Elam עֵילָם
A temple gatekeeper during David's reign
Who is Elam in the Bible?
Elam was a temple gatekeeper during the reign of King David, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:3. He was assigned to guard the thresholds of the tent of meeting, one of several gatekeepers responsible for protecting the entrances to sacred areas and maintaining order at the sanctuary. Though his name appears only briefly in Scripture, Elam's role reflects the importance of the gatekeeping office in maintaining the holiness and security of Israel's worship spaces during David's kingdom.
Biography
Elam is briefly mentioned in 1Ch.26.3 as one of the gatekeepers assigned to guard the thresholds of the tent of meeting during the reign of King David. The gatekeepers were responsible for protecting the entrances to the sacred areas and maintaining order.
Family
Siblings
- Zechariah Tribe of LeviSon of IsshiahSon of Isshiah, a LeviteView full profile →
- Jediael MaleDavid's warriorOne of David's mighty men from the tribe of ManassehView full profile →
- Zebadiah MaleDavid's warriorGadite warrior who joined DavidView full profile →
- Jathniel Tribe of LeviSon of MeshelemiahLevite gatekeeper during David's reignView full profile →
- Jehohanan Tribe of LeviSon of MeshelemiahLevite gatekeeper during the reign of DavidView full profile →
- Eliehoenai Tribe of LeviSon of MeshelemiahSon of Meshelemiah, a gatekeeper in David's timeView full profile →
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 26:3
"Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֵילָם |
Elam
(4) Heads of families in the return (Ezr 2:7 parallel Ne 7:12; Ezr 2:31 parallel Ne 7:34; Ezr 8:7; 10:2,26).
(5) A chief of the people (Ne 10:14).
(6) A priest (Ne 12:42).
e'-lam, e'-lam-its (`elam; Ailam; Jer 49:36. Codex Sinaiticus 'the original scribe' reads Elam)
The scene of the events of 1Sa 17:2</re