Lexical Summary
Elidad: Elidad
Original Word:אֱלִידָד
Part of Speech:Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration:Eliydad
Pronunciation:eh-lee-dahd
Phonetic Spelling:(el-ee-dawd')
KJV: Elidad
NASB:Elidad
Word Origin:[from the same asH419 (אֶלדָּד - Eldad)]
1. God of (his ) love
2. Elidad, an Israelite
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Elidad
From the same as'Eldad; God of (his) love; Elidad, an Israelite -- Elidad.
see HEBREW'Eldad
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom the same as
EldadDefinition"God has loved," an Isr. name
NASB TranslationElidad (1).
Topical Lexicon
IdentityElidad is introduced inNumbers 34:21 as “Elidad son of Chislon,” the designated tribal leader for Benjamin in the nationwide task of assigning the inheritance of the Promised Land. His name, commonly rendered “God has loved” or “Beloved of God,” places him among the many Old Testament figures whose very identity testifies to the covenant love of the LORD.
Historical Setting
The record of Elidad falls near the close of Israel’s wilderness journey. After the second census (Numbers 26) and the defeat of Midian (Numbers 31), Israel camped on the plains of Moab opposite Jericho. There the LORD issued detailed instructions for conquering Canaan and distributing the land by lot (Numbers 34:1-15). To implement the allotment fairly, God appointed one representative from each tribe under the oversight of Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun. Elidad represents Benjamin in this twelve-man commission.
Commissioned in the Division of the Land
“Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad son of Chislon” (Numbers 34:21). Though named only once, his appointment is weighty. The land inheritance undergirded Israel’s social structure, covenant faithfulness, and prophetic expectation. By entrusting the process to godly leaders, the LORD demonstrated both His concern for justice and His desire that the tribes live settled lives of worship within their appointed borders (Deuteronomy 12:10-11).
Character and Qualifications
Scripture does not elaborate on Elidad’s personal life, yet his inclusion among the twelve implies proven integrity. The task required:
• Accurate knowledge of tribal genealogies (Numbers 26;1 Chronicles 7-8).
• Impartiality in surveying and boundary marking, echoing the earlier standard of “wise and discerning men” set inDeuteronomy 1:13.
• Cooperation with leaders from all Israel, modeling unity under divine command.
The Benjamite representative would need particular sensitivity because Benjamin was both small in population (Numbers 26:41) and strategically placed between Judah and Ephraim, making boundary fairness crucial.
Tribe of Benjamin and Covenant Implications
Benjamin’s territory later contained Jerusalem’s northern shoulder, including the future Temple mount precinct, and became the birthplace of notable leaders—King Saul (1 Samuel 9:1-2), Mordecai and Esther (Esther 2:5-7), and the Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5). By serving faithfully, Elidad helped secure the geographic context for these future mercies in redemptive history.
Theological Significance
1. God’s Sovereign Love: Elidad’s name and role showcase divine affection expressed through tangible inheritance (Genesis 17:8).
2. Ordered Leadership: The LORD appoints specific leaders for specific tasks; their obedience advances His covenant promises (Romans 13:1, with theocratic application).
3. Corporate Responsibility: Every tribe, even the smallest, participates in the fulfillment of God’s plan (1 Corinthians 12:14-20).
Practical Application for the Church
• Faithfulness in obscurity: Like Elidad, many believers serve briefly mentioned yet vital roles (Colossians 4:12-13).
• Stewardship of inheritance: Christians are called to “take possession” of their spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14) with integrity and unity.
• Pursuit of peace and order: The orderly division of land prefigures the orderliness expected in the congregation (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Summary
Elidad stands as a quiet but essential link in the chain between wilderness wandering and promised rest. His faithful representation of Benjamin contributed to the just distribution of Canaan, reinforcing the covenant principle that every tribe—and by extension every believer—has a God-appointed place in the unfolding account of redemption.
Forms and Transliterations
אֱלִידָ֖ד אלידד ’ĕ·lî·ḏāḏ ’ĕlîḏāḏ eliDad
Links
Interlinear Greek •
Interlinear Hebrew •
Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •
Parallel Texts
