Overview
Elpaal was a Benjamite who lived during the period of Israel's post-exilic restoration. He is mentioned in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles as a son of Shaharaim and his wife Hushim. His descendants are noted as having built and inhabited various towns in Benjamin.
Key Scriptures
"And Shaharaim had children in the country of Moab after he had sent away Hushim and Baara his wives. He had children by Hodesh his wife: Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Jeuz, Sachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of fathers' houses." (1 Chronicles 8:8-9, ESV)
"And by Hushim he had Abitub and Elpaal." (1 Chronicles 8:11, ESV)
"The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod with its towns." (1 Chronicles 8:12, ESV)
Application
Elpaal's record reminds us that God preserves family lineages and affirms the importance of our descendants' roles in building and establishing communities of faith.