Elnathan

Whom God has given. (1.) An inhabitant of Jerusalem, the father of Nehushta, who was the mother of king Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:8). Probably the same who tried to prevent Jehoiakim from burning the roll of Jeremiah’s prophecies (Jer. 26:22; 36:12). (2.) Ezra 8:16.

(God hath given).

1. The maternal grandfather of Jehoiachin, (2 Kings 24:8) the same with Elnathan the son of Achbor. (Jeremiah 26:22; 36:12,25)

2. The name of three persons, apparently Levites, in the time of Ezra. (Ezra 8:16)

el-na'-than ('elnathan, "God has given"):

(1) The grandfather of Jehoiachin (2Ki 24:8).

(2) A courtier of Jehoiakim; he was one of those sent to Egypt to bring back the prophet Uriah (Jer 26:22), and one of those who heard the reading of Jeremiah's roll and entreated Jehoiakim not to burn the roll (Jer 36:12,25)--possibly the same person as (1) above.

(3, 4, 5) The name of two "chief men"--unless textual corruption has introduced the name at its second occurrence--and of one "teacher" sent for by Ezra from the camp at the river Ahava (Ezr 8:16).

F. K. Farr