Who was Eliphelet in the Bible?

Eliphelet was a man who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. He is listed as one of the descendants of Adonikam who made the journey (Ezra 8:13).

Why is Eliphelet mentioned in the book of Ezra?

He is mentioned to document the families and number of people who faithfully returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem. His inclusion shows God's faithfulness in preserving and restoring His people.

What is significant about Eliphelet's story?

Though brief, his mention highlights that even individuals in long lists were part of God's greater plan of restoration. It reminds us that every person in God's family has a role in His story.

Eliphelet

Old TestamentExile & ReturnMaleReturned from exile

Eliphelet was one of the descendants of Adonikam who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile (Ezr.8.13).

Eliphelet

Biography

Eliphelet was one of the last of the descendants of Adonikam who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile with Ezra (Ezra 8:13). He is listed alongside Jeiel and Shemaiah as among the final members of Adonikam's family to make the return journey. Ezra 8 records a careful muster of the returning exiles organized by family heads, reflecting the importance of tribal and ancestral identity in the restoration community. Eliphelet was among sixty males who accompanied Ezra's caravan back to the land, a journey undertaken without a military escort in an act of faith, trusting that God's hand would protect them (Ezra 8:21–23). His return was part of the larger restoration of Israel's covenant community to the land promised to their ancestors.

Significance

Eliphelet's return from exile as part of the family of Adonikam (Ezra 8:13) connects him to one of the most theologically significant events of the Second Temple period: the restoration of Israel to the Promised Land. Ezra's caravan represented a second exodus in microcosm, with the community placing their trust in God for protection rather than military might (Ezra 8:22). Eliphelet's participation in this act of communal faith reflects the broader covenant renewal underway in the post-exilic period. His presence in the returning company ensured the continuity of his family's heritage within restored Israel, embodying the hope that exile was not the final word for God's people.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherDavid

Verse Appearances (1)

Ezra

Ezra 8:13

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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