The name Eliashib (meaning “God restores”) is borne by several men in the post-exilic period, but it is most famously—and infamously—associated with the High Priest during the days of Nehemiah. His life serves as a sobering “forensic” study on how a leader can begin with great zeal but end in spiritual compromise.
The High Priest of the Restoration
Eliashib was the grandson of Jeshua (the High Priest who returned with Zerubbabel). When Nehemiah arrived to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, Eliashib was at the forefront of the work. He did not let his high office keep him from manual labor for the glory of God.
“Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it…” (Nehemiah 3:1, KJV)
By leading the construction of the Sheep Gate—the entrance through which sacrificial animals were brought to the Temple—Eliashib demonstrated an initial commitment to the restoration of God’s worship.
The Alliances of Compromise
Tragically, Eliashib’s legacy is marred by unholy alliances. While Nehemiah was away at the Persian court, Eliashib allowed his family ties to override his spiritual duty. He was “allied unto Tobiah” (Nehemiah 13:4), one of the chief enemies who had mocked and opposed the rebuilding of the wall.
Eliashib’s compromise took two devastating forms:
- Desecrating the Temple: He prepared a “great chamber” within the Temple courts for Tobiah. This room was intended to store the meat offerings, frankincense, and tithes meant for the Levites. Eliashib evicted the holy things of God to make room for the “household stuff” of an enemy of Israel (Nehemiah 13:5-9).
- Unholy Marriage: His own grandson married the daughter of Sanballat the Horonite, another fierce adversary of the Jews. This breach of the Law was so severe that Nehemiah “chased him” from his presence to preserve the purity of the priesthood.
“And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.” (Nehemiah 13:28, KJV)
Other Men Named Eliashib
While the High Priest is the most prominent, the KJV records several others who bore the name during this era of restoration:
- A Descendant of David: Listed in the royal lineage of Judah (1 Chronicles 3:24).
- A Priest of David’s Time: The head of the eleventh course of priests (1 Chronicles 24:12).
- The Penitents: Three men—a singer and two other Israelites—who were among those who had taken “strange wives” but repented and put them away during the reforms of Ezra (Ezra 10:24, 27, 36).
Lessons from Eliashib’s Life
Eliashib’s story is a “Faith Forensic” warning that a good start does not guarantee a faithful finish.
- The Danger of Proximity: Eliashib was “allied” to the enemy. We must be vigilant about who we allow into the “chambers” of our hearts and our homes.
- The Necessity of Vigilance: In Nehemiah’s absence, Eliashib drifted. True faith requires a constant adherence to God’s Word, regardless of who is watching.
- God Restores (Even the Broken): Despite the High Priest’s failure, his name remained “God restores.” Nehemiah’s reforms “cleansed the chambers” and brought back the vessels of the house of God, proving that God’s work will continue even when leaders falter.