Eliab אֱלִיאָב
Eldest brother of King David
Who is Eliab in the Bible?
Eliab was the eldest son of Jesse and the older brother of King David, appearing in 1 Samuel 16:6, 17:13-28, and 1 Chronicles 2:13. When the prophet Samuel visited Jesse's household to anoint the next king of Israel, Eliab was presented first, but God rejected him, teaching Samuel that He looks at the heart rather than outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:6-7). During the Philistine conflict, Eliab served in King Saul's army and confronted David when he arrived at the camp, accusing him of pride and neglect of their father's sheep (1 Samuel 17:28). Eliab's significance lies in his contrast with David, illustrating how God's selection of leaders depends on character and faith rather than age, status, or physical appearance, while his lineage remained important as his daughter Abihail married King Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:18).
Biography
Eliab, mentioned in 1Sa.16.6; 17.13,28; 1Ch.2.13; and 2Ch.11.18, was the eldest son of Jesse and the brother of King David. When the prophet Samuel came to anoint one of Jesse's sons as the future king, Eliab was the first to pass before him. However, God instructed Samuel not to judge by appearance, as He had not chosen Eliab (1Sa.16.6-7). Eliab, along with his brothers, served in Saul's army during the battle against the Philistines. When David visited the camp, Eliab rebuked him, accusing him of neglecting their father's sheep out of pride and curiosity (1Sa.17.28). Despite this tension, Eliab witnessed David's victory over Goliath and his rise to prominence in Israel. Eliab's daughter, Abihail, later married King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon (2Ch.11.18), indicating a continued connection between the families.
Family
Parents
Siblings
- David Tribe of JudahKing of JudahAnointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus ChristView full profile →
- Abinadab Tribe of JudahDavid's brotherSon of Jesse, brother of DavidView full profile →
- Shimeah Tribe of BenjaminSaul's familySon of Mikloth and nephew of Ner in Benjamin's genealogy.View full profile →
- Nethanel Tribe of JudahDavid's brotherBrother of DavidView full profile →
- Raddai Tribe of JudahDavid's brotherOne of David's brothers, son of JesseView full profile →
- Ozem Tribe of JudahDavid's brotherBrother of DavidView full profile →
- Elihu Tribe of JudahDavid's brotherLeader of the tribe of Judah.View full profile →
- Zeruiah Tribe of JudahSister of DavidSister of David; mother of Joab, Abishai, and AsahelView full profile →
- Abigail FemaleDavid's wifeWife of Nabal, later married DavidView full profile →
In Scripture
3 biblical books1 Samuel 3 verses
- 1 Samuel 16:6
"When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Surely here before the LORD is His anointed.”"
- 1 Samuel 17:13
"The three older sons of Jesse had followed Saul into battle: The firstborn was Eliab, the second was Abinadab, and the third was Shammah."
- 1 Samuel 17:28
"Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the..."
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 2:13
"Jesse was the father of Eliab his firstborn; Abinadab was born second, Shimea third,"
2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 11:18
"And Rehoboam married Mahalath, who was the daughter of David’s son Jerimoth and of Abihail, the daughter of Jesse’s son Eliab."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֱלִיאָב | Eliab , the name of six Israelites |