Elkanah אֶלְקָנָה
A Levite gatekeeper in Jerusalem.
Who is Elkanah in the Bible?
Elkanah was a Levite gatekeeper who served in Jerusalem during the period following the Babylonian exile, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 9:16. As a gatekeeper, he was responsible for guarding the entrances to the temple and maintaining order within its precincts, a crucial role in the restored community's religious life. His inclusion in the genealogical list of Levites residing in Jerusalem underscores the vital importance of the Levitical priesthood and temple service in the post-exilic Jewish community. Though the biblical record provides limited details about his individual accomplishments, Elkanah represents the broader significance of the Levites who dedicated themselves to maintaining the sanctity and proper functioning of temple worship.
Biography
Elkanah is mentioned as one of the Levites who served as a gatekeeper in Jerusalem (1Ch.9.16). He is listed among the Levites who resided in Jerusalem after the return from the Babylonian exile. The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the entrances to the temple and maintaining order within its precincts. Elkanah's specific duties as a gatekeeper are not elaborated upon in the text. His presence in the list of Levites residing in Jerusalem highlights the importance of the Levitical roles in the restored community and the temple service.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 9:16
"Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֶלְקָנָה |