Eliab
maleUnited MonarchyMeaning: “God is father”
The eldest brother of David, whose impressive appearance was passed over when God chose David instead.
Biography
Eliab is the firstborn son of Jesse and the eldest brother of David. When Samuel saw his height and bearing he thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed is before him," but God replied, "Look not on his countenance… for the LORD looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:6–7). Later, when David came to the battlefield, Eliab rebuked him in anger (1 Samuel 17:28), revealing the tension between the brothers. He served in Saul's army against the Philistines.
Life Timeline
Passed over by Samuel despite his stature
On the Bible timeline
Eliab belongs to the Conquest & the Judges era (c. 1400 – 1050 BC).
- c. 1375 – 1050 BCThe Age of the Judges
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Eliab
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Eliab appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
4 verses in 2 books1 Samuel3 verses
1 Samuel 16:6
And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him. Eliab: called Elihu
1 Samuel 17:13
And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
1 Samuel 17:28
And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
1 Chronicles1 verse
1 Chronicles 2:13
And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third, Shimma: or, Shammah
Frequently asked about Eliab
Who was Eliab in the Bible?
The eldest brother of David, whose impressive appearance was passed over when God chose David instead.
What does the name Eliab mean?
The name Eliab means “God is father”.
What did Eliab do in the Bible?
Eliab served as soldier, of the tribe of Judah.
Who were Eliab's parents?
Eliab was the child of Jesse.
Where does Eliab appear in the Bible?
Eliab is mentioned 4 times across 2 books: 1 Samuel, 1 Chronicles.
What can we learn from Eliab?
The story of Eliab touches on themes of jesse, armies, abinadab, first born, the — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Eliab's life.
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