Based on the animated movie David, here are some headcanons for David's oldest brother, Eliab.
-Note: Characterizations are based on the movie not the actual Bible.
Oldest Child Syndrome
Eliab and Abinadab are close, as they are both the oldest in the family and have been together the longest. Even with teasing and getting frustrated, they still have a deeper understanding of each other. Abinadab still has the urge to knock some sense into him though, and Eliab thinks he's too soft.
Fiercely protective of his mother. He knows how hard she works to keep the household running with 9 children, and gets mad whenever they give her a hard time, intentionally or not.
Overprotective of the family in general.
Played a role in teaching David how to shepherd a flock.
Eliab has always felt older than he is. Even when he was around 10 or so, as his parents relied on him for extra help with the growing family.
Used to have a better relationship with David, but for various reasons, the relationship became more strained. (Think Isabela and Mirabel from Encanto)
Eliab has a silent rivalry with high-ranking officers in Saul's army. He wants to prove that a shepherd's son from Bethlehem can out-soldier the city-bred elites.
Eliab and Zeruiah don't have much a relationship as Eliab was already training and away a lot as a soldier during her formative years and it secretly makes him a little sad.
Psychology Headcanon:
Deep down, Eliab somewhat understands why David was chosen over him. He is more aware that he is prone to pride, jealousy, and lack of empathy than he likes to acknowledge. One of the reasons Eliab started giving David a hard time because he reminds him of the things he doesn't like about himself. He wants to be a good brother and an honorable warrior and find favor from God, but he can never act on it, and he doesn't understand why. He represents the verse Romans 7:15, " I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not, but what I hate I do."
Again, the characterizations are based on the movie not the Bible itself. Please rely on the Bible. This post is for fun. Please enjoy😊












