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H478 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֱלִישָׁפָט
Elishaphat
Proper Noun (masculine personal name)
God has judged

Definition

Elishaphat (אֱלִישָׁפָט) combines El (God) and shaphat (to judge, govern, vindicate). The name means "God has judged" or "My God is judge." It appears in 2 Chronicles 23:1 as one of the commanders who overthrew the wicked queen Athaliah and restored the rightful Davidic king Joash.

Usage & Theological Significance

The story of Elishaphat's role in 2 Chronicles 23 is a vivid enactment of his name. God judged and acted through faithful commanders to execute justice against Athaliah — the usurper who had slaughtered the royal family. The name declares that divine judgment is not passive; it moves through human agents to vindicate the righteous. This anticipates Christ, the ultimate judge (John 5:22), who will execute God's final judgment and vindicate His people.

Key Bible Verses

2 Chronicles 23:1 He made a covenant with the commanders of units of a hundred: Elishaphat son of Zichri...
2 Chronicles 23:11 They brought out the king's son and put the crown on him; they proclaimed him king.
Psalm 75:7 It is God who judges: he brings one down, he exalts another.
John 5:22 The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.
Revelation 19:11 The rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.

Related Words

External Resources

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