Elishama אֱלִישָׁמָע
Grandfather of Ishmael, who assassinated Gedaliah.
Who is Elishama in the Bible?
Elishama was a member of Judah's royal family whose grandson Ishmael assassinated Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians over Judah after Jerusalem's fall (2 Kings 25:25; Jeremiah 41:1). Though little is recorded about Elishama himself, he appears in the biblical narrative primarily through his connection to this significant act of political violence. Ishmael's murder of Gedaliah destabilized the region and prompted many surviving Judeans to flee to Egypt out of fear of Babylonian retaliation, making Elishama's descendants instrumental in shaping the post-destruction history of Judah.
Biography
Elishama is mentioned as the grandfather of Ishmael, a member of the royal family who assassinated Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians over Judah after the fall of Jerusalem (2Ki.25.25; Jer.41.1). Ishmael was the son of Nethaniah, son of Elishama. The Bible describes Elishama as being "of the royal family," indicating his connection to the Davidic line. Apart from this familial connection, no further details are provided about Elishama's life or role. His grandson Ishmael's actions led to political instability and the flight of many Judeans to Egypt, fearing Babylonian retaliation (2Ki.25.26; Jer.41.16-18).
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study content2 Kings 1 verse
- 2 Kings 25:25
"In the seventh month, however, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family, came with ten men and struck down and killed Gedaliah, along with the Judeans and Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah."
Jeremiah 1 verse
- Jeremiah 41:1
"In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family and one of the king’s chief officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah, and they ate a meal together there."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֱלִישָׁמָע |