Elihu אֱלִיהוּ
A gatekeeper of the temple, son of Shemaiah.
Who is Elihu in the Bible?
Elihu was a gatekeeper of the temple during King David's reign and one of the sons of Shemaiah, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:7. He and his brothers were noted as capable men with the strength needed for their important work guarding the temple entrances. As a gatekeeper, Elihu's responsibility was to control access to the sacred temple, allowing only authorized individuals to enter. Though the Bible provides no further details about his specific duties or life, his inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the significance of the gatekeeping role in maintaining the sanctity and order of Israel's central place of worship.
Biography
Elihu is mentioned as one of the sons of Shemaiah, who was a gatekeeper of the temple during the reign of King David (1Ch.26.7). Elihu and his brothers were described as capable men with the strength to do the work. They served in the role of gatekeepers, which involved guarding the entrances to the temple and ensuring that only authorized individuals were allowed to enter. The Bible does not provide any further details about Elihu's life or his specific duties as a gatekeeper.
Family
Siblings
- Othni Tribe of LeviSon of ShemaiahSon of Shemaiah, gatekeeper of the arkView full profile →
- Rephael Tribe of LeviSon of ShemaiahA gatekeeper of the temple during David's reignView full profile →
- Obed MaleDavid's warriorIshmaelite warrior in David's armyView full profile →
- Elzabad MaleDavid's warriorA Gadite warrior who joined David at Ziklag.View full profile →
- Semachiah Tribe of LeviSon of ShemaiahSon of Shemaiah, gatekeeper of the templeView full profile →
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 26:7
"Shemaiah’s sons were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad; his brothers were Elihu and Semachiah, also capable men."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֱלִיהוּ |