Elishua, whose name carries the powerful meaning of “God is my salvation” (or “God is wealth/opulence”), was one of the many sons of King David.
Though he did not occupy the spotlight of the biblical narrative like his brothers Solomon or Absalom, his presence in the holy record serves as a testament to the expansion of the Davidic dynasty and the fulfillment of God’s blessing upon the house of David.
His Royal Origins
Elishua was born in Jerusalem after David had successfully taken the city from the Jebusites and established it as the capital of a united Israel. He is listed among the children born to David during this period of national transition and divine favor.
“And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,” (2 Samuel 5:14-15, KJV)
The Question of the Name
In the genealogical records of the Bible, there is an interesting detail regarding Elishua. While he is clearly named Elishua in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles 14, a parallel list in 1 Chronicles 3:6 uses the name Elishama in his place.
Most biblical scholars believe this to be a variation or a scribal transcription, as the name Elishama appears again just two verses later. This highlights a common occurrence in Hebrew records where individuals occasionally bore similar names or variations depending on the record’s focus.
A Witness in the Shadows
Elishua belongs to a group of David’s sons who remained “in the shadows” of history. Unlike his brothers who sought the throne through rebellion (Absalom, Adonijah) or those chosen for the Messianic lineage (Solomon, Nathan), Elishua’s life was likely one of quiet service within the royal court.
His inclusion in the text serves several purposes:
- Historical Accuracy: It provides a complete picture of David’s household and the physical reality of his large family.
- Divine Blessing: The name “God is my salvation” reflects David’s own heart and his desire to name his children after the character of the God he served.
- A Symbol of Stability: Elishua represents the “middle” of the family—a generation that lived during the golden age of Israel’s expansion and the preparation for the building of the Temple.
Theological Significance
The name Elishua shares the same Hebrew root ($yasha$) as the names Elisha, Joshua, and ultimately Jesus (Yeshua). While Elishua himself was a prince of an earthly kingdom, his name pointed toward the greater “Prince of Peace” who would come from the same royal house to provide the ultimate salvation.