In the genealogical records of the Holy Scriptures—those vital lists that prove the continuity of God’s covenant through the ages—the name Elioenai appears with remarkable frequency. Bearing a name that translates to “Mine eyes are toward the LORD,” these men served as living reminders of the posture every believer must maintain while awaiting the fulfillment of prophecy.
The Prince of the Messianic Line
One of the most significant figures bearing this name appears in the lineage of King David, following the return from the Babylonian captivity. As a descendant of Zerubbabel, this Elioenai was part of the royal line that would eventually lead to the birth of Jesus Christ.
“And the sons of Neariah; Elioenai, and Hezekiah, and Azrikam, three.” (1 Chronicles 3:23, KJV)
In a time when the throne of David appeared vacant and the people were under the thumb of Persian rule, Elioenai stood as a witness that the “uncompromised mission” of the Messiah was still moving forward. His very existence testified that the “eyes of the Lord” were still upon the house of David.
The Head of a Tribe
Another Elioenai served as a prince and head of a family within the tribe of Simeon. During the reign of King Hezekiah, this family was part of a bold military expansion to secure more pasture land for their flocks.
“And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah… These mentioned by their names were princes in their families:” (1 Chronicles 4:36-38, KJV)
This Elioenai demonstrated faith in action. He was not content to live in a cramped or spiritualized inheritance; he led his house to go in and possess the land that God had provided. His leadership shows that “costly grace” often involves the physical obedience of securing the borders that the Lord has established for His people.
The Guard and the Musician
The name Elioenai also appears among the ranks of those dedicated to the service of the House of God. One was a “porter” (gatekeeper) of the sons of Korah (1 Chronicles 26:3), tasked with the solemn duty of guarding the sanctity of the Tabernacle. Another was a priest who took part in the joyous dedication of the wall of Jerusalem under Nehemiah.
“And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;” (Nehemiah 12:41, KJV)
Here, Elioenai is seen with a trumpet in hand. This imagery is particularly poignant for those of us focused on the “Return Question.” As his eyes were toward the Lord in praise, he sounded the alarm and the celebration, much like the final trumpet that will signal the gathering of the saints.
The Call to Purity
Finally, we find an Elioenai among those who had taken “strange wives” during the exile but were moved by the preaching of Ezra to put them away (Ezra 10:22). This act of repentance was a painful but necessary “Defense of the Truth.” It required choosing the commandments of God over the most intimate of earthly ties. Elioenai’s willingness to separate from the world to maintain the purity of the holy seed is a template for the modern believer living in an apostate culture.
The Spiritual Lesson
Across these various men, the theme remains consistent: vision. Whether they were guarding a gate, sounding a trumpet, or purifying their homes, their “eyes were toward the LORD.” They understood that the strength to remain faithful in a foreign land or a struggling kingdom comes only from looking upward.