Who was Elishaphat in the Bible?

Elishaphat was a military captain who supported the priest Jehoiada in the successful plot to overthrow the usurping Queen Athaliah and crown the rightful heir, young Joash, as king of Judah (2 Chronicles 23:1). He is mentioned only once in this context.

Why is Elishaphat significant?

His significance lies in his role in a pivotal moment of Judah's history, helping to restore the Davidic royal line. By joining Jehoiada's covenant, he helped end Athaliah's wicked reign and preserve the lineage through which the Messiah, Jesus, would eventually come.

What did Elishaphat do in the Bible?

The Bible records a single key event: Elishaphat was one of the five named commanders whom Jehoiada the priest summoned secretly to the temple. There, they made a covenant and then carried out the plan to protect and crown the boy-king Joash (2 Chronicles 23:1).

Elishaphat

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon of zichri

Elishaphat was one of the captains who helped Jehoiada the priest overthrow Queen Athaliah (2Ch.23.1).

Elishaphat

Biography

Elishaphat son of Zichri was one of the five army commanders recruited by Jehoiada the priest to lead the coup against Queen Athaliah of Judah (2 Chr 23:1). When Athaliah had usurped the throne following the death of her son Ahaziah, she attempted to exterminate all the royal heirs of David; but the infant Joash was hidden in the temple for six years. Jehoiada organized a carefully coordinated plan, enrolling Elishaphat and four other commanders to rally the Levites and clan leaders from across Judah. They stationed guards at the temple gates, presented Joash to the people, anointed him king, and executed Athaliah (2 Chr 23:12–15). Elishaphat's military leadership was essential to this restoration of the Davidic line and the purging of Baal worship from Judah.

Significance

Elishaphat's participation in the overthrow of Athaliah (2 Chr 23) represents a decisive moment in the preservation of the Davidic covenant. Athaliah's attempted genocide of the royal line threatened to extinguish the lineage through which God had promised the coming Messiah (2 Sam 7). The military courage of Elishaphat and his fellow commanders, working under the priestly leadership of Jehoiada, ensured the survival of Joash and the continuation of David's dynasty. This episode illustrates how God often works through loyal, courageous individuals who align themselves with covenant fidelity to preserve His redemptive purposes, even in moments when the royal line appears on the verge of extinction.

Verse Appearances (1)

2Chr

2Chr 23:1

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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