage, which was important for his roles as a prophet, priest, and judge in Israel.

Are there any key events in Elihu's life?

The Bible does not record specific events from Elihu's life. His mention is solely within genealogical lists, highlighting his role as a link in the family line leading to the birth of the important prophet and judge, Samuel.

Elihu

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleLevite

Elihu, also known as Eliel, was an ancestor of the prophet Samuel (1Sa.1.1; 1Ch.6.27,34).

Elihu

Biography

Elihu, also identified as Eliel in some genealogical lists, was a Levite of the Kohathite line and a direct ancestor of the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1; 1 Chronicles 6:27, 34). He belonged to the lineage that stretched from Levi through Kohath, Izhar, and down through successive generations to Elkanah and ultimately Samuel. His Levitical heritage meant that Samuel's emergence as prophet and judge was not accidental but rooted in a family with deep covenantal connection to Israel's worship life. Though Elihu himself left no recorded deeds, his place in Samuel's genealogy establishes the priestly and tribal context from which one of Israel's most pivotal spiritual leaders would emerge.

Significance

Elihu's significance lies chiefly in his role as a link in the genealogical chain leading to Samuel, one of the most consequential figures in Israel's history. His Levitical lineage situates Samuel within the framework of Israel's covenant worship, Samuel was not merely a political leader but a man whose very heritage connected him to the service of God. This lineage demonstrates that God's redemptive purposes are often prepared through generations of faithful, if unsung, ancestors. Elihu reminds readers that even obscure figures in the genealogical record play a vital role in advancing God's plan of salvation through history.

Verse Appearances (3)

1Sam

1Sam 1:1

1Chr

1Chr 6:27 1Chr 6:34

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]

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