Chileab is a lesser-known figure in the Old Testament, specifically within the historical narratives concerning King David's family. He is mentioned in the context of David's sons, who were born to him during his reign in Hebron. The primary biblical reference to Chileab is found in 2 Samuel 3:3, where he is listed as the second son of David and his wife Abigail, the widow of Nabal the Carmelite. The Berean Standard Bible states: "his second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel."

Name and Meaning

The name "Chileab" is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is somewhat uncertain. It is often interpreted as "like his father" or "the father's container," suggesting a reflection of his father's character or attributes. This interpretation aligns with the cultural significance of names in the biblical context, where names often conveyed aspects of identity or destiny.

Alternate Name

In 1 Chronicles 3:1, Chileab is referred to as "Daniel." This alternate name has led to some scholarly debate regarding whether "Chileab" and "Daniel" refer to the same individual or if there is a textual discrepancy. However, the traditional understanding is that both names refer to the same son of David and Abigail, with "Daniel" possibly being a more formal or secondary name.

Role and Significance

Chileab's role in the biblical narrative is minimal, as he does not appear in any significant events or accounts beyond the genealogical listings. Unlike some of his brothers, such as Absalom and Adonijah, who played prominent roles in the political and familial dynamics of David's reign, Chileab is not mentioned in any accounts of rebellion or succession struggles. This absence from the narrative has led some to speculate that he may have died young or that he lived a life away from the political intrigues of the royal court.

Family Context

Chileab was born during David's time in Hebron, a period marked by the consolidation of David's rule over Judah and the eventual unification of the tribes of Israel under his kingship. His mother, Abigail, is noted for her wisdom and beauty, as well as her role in preventing David from taking vengeance on her first husband, Nabal. Abigail's marriage to David and the birth of Chileab symbolize a union that brought together different social and familial elements within David's expanding kingdom.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Chileab's presence in the biblical text, though brief, contributes to the broader narrative of God's covenant with David. The listing of David's sons, including Chileab, underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to establish David's lineage and the eventual coming of the Messiah through the Davidic line. While Chileab himself does not play a direct role in this messianic promise, his inclusion in the genealogical record serves as a testament to the historical and covenantal continuity of David's house.

In summary, Chileab remains a somewhat enigmatic figure within the biblical account, known primarily through genealogical references. His life and legacy, though not detailed in the scriptures, are part of the intricate tapestry of King David's family and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of David.Chileab

(like his father), a son of David by Abigail. [ABIGAIL]

Protected by the father, David's second son by Abigail (2 Samuel 3:3); called also Daniel (1 Chronicles 3:1). He seems to have died when young. CHILEAB

kil'-e-ab (kil'abh; Dalouia, "restraint of father"): A son of David, born to him at Hebron. His mother was Abigail, whom David married after the death of her husband Nabal, the Carmelite (2 Samuel 3:3). In the corresponding account (1 Chronicles 3:1) he is called "Daniel," the meaning of which name ("God is my judge") points to its having been given in order to commemorate God's judgment upon Nabal (1 Samuel 25:39; compare Genesis 30:6). Some suppose that he bore both names, but the Septuagint reading here Dalouia (Ch Damniel), and the identity of the last three letters of the Hebrew word "Chileab" with the first three of the following word, seems to indicate that the text of Samuel is corrupt.

Horace J. Wolf

3609. Kilab -- a son of David
... 3608, 3609. Kilab. 3610 . a son of David. Transliteration: Kilab Phonetic
Spelling: (kil-awb') Short Definition: Chileab. ... Chileab. ...
/hebrew/3609.htm - 6kChileab (1 Occurrence)
...CHILEAB. kil'-e-ab (kil'abh; Dalouia, "restraint of father"): A son of David, born
to him at Hebron. ... Multi-Version Concordance Chileab (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/chileab.htm - 8k

Abigail (18 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 25:14-42), and was his companion in all his future fortunes (1 Samuel
27:3; 30:5; 2 Samuel 2:2). By her David had a son called Chileab (2 Samuel 3:3 ...
/a/abigail.htm - 17k

Chil'e-ab (1 Occurrence)
Chil'e-ab. Chileab, Chil'e-ab. Chiliarch . Multi-Version Concordance
Chil'e-ab (1 Occurrence). ... Chileab, Chil'e-ab. Chiliarch . Reference Bible.
/c/chil'e-ab.htm - 6k

Child's (16 Occurrences)

/c/child's.htm - 11k

Geshur (11 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite;
and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur ...
/g/geshur.htm - 13k

Talmai (6 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite;
and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur ...
/t/talmai.htm - 9k

Daniel (74 Occurrences)
... (1.) David's second son, "born unto him in Hebron, of Abigail the Carmelitess"
(1 Chronicles 3:1). He is called also Chileab (2 Samuel 3:3). ...
/d/daniel.htm - 79k

Maachah (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite;
and the third, Absalom the son of Maachah, daughter of Talmai king of Geshur ...
/m/maachah.htm - 16k

Maacah (30 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite;
and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur ...
/m/maacah.htm - 20k

Ma'acah (22 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite;
and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur ...
/m/ma'acah.htm - 12k

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