Who was Eliphelehu in the Bible?

Eliphelehu was a Levite musician, specifically a harpist, who served during the reign of King David. He was appointed to play music during the important procession to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:18, 21).

What did Eliphelehu do in the Bible?

His primary recorded action was performing as a musician during the joyous transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. He was one of the Levites specifically chosen to play the harp for this significant national and religious event (1 Chronicles 15:21).

Why is Eliphelehu significant?

Eliphelehu represents the importance of worship and skilled musicianship in Israel's formal worship. His role highlights how King David organized the Levites for specific duties, establishing a model for temple worship that would follow (1 Chronicles 15:16-22).

Eliphelehu

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleLevite

Eliphelehu was a Levite musician who played the harp during the transfer of the ark to Jerusalem (1Ch.15.18,21).

Eliphelehu

Biography

Eliphelehu was a Levite musician appointed by David to serve during the ceremonial transfer of the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem (1 Chr 15:18, 21). He is listed among the second-rank Levites designated to play the harp, or lyre, tuned to the alamoth mode, a musical term likely indicating a higher register or a particular style of playing.

This occasion was one of the most significant liturgical events in David's reign, accompanied by singing, the blowing of trumpets, cymbals, and stringed instruments. David had carefully organized the Levitical musicians into distinct roles following the earlier, ill-fated attempt to transport the ark (1 Chr 13). Eliphelehu's inclusion in this carefully structured processional reflects the care taken to honor God properly through appointed worship.

Significance

Though Eliphelehu appears only briefly in the biblical record, his role highlights the importance of ordered, appointed worship in Israel's cultic life. His assignment to play the lyre in the procession of the ark (1 Chr 15:21) underscores that corporate worship was not haphazard but required specific, designated servants fulfilling distinct roles.

The episode in which he served also carries profound theological weight: the ark's return to Jerusalem represented God's presence dwelling among His people. Eliphelehu's faithful participation in that moment illustrates that even lesser-known servants contribute meaningfully to sacred history, a principle echoed throughout Scripture in the valuing of every gift within the worshiping community.

Verse Appearances (2)

1Chr

1Chr 15:18 1Chr 15:21

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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