The name Elzabad appears several times in the Old Testament, specifically within the chronicles of Israel’s military and liturgical history. Like many names beginning with “El,” it points toward the character of God and His provision for the nation.
1. The Gadite Warrior
The most prominent Elzabad was a mighty man from the tribe of Gad. He was part of a group of elite soldiers who crossed the Jordan River during its flood season to join David while he was still hiding from King Saul.
- His Character: He is described as a “captain of the host” and a man of exceptional courage.
- The Description of his Tribe: The Gadites who joined David were said to have “faces like the faces of lions” and were “as swift as the roes upon the mountains” (1 Chronicles 12:8).
- The Scriptural Record: > “Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third, Mashmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, Elzabad the sixth,” (1 Chronicles 12:9–12, KJV)
2. The Korhite Porter
Another Elzabad served during the reign of King David as a “porter” (a gatekeeper) for the Tabernacle. This was a position of high trust, responsible for the security of the sanctuary and its treasures.
- His Family: He was one of the sons of Shemaiah and a grandson of Obed-edom.
- His Reputation: The Bible specifically notes that Elzabad and his brothers were “mighty men of valour” and “able men for strength for the service” (1 Chronicles 26:6–8).
- The Scriptural Record:“The sons of Shemaiah; Otni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men, Elihu, and Semachiah.” (1 Chronicles 26:7, KJV)
Etymology and Meaning
The name Elzabad is a Hebrew compound:
- “God Has Given” or “God Has Endowed”: Derived from El (God) and zabad (to bestow or give a gift).
- “The Gift of God”: It carries the same meaning as the name Zabdiel.
Historical and Theological Significance
Elzabad represents the Diversified Service within the Kingdom of God.
- In the Gadite warrior, we see Elzabad as a “gift” of military strength and loyalty during a time of national transition. He represents those who use their physical prowess and courage to defend God’s anointed King.
- In the Korhite porter, we see Elzabad as a “gift” of stewardship and holiness. His strength was used not for the battlefield, but for the protection of the House of the Lord.
Theologically, Elzabad’s name serves as a reminder that whether one is a captain in the field or a keeper of the door, their strength and their very position are “bestowed” (zabad) by God. It echoes the sentiment found in the New Testament that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).