The name Eliada (meaning “God knows” or “God is Knowing”) is a name of divine acknowledgment. In the Holy Scriptures, it is borne by men of high station—a prince, a general, and a father of a king’s adversary. Each man named Eliada occupied a position of strategic importance during the height of the United and Divided Monarchies.
The Son of David
The first Eliada mentioned is a son of King David, born to him in Jerusalem after he had established his throne. Being the son of the king, Eliada was part of the royal household that saw the transition of Israel from a collection of tribes into a world power.
“And Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia, and Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.” (2 Samuel 5:14-16, KJV)
In the parallel genealogy of 1 Chronicles 14:7, he is referred to as Beeliada. This variation—changing “El” (God) to “Baal” (Lord/Master)—was common in ancient Hebrew naming conventions before the term “Baal” became exclusively associated with the Canaanite idol. His presence in the royal line confirms that “God knew” and preserved the house of David according to His promise.
The General of Jehoshaphat
Perhaps the most notable Eliada was a “mighty man of valour” from the tribe of Benjamin who served under the righteous King Jehoshaphat. This Eliada was not merely a soldier; he was a high-ranking general who commanded a massive division of the Judean army.
“And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.” (2 Chronicles 17:17, KJV)
Eliada’s leadership was part of the divine blessing upon Jehoshaphat’s reign. Because the king sought the Lord, God strengthened his kingdom with men like Eliada, who were “ready prepared for the war.” His ability to lead 200,000 archers and shield-bearers demonstrates a life of discipline, strategic brilliance, and dedication to the defense of the people of God.
The Father of an Adversary
A third Eliada is mentioned as the father of Rezon, a man who became a significant adversary to King Solomon. After David defeated Hadadezer, king of Zobah, Rezon gathered a band of men and eventually seized Damascus, reigning there and troubling Israel.
“And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliada, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:” (1 Kings 11:23, KJV)
While this Eliada’s personal character is not detailed, his name appears in the text to provide the historical “roots” of the political shifts occurring in the Levant.
The Theological Lesson
The name Eliada—“God Knows”—serves as a thread connecting these diverse men:
- In the Royal Palace: God knew the children of David and ordered their steps.
- In the Field of Battle: God knew the faithfulness of the Benjamite general and gave him the strength to protect the Southern Kingdom.
- In the Rise of Nations: God knew the movements of Rezon and his father, using even the “adversaries” to accomplish His sovereign purposes.
For the student of the Word, Eliada is a reminder that nothing is hidden from the eyes of the Almighty. Whether we are serving in the king’s court or standing on the front lines of a spiritual battle, we can take comfort in the fact that our “God knows.”