### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ**, represented by `{{H476}}`, means **God of hearing**. It appears **17 times** across **17 unique verses** and is the name given to seven different Israelites mentioned in scripture, highlighting its presence across various tribes and eras.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H476}}` is assigned to several notable figures in the biblical narrative. One prominent **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ** was a captain `{{H5387}}` and prince `{{H5387}}` of the tribe of Ephraim `{{H669}}`, the son `{{H1121}}` of Ammihud `{{H5989}}` ([[Numbers 2:18]], [[Numbers 7:48]]). Another was identified as a scribe `{{H5608}}` and a prince `{{H8269}}` in the king's `{{H4428}}` court, whose chamber `{{H3957}}` was used to store an important roll `{{H4039}}` ([[Jeremiah 36:12]], [[Jeremiah 36:21]]). A third **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ** was of the royal `{{H4410}}` seed `{{H2233}}` and was the grandfather of Ishmael `{{H3458}}`, who smote `{{H5221}}` Gedaliah `{{H1436}}` [[2 Kings 25:25]]. The name also appears among the sons `{{H1121}}` of David [[2 Samuel 5:16]] and as a priest `{{H3548}}` sent to teach alongside Levites `{{H3881}}` [[2 Chronicles 17:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the various individuals named **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ**:
* `{{H5989}}` **ʻAmmîyhûwd** (people of splendor; Ammihud): The father of the prominent **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ** from the tribe of Ephraim, establishing his direct lineage during the census of Israel [[Numbers 1:10]].
* `{{H669}}` **ʼEphrayim** (double fruit; Ephrajim): The tribe to which Captain **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ** belonged, defining his military and leadership role as the standard `{{H1714}}` of his camp `{{H4264}}` set forward `{{H5265}}` [[Numbers 10:22]].
* `{{H5608}}` **çâphar** (scribe): A title held by another **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ**, identifying him as a key official in the king's `{{H4428}}` court with charge over important documents like the roll `{{H4039}}` read by Jehudi `{{H3065}}` [[Jeremiah 36:21]].
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (a head person... prince): This title is applied to **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ** the scribe, indicating his high rank and position of authority among the officials who sat `{{H3427}}` in the king's `{{H4428}}` house `{{H1004}}` [[Jeremiah 36:12]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H476}}` is seen through the diverse roles of the men who carried the name:
* **Leadership in Israel's Formation:** **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ**, son of Ammihud, was a captain `{{H5387}}` of the tribe of Ephraim `{{H669}}` during the wilderness journey. He was appointed as a leader for the census [[Numbers 1:10]] and commanded a division of the camp `{{H4264}}` of Israel [[Numbers 10:22]], playing a part in the nation's early organization.
* **Royal and Priestly Service:** The name is associated with high levels of service to the kingdom. One **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ** was a priest `{{H3548}}` sent to teach [[2 Chronicles 17:8]], while another was a prominent scribe `{{H5608}}` and prince `{{H8269}}` in the king's `{{H4428}}` court [[Jeremiah 36:12]].
* **Connection to Royal Lineage:** The name appears in multiple royal and significant lines. One **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ** was a son `{{H1121}}` of David [[1 Chronicles 3:6]]. Another, of the royal `{{H4410}}` seed `{{H2233}}`, was the grandfather of Ishmael `{{H3458}}`, who assassinated the governor Gedaliah `{{H1436}}` [[Jeremiah 41:1]], a pivotal event in Judah's history.
* **Generational Continuity:** The name is also listed in other genealogies, such as the descendant of Shallum `{{H7967}}` who begat `{{H3205}}` Jekamiah `{{H3359}}`, who in turn begat `{{H3205}}` **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ** [[1 Chronicles 2:41]], illustrating its presence in the broader fabric of Israelite families.
### Summary
In summary, the name **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ** `{{H476}}` is not tied to a single individual but to several key figures spanning military leadership, priestly duty, royal administration, and Davidic lineage. The name, meaning **God of hearing**, is borne by men who held positions of significant trust and authority, from a captain `{{H5387}}` organizing the tribes in the wilderness [[Numbers 10:22]] to a scribe `{{H5608}}` safeguarding royal decrees [[Jeremiah 36:20]]. Collectively, the occurrences of **ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ** illustrate the diverse ways individuals served God and the nation of Israel across different eras.
TRV