Bible Dictionary
Eliab
Eliab was the name of several Israelites, including a Reubenite, a chief of Zebulun, David’s eldest brother, an ancestor of Samuel, a Gadite warrior, and a Levite musician. David’s brother Eliab spoke harshly to him before David’s encounter with Goliath.
Definition
Eliab was a name borne by several Israelites: a Reubenite, a chief of Zebulun, David’s eldest brother, an ancestor of Samuel, a Gadite warrior, and a Levite musician. The name means “God is father” or “to whom God is father.”
Biblical Usage
David’s brother Eliab was present in Saul’s army when Israel faced Goliath and spoke contemptuously to David. Other men named Eliab served as tribal leaders, warriors, musicians, or ancestors in Israel’s genealogies.
Historical Background
The name appears in records connected with Reuben, Zebulun, Gad, Benjamin, Ephraim, and the Levites.
Scripture References
Numbers 16:1
Numbers 16:12
Numbers 26:8
Numbers 26:9
Deuteronomy 11:6
Numbers 1:9
Numbers 2:7
1 Samuel 16:6
1 Samuel 17:28
1 Chronicles 12:9
Numbers 7:24
Numbers 7:29
Numbers 10:16
Numbers 11:6
1 Samuel 17:13
1 Chronicles 2:13
1 Chronicles 15:18
1 Chronicles 15:20
1 Chronicles 16:5
1 Chronicles 6:27
Jdt 8:1
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
To whom God is father. (1.) A Reubenite, son of Pallu (Num. 16:1, 12; 26:8, 9; Deut. 11:6). (2.) A son of Helon, and chief of the tribe of Zebulun at the time of the census in the wilderness (Num. 1:9; 2:7). (3.) The son of Jesse, and brother of David (1 Sam. 16:6). It was he who spoke contemptuously to David when he proposed to fight Goliath (1 Sam. 17:28). (4.) One of the Gadite heroes who joined David in his stronghold in the wilderness (1 Chr. 12:9).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(God is my father).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>e-li'-ab ('eli'abh, "God is father"):</p><p>(1) Prince of the tribe of Zebulun in the Exodus (Nu 1:9; 2:7; 7:24,29; 10:16).</p><p>(2) A Reubenite, father of Dathan and Abiram (Nu 16:11,12; 26:8 f; De 11:6).</p><p>(3) Eldest son of Jesse and brother of David (1Sa 16:6), once called Elihu (1Ch 27:18). He was of commanding appearance (1Sa 16:6) and when serving with Saul's army at the time when it was confronting the Philistines and Goliath, was inclined to lord it over his brother David (1Sa 17:28 f). His daughter Abihail became a Wife of Rehoboam (2Ch 11:18).</p><p>(4) An Ephraimite, an ancestor of Samuel (1Ch 6:27); called Eliel in 1Ch 6:34, and Elihu in 1Sa 1:1.</p><p>(5) A Gadire warrior with David (1Ch 12:9), one of 11 mighty men (1Ch 12:8,14).</p><p>(6) A Levite musician (1Ch 15:18,20; 16:5).</p><p>(7) An ancestor of Judith ( /APC Judith 8:1; compare /APC Judith 9:2).</p><p>F. K. Farr</p>