Elkanah אֶלְקָנָה
A palace officer under King Ahaz.
Who is Elkanah in the Bible?
Elkanah was a high-ranking palace official who served as second-in-command to King Ahaz of Judah during the 8th century BC (2 Chronicles 28:7). As a trusted member of the royal court, he held significant influence and proximity to the throne. During a military conflict between Judah and Israel, Elkanah was killed in battle by Zichri, a mighty warrior from Ephraim, alongside other important court figures including the king's own son. His death, recorded among the casualties of royal leadership, underscores the devastating impact of Judah's military losses during this turbulent period in the kingdom's history.
Biography
Elkanah is mentioned as a palace officer who served under King Ahaz of Judah (2Ch.28.7). He held the position of being "next to the king," indicating his high rank and close proximity to the monarch. During a battle between Judah and Israel, Elkanah was killed by Zichri, a mighty warrior from the tribe of Ephraim. The text mentions Elkanah's death alongside the deaths of Maaseiah, the king's son, and Azrikam, the officer in charge of the palace. The inclusion of Elkanah in this list suggests that he was a significant figure in the royal court and that his death was a notable loss for the kingdom of Judah.
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 28:7
"Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, killed Maaseiah the son of the king, Azrikam the governor of the palace, and Elkanah the second to the king."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֶלְקָנָה |