In the Hebrew, the name Elihu ($\text{\textit{‘Eliyhuw}}$) carries the profound meaning: “He is my God.” It is a name of confession and loyalty, shared by several men who stood in the gap during the transitions of the kingdom.
1. Elihu, the Ancestor of Samuel
Before the Great Prophet Samuel was born to Hannah, the lineage of faith was being preserved through his forefathers. Elihu was the great-grandfather of Samuel and the son of Tohu.
“Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:” (1 Samuel 1:1, KJV)
In the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 6, this same individual is referred to as Eliab (v. 27) and Eliel (v. 34). This variation reminds us that in the “Defense of the Truth,” we must look at the whole of Scripture to see the full picture of a man’s heritage.
2. Elihu, the Captain of Manasseh
During the dark days when David was a fugitive from King Saul, staying in the stronghold of Ziklag, God began to move the hearts of “mighty men” to join him. Among those who defected from Saul to support the future king was Elihu of the tribe of Manasseh.
“As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh… Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh.” (1 Chronicles 12:20, KJV)
He was a warrior who recognized where the true anointing of God rested. He chose to leave the established, yet apostate, kingdom of Saul to join the “afflicted” David in the wilderness.
3. Elihu, the Valiant Porter
In the organization of the House of the Lord, David appointed specific families to guard the entrances. Elihu, a grandson of Obed-edom (the man who famously housed the Ark of the Covenant), served as a gatekeeper.
“The sons of Shemaiah… whose brethren were strong men, Elihu, and Semachiah.” (1 Chronicles 26:7, KJV)
The text emphasizes that these men were “strong men” and “valiant men” (v. 8-9). Their strength was not merely physical; it was the spiritual fortitude required to guard the sanctity of God’s dwelling place against profanation.
4. Elihu, the Brother of David
The Holy Record also identifies an Elihu as a prince over the tribe of Judah. Many biblical scholars identify him as Eliab, David’s eldest brother, whom the prophet Samuel originally thought would be king because of his stature.
“Of Judah, Elihu, one of the brethren of David…” (1 Chronicles 27:18, KJV)
If this is indeed Eliab, it shows that even after being passed over for the throne, he remained a loyal leader within his brother’s administration, overseeing the affairs of their own tribe, Judah.
Comparison of the Elihus
| Identity | Biblical Reference | Key Characteristic |
| Forefather | 1 Samuel 1:1 | Ancestor of the prophet Samuel. |
| Warrior | 1 Chronicles 12:20 | Captain who joined David at Ziklag. |
| Gatekeeper | 1 Chronicles 26:7 | A “strong man” guarding the Temple. |
| Prince | 1 Chronicles 27:18 | Ruler of the tribe of Judah; David’s kin. |