Elishaphat אֱלִישָׁפָט
One of the captains who helped Jehoiada overthrow Athaliah.
Who is Elishaphat in the Bible?
Elishaphat was one of the military captains who played a crucial role in overthrowing Queen Athaliah of Judah, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 23:1. After King Ahaziah's death, the ambitious Athaliah seized the throne and ruled for six years until Jehoiada the priest orchestrated a coup to restore the rightful heir, Joash, to power. Elishaphat, alongside other captains and Levites, gathered supporters and helped execute Jehoiada's plan, which culminated in Athaliah's execution and Joash's coronation. His action was significant in preserving the Davidic dynasty and preventing the royal line of Judah from being usurped by an illegitimate ruler.
Biography
Elishaphat is mentioned as one of the captains who assisted Jehoiada the priest in overthrowing Queen Athaliah and installing Joash as the rightful king of Judah (2Ch.23.1). After the death of King Ahaziah, Athaliah seized power and ruled over Judah for six years. In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest organized a coup to remove Athaliah and restore the Davidic line to the throne. Elishaphat, along with other captains and Levites, gathered the people and supported Jehoiada in his plan. They crowned Joash as king and executed Athaliah, effectively ending her reign. The Bible does not provide any additional information about Elishaphat's background, life, or role beyond his involvement in this significant event in Judah's history.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 23:1
"Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds—with Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֱלִישָׁפָט |