The name Elienai (meaning “Toward Jehovah are mine eyes” or “God is my eyes”) belongs to a prominent leader within the tribe of Benjamin. While his biographical record is succinct, his placement within the genealogies of Israel highlights a life of established authority and tribal strength during a period of restoration and growth.
A Head of the Fathers
Elienai was the son of Shimei (also referred to as Shema) and is listed among the “heads of the fathers” who dwelt in Jerusalem.
“And Jakim, and Zichri, and Zabdi, and Elienai, and Zilthai, and Eliel… These were heads of the fathers, by their generations, chief men. These dwelt in Jerusalem.” (1 Chronicles 8:20-28, KJV)
His role as a “chief man” meant he held significant judicial and administrative responsibility. He was responsible for the spiritual and social welfare of his kinship group, acting as a representative of his people before both the king and the Lord.
The Strategy of the Borderland
The tribe of Benjamin, to which Elienai belonged, was known for its fierce military reputation and its strategic location. Situated between the northern tribes and Judah, the Benjamites were the “gatekeepers” of the southern kingdom.
- Dwelling in Jerusalem: The fact that Elienai is specifically noted as dwelling in Jerusalem is significant. After the division of the kingdom, Benjamin remained loyal to the house of David and the Temple. Elienai and his brethren were the ones who helped maintain the Jewish identity and the worship of Jehovah in the heart of the capital.
- A Legacy of Bravery: The sons of Shimei, including Elienai, were part of a lineage described elsewhere as “mighty men of valour” (1 Chronicles 7:5). They were the human wall that protected the Holy City from incursions.
The Meaning of the Name
Elienai shares a root meaning with Eliehoenai—the focus on the eyes being toward God. In the context of a “chief man” in Jerusalem, this name serves as a theological statement:
- Visionary Leadership: As a head of the fathers, Elienai’s leadership was predicated on where he looked for guidance. By keeping his “eyes toward Jehovah,” he modeled a leadership style that prioritized divine wisdom over political expediency.
- Uncompromising Identity: In a city often tempted by the pagan influences of surrounding nations, Elienai’s name was a public declaration of his allegiance. To say “God is my eyes” is to reject the “lust of the eyes” that leads to spiritual decay.
Lessons from Elienai’s Life
Though he is not the subject of a long narrative, Elienai’s presence in the Holy Record teaches the “Faith Forensic” researcher about Foundational Faithfulness:
- The Strength of the Remnant: Elienai represents the “chief men” who do the daily, unglamorous work of keeping a nation centered on God. Every generation needs leaders whose eyes are fixed upward.
- The Importance of Heritage: He is listed within a genealogy to show that faith is often a family matter. He followed in the footsteps of his fathers and ensured his descendants had a place in the “heads of the fathers.”
- Jerusalem as a Priority: He chose to dwell in the city of God. Our faith is shown by where we choose to “dwell”—whether we place ourselves in the center of God’s will or on the periphery of the world.