The name Eliehoenai (meaning “Toward Jehovah are mine eyes”) belongs to several men in the Old Testament who served during critical periods of Israel’s spiritual history. Their lives exemplify a posture of constant focus on the Lord while performing the practical duties of the faith.
1. The Gatekeeper of the South
The most prominent Eliehoenai was a Levite of the family of the Korahites. He was the seventh son of Meshelemiah and served during the reign of King David.
- A Doorkeeper in the House of God: Eliehoenai was appointed as a “porter” or gatekeeper. In the biblical context, this was not a menial task but a high-security position of trust. Gatekeepers were responsible for the purity of the sanctuary, ensuring that nothing “unclean” entered the house of the Lord.”The seventh Eliehoenai, the son of Meshelemiah.” (1 Chronicles 26:3, KJV)
- A Man of Valor: The Scripture describes the family of Meshelemiah as “mighty men of valour” and “able men for strength for the service” (1 Chronicles 26:6-8). Eliehoenai was part of a spiritual elite—warrior-priests who guarded the physical and spiritual boundaries of God’s presence.
2. The Return from Babylon
Another Eliehoenai, the son of Zerahiah, appears centuries later during the second return of the exiles from Babylon under Ezra.
- The Courage to Return: He led two hundred men of the sons of Pahath-moab back to Jerusalem. Leaving the relative security of Babylon to rebuild a ruined city required immense faith in the promises of God.”Of the sons of Pahath-moab; Eliehoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males.” (Ezra 8:4, KJV)
- A Leader of the Remnant: His name served as a living motto for the weary travelers. As they crossed the dangerous desert, their eyes were literally and figuratively “toward Jehovah” for protection and guidance.
3. The Priest of the Restoration
A third Eliehoenai (sometimes spelled Elioenai in various translations, but referring to the same Hebrew root) was a priest who participated in the joyous dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah.
- A Voice of Praise: He was one of the priests who blew the trumpets during the great celebration, signaling to all the surrounding nations that God had restored His people.”And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;” (Nehemiah 12:41, KJV)
Lessons from Eliehoenai’s Life
Whether guarding a gate, leading a caravan across the desert, or sounding a trumpet of victory, the men named Eliehoenai teach us about The Upward Look:
- Focus Amidst Duty: His name, “Toward Jehovah are mine eyes,” reminds us that even when our hands are busy with the “gatekeeping” or “administration” of life, our hearts must remain fixed on Christ.
- The Strength of the Guard: As a gatekeeper, he reminds the modern believer to “Watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41). We are called to be the gatekeepers of our own hearts and homes, ensuring no “strange fire” or “unclean thing” enters in.
- Faithful Endurance: From the height of David’s kingdom to the struggle of Ezra’s return, the name Eliehoenai appears wherever God is calling men to stand their ground or return to their heritage.