Who Was Elasah in the Bible?

The name Elasah appears in the Old Testament, associated with two different Israelites who lived during pivotal moments in Jewish history. The name, derived from Hebrew (אֱלְעָשָׂה, “Elasah”), means “God has made” or “God has created.” Both instances of Elasah highlight themes of faithfulness, repentance, and the importance of aligning with God’s will, offering valuable lessons for modern Christians.

c. A Post-Exile Divorcee

Elasah is mentioned in Ezra 10:22 as one of the Israelites who had married foreign wives during the exile and later agreed to divorce them. This event occurred during the time of Ezra’s religious reforms, which aimed to restore the purity of Israel’s worship and adherence to the Mosaic Law. The verse reads: “Of the sons of Pashur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah.”

The issue of intermarriage with foreign women was a significant concern for Ezra and the leaders of Israel because it often led to the adoption of foreign gods and practices, which was contrary to God’s commandments (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). The decision to divorce these wives was part of a broader effort to rededicate the community to God and avoid the pitfalls of idolatry that had previously led to Israel’s downfall and exile.

d. Relative of Shaphan, Ahikam, and Gemariah

Elasah is also noted as a member of a prominent family during the late kingdom of Judah. He was the son of Shaphan, a well-known scribe and official in the court of King Josiah. Shaphan played a significant role in the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple, which sparked a major religious reform under King Josiah (2 Kings 22:3-20). Shaphan’s influence and the subsequent reforms were crucial in attempting to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh and adherence to the covenant.

Elasah’s brother, Ahikam, was another significant figure who served under both King Josiah and King Jehoiakim. He is noted for his support of the prophet Jeremiah, particularly in protecting him from those who sought to harm him for his prophecies (Jeremiah 26:24). Another brother, Gemariah, is mentioned in Jeremiah 36:10 as a scribe who played a role in reading Jeremiah’s prophecies to the people.

Elasah himself is noted in Jeremiah 29:3, where he is mentioned as one of the messengers sent by King Zedekiah of Judah to Babylon. This delegation carried a letter from Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon, which included the famous prophecy of the seventy-year exile and the promise of future restoration (Jeremiah 29:4-14). This letter encouraged the exiles to settle down, seek the peace of the city where they lived, and trust in God’s promise to bring them back to their land.

Lessons for the Modern Christian

The Importance of Faithfulness to God

The story of Elasah as a post-exile divorcee illustrates the importance of faithfulness to God and His commandments. The decision to divorce foreign wives was a difficult but necessary step to prevent the assimilation of pagan practices into the worship of Yahweh. For modern Christians, this teaches the importance of maintaining purity in faith and practice, avoiding influences that may lead one away from God.

The Role of Family and Community in Faith

The narrative involving the family of Shaphan, including Elasah, highlights the significant role that family and community play in faith formation and leadership. Shaphan’s family was instrumental in supporting religious reforms and protecting the prophets. This underscores the value of strong, faithful families and communities in nurturing faith and ensuring adherence to God’s will. Christians today can learn from this example the importance of fostering strong faith communities and supporting one another in faith.

Connection to a Loving God

God’s Call to Repentance and Restoration

Elasah’s involvement in the events described in Ezra and Jeremiah reflects God’s call to repentance and the promise of restoration. The actions taken during the post-exilic period to divorce foreign wives were part of a broader movement towards repentance and renewal. Similarly, the message carried by Elasah and others to the exiles in Babylon assured them of God’s continued presence and His plans for their future restoration.

This highlights God’s enduring love and desire for His people to return to Him, regardless of their past mistakes. For modern Christians, this serves as a reminder of God’s grace and the opportunity for repentance and restoration available to all believers.

God’s Sovereignty and Plan

Elasah’s role in delivering Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles underscores the sovereignty of God in history. Despite the hardships of exile, God’s message through Jeremiah was one of hope and assurance that He was in control and had a plan for their future. This message is timeless, reminding Christians today that God is sovereign over all circumstances and that His plans for His people are ultimately for their good and His glory.

Connection to Jesus Christ

The Ultimate Fulfillment of Restoration

The messages and actions involving Elasah and his family point forward to the ultimate restoration found in Jesus Christ. Just as the exiles were promised a return to their land, Jesus offers a more profound restoration—reconciliation with God through His sacrificial death and resurrection. This restoration is not limited to a physical return but encompasses spiritual renewal and eternal life.

The Role of Faithful Witnesses

Elasah and his family were faithful witnesses to God’s word and His promises. This mirrors the role of Christians as witnesses to the truth of the Gospel. Just as Elesah carried messages of hope and repentance, Christians are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ, offering hope and salvation to a world in need.

Conclusion

Elasah, though mentioned only briefly in the Bible, is associated with significant events and messages that reflect key themes of faithfulness, repentance, and hope. His story, along with that of his family, underscores the importance of adhering to God’s commandments, the role of strong faith communities, and the assurance of God’s sovereign plans. For modern Christians, these narratives provide valuable lessons and encouragement, pointing ultimately to the restoration and salvation found in Jesus Christ.