Izliah

Who was Izliah in the Bible?

A Benjamite descendant and one of the many sons of Elpaal, recorded in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.

Tribe of BenjaminSouthern Kingdom (Judah)
Named in1 ChroniclesHistorical Books

Izliah was a member of the Tribe of Benjamin who lived during the era of the Divided Monarchy. He is specifically identified in the biblical record as one of the sons of Elpaal. His inclusion in the chronicles of Israel serves to document the lineage and preservation of the Benjamite families during the monarchical period.

His existence is documented within the expansive genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles, which were compiled to establish the identity and heritage of the tribes of Israel. As a son of Elpaal, Izliah belonged to a significant family unit within the tribe that originally occupied the territory between the northern and southern kingdoms.

Background and Family

Izliah is introduced in the genealogical records of the Tribe of Benjamin. According to 1 Chronicles 8:18, he was a son of Elpaal. The biblical text provides an extensive list of his siblings, identifying him as a brother to Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber, Ishmerai, and Jobab. His extended family through Elpaal also includes siblings such as Eber, Misham, Shemed, Beriah, and Shema.

The family of Elpaal is noted for its involvement in the settlement and building of cities; for example, 1 Chronicles 8:12 notes that Elpaal’s sons built Ono and Lod with their surrounding villages. While the text does not specify if Izliah participated in these specific architectural projects, he is firmly situated within this active and foundational Benjamite lineage.

Major Life Events

The biblical record does not preserve specific biographical events, speeches, or actions attributed to Izliah. His mention is strictly genealogical. He lived during the period of the Divided Monarchy, a time when the Tribe of Benjamin was often caught between the rivalries of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. As a Benjamite, Izliah’s family was part of the group that largely remained loyal to the house of David and the Southern Kingdom.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Izliah’s primary relationship in the text is to his father, Elpaal, and his numerous brothers. The Chronicler emphasizes the large number of Elpaal’s offspring, suggesting a household of considerable size and influence within the tribal structure of Benjamin. In the specific grouping of 1 Chronicles 8:18, Izliah is listed between Ishmerai and Jobab.

Spiritual Significance

While Izliah is not credited with any specific spiritual feats or prophetic utterances, his presence in the Bible is a testament to the meticulous record-keeping of the post-exilic community. By including figures like Izliah, the author of Chronicles reinforced the idea that every individual and family had a specific place in the covenant community of Israel. His name, which may be related to a root meaning "to draw out" or "to preserve," reflects the ongoing survival of the tribe of Benjamin despite the political upheavals of the Divided Monarchy.

Izliah's significance lies in the preservation of the Benjamite tribal identity. During the Divided Monarchy, maintaining clear family lineages was essential for land inheritance and for the eventual restoration of the nation. His inclusion ensures the historical continuity of Elpaal's line.

From a theological perspective, Izliah represents the 'common' Israelite whose name is known to God and recorded in the sacred text, even if his specific deeds were not deemed necessary for the overarching narrative of salvation history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tribe did Izliah belong to?

Izliah was a member of the Tribe of Benjamin.

Who was Izliah’s father?

His father was Elpaal, a prominent Benjamite.

In which book of the Bible is Izliah mentioned?

Izliah is mentioned exclusively in 1 Chronicles, specifically in chapter 8, verse 18.

What does the name Izliah mean?

While the exact etymology is debated, it is a Hebrew name (Yizliah) likely meaning 'God preserves' or 'He will draw out'.

Who were Izliah’s brothers?

His immediate brothers listed in 1 Chronicles 8:18 are Ishmerai and Jobab, though he had several other siblings through Elpaal including Zebadiah and Meshullam.

Family & Relationships

Parents

  • Portrait of ElpaalElpaalFather1 Chronicles 8:18Stated
Portrait of IzliahIzliahThis page

Connected Figures

Family

Categories

Divided Monarchy

Mentions by Book

  • 1 Chronicles7

Scripture References

All 7 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.

1 Chronicles · 7

  • 1 Chronicles 8:12Partial

    The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, Shemed (who built Ono and Lod with its villages),

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:13Partial

    and Beriah and Shema (who were the heads of families living in Aijalon and who drove out the inhabitants of Gath).

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:14Partial

    Ahio, Shashak, Jeremoth,

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:15Partial

    Zebadiah, Arad, Eder,

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:16Partial

    Michael, Ishpah, and Joha were the sons of Beriah.

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:17Partial

    Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber,

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:18

    Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal.

Books They Appear In

1 Chronicles