Helez the Pelonite
Helez is another of David's mighty warriors, and the term "Pelonite" may indicate his clan or family group, though its precise meaning is debated. Helez is also mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:26, where he is called a Paltite, suggesting a possible connection to the town of Beth-Palet. This reflects the fluidity of tribal and clan identities in ancient Israel. The mention of Helez in both Chronicles and Samuel highlights the consistency of the biblical narrative and the importance of these warriors in the establishment of David's reign. The dedication of these men to David can be seen as a type of the dedication believers are called to have toward Christ, the ultimate King.

“Shammoth the Harorite” (1 Chronicles 11:27) appears in the roster of David’s elite warriors. The chronicler lists him right after the first three mighty men, signaling his proven valor and unwavering loyalty.

• Courage under pressure—The parallel passage in 2 Samuel 23:25 reads, “Shammah the Harodite,” reminding us that Scripture sometimes gives alternate spellings of a single, real person. Either way, God records his name to highlight faithfulness in battle.

• A man from Haror—While the exact locale is debated, the text treats Haror as an identifiable place, grounding Shammoth in a specific tribe or clan. His courage arose from a real hometown, emphasizing that everyday believers can serve God heroically.

• Team player—1 Chronicles 11:10 stresses that “these are the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, gave him strong support.” Shammoth’s mention immediately after the three great champions assures us that frontline heroes still function within community.

• Legacy of faithfulness—Not everyone can slay giants like Benaiah (11:22–25), yet God immortalizes Shammoth to teach that steadfast service in one’s assigned role matters eternally.

“Helez the Pelonite” follows Shammoth in the same verse. The account in 2 Samuel 23:26 calls him “Helez the Paltite,” showing God’s Word consistently testifies to the same man through complementary details.

• From the tribe of Ephraim—1 Chronicles 27:10 later identifies Helez as “the Pelonite, of the sons of Ephraim,” and as commander of David’s seventh-month division. His Ephraimite background proves God unites Israel’s northern and southern clans in one kingdom purpose.

• Proven leadership—Serving as a monthly army captain (27:10) implies tactical skill and trustworthiness. David’s administration rotated twelve commanders; Helez’s appointment underlines long-term dependability beyond a single heroic moment.

• Faith in action—By standing shoulder to shoulder with Judahite warriors, Helez displays the harmony envisioned in Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” His life pictures the gospel’s call for unity among God’s people.

• Eternal recognition—Nothing indicates Helez sought fame; yet God inscribed his name in Scripture. Revelation 3:5 promises, “I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life,” echoing how God honors every faithful servant.

1 Chronicles 11:27 documents two otherwise unsung heroes. Shammoth demonstrates courageous loyalty, while Helez models steady leadership from Ephraim’s ranks. By preserving their names, the Spirit reminds us that every act of faith—large or small—finds eternal notice in God’s unerring record.

Helez the Pelonite.--Samuel, "the Paltite," perhaps more correctly. The Syriac and Arabic read "of Palton" and "Falt-na." Bethpelet was a town of Judah (Nehemiah 11:26), but 1Chronicles 27:10 calls Helez "the Pelonite of the sons of Ephraim." The Heb. peloni (Authorised Version, Pelonite), means so-and-so, and may be a scribe's substitute for an illegible name. . . .