Elpelet (also appearing in some records as Eliphalet or Eliphelet) is a name associated with the royal household of King David. He was one of the many sons born to David after the King had established his throne in Jerusalem.
The Scriptural Record
The name Elpelet appears in the genealogical listings of David’s children born in the holy city. It is important to note that David had two sons by very similar names (Elpalet/Elpelet and Eliphelet) mentioned in the same lists.
“Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Elpelet, and Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,” (1 Chronicles 14:5, KJV)
In the parallel list found in 1 Chronicles 3:6, the name is rendered as Eliphelet.
His Royal Heritage
Elpelet was born during a significant transition in Israel’s history.
- His Father: King David.
- His Birthplace: Jerusalem. After David took the stronghold of Zion from the Jebusites, he “took more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 5:13), and Elpelet was among the sons born in this era of expansion and blessing.
- The “Two Eliphelets”: Scholars often note that in the full list of David’s sons (1 Chronicles 3:5-9), there is an Eliphelet mentioned early (v. 6) and another Eliphelet mentioned at the very end (v. 8). Some theologians suggest the first child (Elpelet) may have died in infancy, and a later son was given the same name in his memory, a common practice in the ancient Near East.
Etymology and Meaning
The name Elpelet is a Hebrew name that carries a theme of divine protection:
- “God is Deliverance”: Derived from El (God) and palat (to escape, deliver, or carry away to safety).
- “God of Rescue”: It signifies that God is a refuge or a means of escape from danger.
Historical and Theological Significance
Elpelet represents the Providence of the Davidic Line. While he is not recorded as a king or a prominent warrior, his presence in the royal genealogy confirms the fruitfulness of David’s house.
Theologically, his name serves as a constant reminder of David’s own testimony. Throughout the Psalms, David repeatedly uses the root word of Elpelet (palat) to describe God’s character:
- “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7)
The naming of a prince “Elpelet” was a public confession by King David that his throne and his family did not stand by human might, but because God was his Deliverer.