Grandfather of Ishmael, who assassinated Gedaliah.
Elishama
Named in 2 verses across 2 books, first in 2 Kings 25:25.
אֱלִישָׁמָעElishama
The name means “God hearing.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
- Children
- Nethaniah
About Elishama Written by AI
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 (2 Kings 25:25; Jeremiah 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 (2 Kings 25:26; Jeremiah 41:16 to 18).
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Elishama, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Whom God hears. (1.) A prince of Benjamin, grandfather of Joshua (Num. 1:10; 1 Chr. 7:26). (2.) One of David’s sons (2 Sam. 5:16). (3.) Another of David’s sons (1 Chr. 3:6). (4.) A priest sent by Jehoshaphat to teach the people the law (2 Chr. 17:8).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- 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 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.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.