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H501 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֶלְעָשָׂה
El'asah
Proper noun (person)
God has made

Definition

The Hebrew name El'asah means 'God has made' or 'God has wrought.' It is a theophoric name — incorporating the divine name El with the verb asah (to make, to do). Bearers of this name include a descendant of Saul (1 Chronicles 8:37) and Jeremiah's diplomatic messenger to Babylon (Jeremiah 29:3).

Usage & Theological Significance

In Jeremiah 29:3, El'asah son of Shaphan carried the famous letter to the exiles in Babylon — the letter commanding them to build houses, plant gardens, marry, and pray for the welfare of the city. A message of radical engagement with the world even in exile. The name of the messenger carried hidden significance: God is still making, still building, still working — even in Babylon. The exiles were not forgotten; they were being formed.

Key Bible Verses

Jeremiah 29:3 He entrusted the letter to Elasah son of Shaphan and to Gemariah son of Hilkiah, sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon.
1 Chronicles 8:37 Moza was the father of Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son and Azel his son.
Jeremiah 29:5 'Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.'
Ezra 10:22 From the descendants of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad and Elasah.
Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful.

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