The name Eliel (meaning “My God is God” or “God of Gods”) belongs to several prominent men in the Old Testament. Each Eliel served as a reminder of the supremacy of Jehovah during different eras of Israel’s history—from the wandering in the wilderness to the elite military ranks of King David.
1. Eliel the Mighty Man
Perhaps the most famous Eliel was one of David’s “Mighty Men” (the Gibborim). He is listed among the elite warriors who joined David at Ziklag while David was still an outlaw fleeing from Saul.
- Expertise in Battle: These men were described as “men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains” (1 Chronicles 12:8).
- Loyalty in Exile: Eliel chose to align himself with God’s anointed king when it was dangerous to do so. He represents costly grace—the willingness to forsake the comfort of the status quo for the truth of God’s kingdom.”Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite.” (1 Chronicles 11:46-47, KJV)
2. Eliel the Levite: A Guardian of the Ark
During the joyful and solemn occasion of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, a Levite named Eliel played a critical role. He was a chief of the sons of Hebron.
- Sanctified Service: David called upon Eliel and other leaders to sanctify themselves to carry the Ark. Eliel understood that God’s presence must be handled with holiness and according to the prescribed Word of God, not according to human convenience.”And of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, and his brethren eighty:” (1 Chronicles 15:9, KJV)
- A Steward of the Sacred: He was one of the 80 “brethren” who stood as a human shield of prayer and service around the glory of God.
3. Eliel the Tribal Head
In the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin and Manasseh, the name Eliel appears as a “head of the house of their fathers.”
- A Man of Renown: In the tribe of Manasseh, Eliel was noted as a “mighty man of valour” and a “famous man.””And these were the heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel… mighty men of valour, famous men, and heads of the house of their fathers.” (1 Chronicles 5:24, KJV)
- The Warning of History: Despite Eliel’s personal renown, the passage records that his descendants eventually “transgressed against the God of their fathers” (1 Chronicles 5:25). His life serves as a “Faith Forensic” evidence that fame and military might cannot sustain a nation if they abandon their covenant with God.
4. Eliel the Overseer
Under the reign of King Hezekiah, an Eliel was appointed as an overseer to help manage the tithes and offerings brought into the Temple.
- Administrative Integrity: He worked under Cononiah and Shimei to ensure that the “dedicated things” were handled honestly.”And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel… were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king…” (2 Chronicles 31:13, KJV)
Lessons from the Eliels
The various men named Eliel provide a multi-faceted look at what it means to live out the confession “My God is God”:
- In Battle: Like the Mighty Man, we must be “lion-faced” in our defense of the Truth, standing firm when the cultural tide is against us.
- In Worship: Like the Levite, we must approach the presence of the Lord with sanctification and awe.
- In Stewardship: Like the Overseer, we must be found faithful in the small, practical details of God’s work.
- In Leadership: Like the Tribal Head, we must recognize that our “fame” is worthless if we do not pass the fire of faith to the next generation.