Eber עֵ֫בֶר
A Gadite chief during the reign of Jotham
Who is Eber in the Bible?
Eber was a chief of the Gadites during the reign of King Jotham of Judah, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:13. He is listed among several brothers, including Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jachan, Zia, and Heber, who all served as leaders within the tribe of Gad. The Gadites were one of the Israelite tribes settled east of the Jordan River in the region of Gilead and were recognized for their military strength and valor in assisting other tribes during conflicts. Eber's mention in the genealogical records indicates his role as a man of leadership and authority within his tribe during Jotham's righteous reign, which occurred approximately 750 to 735 BC.
Biography
Eber is mentioned briefly in 1Ch.5.13 as one of the chiefs of the Gadites during the reign of Jotham, king of Judah. He is listed along with his brothers Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jachan, Zia, and Heber.
The Gadites were one of the Israelite tribes that settled east of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead. They were known for their military prowess and often assisted the other tribes in battles against their enemies.
The mention of Eber and his brothers as chiefs suggests that they held positions of leadership and authority within the tribe of Gad during the reign of King Jotham, who ruled Judah from approximately 750 to 735 BC. Jotham was known for his righteous reign and for his building projects, including the construction of the Upper Gate of the House of the Lord (2Ch.27.3).
Apart from this brief mention in the genealogy, no further information is provided about Eber or his specific role as a chief of the Gadites. His inclusion in the list highlights the importance of family lineage and tribal leadership in ancient Israelite society.
Family
Siblings
- Michael MaleDavid's warriorA Manassite who joined David at Ziklag.View full profile →
- Meshullam Tribe of JudahSon of ZerubbabelSon of Zerubbabel, a descendant of David.View full profile →
- Sheba Tribe of GadSon of AbihailGadite leader during the reign of JothamView full profile →
- Jorai Tribe of GadSon of AbihailA chief of the half-tribe of ManassehView full profile →
- Jacan Tribe of GadSon of AbihailGadite leader during the reign of Jotham.View full profile →
- Zia Tribe of GadSon of AbihailGadite clan leader during the reign of JothamView full profile →
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 5:13
"Their kinsmen by families were Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber—seven in all."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֵ֫בֶר | ʿēbēr | Eber , the name of two patriarchs and four Israelites |
Eber
e great-grandson of Shem and father of Peleg and Joktan. The word means "the other side," "across," and the form "Hebrew," which is derived from it, is intended to denote the people or tribe who came "from the other, side of the river" (i.e. the Euphrates), from Haran (Ge 11:31), whence Abraham and his dependents migrated to Canaan.
(2) A Gadite (1Ch 5:13).
(3) & (4) Two Benjamites (1Ch 8:12,22).
(5) The head of a priestly family (Ne 12:20).
A. C. Grant
e'-bez ('ebhets, meaning unknown; Rhebes; the King James Version Abez):
One of the 16 cities in Issachar (Jos 19:20). The name seems to be cognate to that of the judge Ibzan (<