Elioenai
Elioenai was a descendant of David through Jeconiah, mentioned in the genealogy (1Ch.3.23,24).
Biography
Elioenai son of Neariah was a descendant of the royal Davidic line in the post-exilic period, listed in the genealogy of Jeconiah (Jehoiachin) in 1 Chronicles 3:23-24. He was the son of Neariah and had seven sons of his own. His place in the Davidic genealogy is significant because it extends the royal lineage into the post-exilic era, demonstrating the preservation of David's house even through the Babylonian exile. The Chronicler's meticulous documentation of these descendants reflects a theological commitment to the ongoing validity of the Davidic covenant. Though the monarchy had ceased, the line of David continued, keeping alive the hope of future restoration.
Significance
Elioenai's inclusion in the post-exilic Davidic genealogy carries profound messianic significance. The careful preservation of David's lineage through the chaos of exile and return demonstrates that God's covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:12-16) remained operative even when the throne was vacant. For the post-exilic community reading Chronicles, this genealogy was not merely a historical record but a declaration of hope, that God had not abandoned His promise of an eternal Davidic kingdom. The line that runs through Elioenai ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Son of David, whose genealogy Matthew traces through this very line (Matthew 1:11-16).
Verse Appearances (2)
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]