Heleb
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Topical Encyclopedia
Heleb is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of King David's mighty warriors. He is listed among the elite group known as "David's Mighty Men," who were renowned for their bravery and military prowess. These warriors played a crucial role in establishing and securing David's kingdom, demonstrating exceptional loyalty and skill in battle.

Biblical References:

Heleb is mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:29, where he is identified as one of the thirty mighty men. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite." This brief mention places Heleb among the ranks of those who were instrumental in supporting David during his reign.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The mention of Heleb as a "Netophathite" indicates his origin from Netophah, a town in the tribal territory of Judah. Netophah is referenced in other parts of the Bible, suggesting it was a place of some significance, particularly in relation to the military and administrative organization of David's kingdom.

David's Mighty Men, including Heleb, were a group of warriors who distinguished themselves through acts of valor and loyalty. They were divided into different ranks, with the "Three" being the most elite, followed by the "Thirty," of which Heleb was a part. These men were not only skilled in combat but also deeply committed to David, often risking their lives for his cause.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Heleb among David's Mighty Men highlights the importance of loyalty, courage, and service in the biblical narrative. These warriors exemplify the virtues of dedication and faithfulness, qualities that are esteemed throughout Scripture. Their accounts serve as reminders of the human instruments God uses to fulfill His purposes, often choosing individuals from humble or obscure backgrounds to accomplish great things.

Legacy and Interpretation:

While Heleb himself is not a prominent figure in biblical history, his inclusion in the list of David's Mighty Men underscores the collective impact of these warriors on the establishment of Israel's monarchy under David. Their legacy is one of strength, unity, and unwavering support for God's anointed king.

In studying figures like Heleb, readers are encouraged to reflect on the broader themes of divine providence and the role of individuals in God's redemptive plan. The Mighty Men, though often mentioned only briefly, collectively contribute to the unfolding account of Israel and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Heleb

(milk), or Heled (transient) son of Baanah the Netophathite, one of the heroes of King David's guard. (2 Samuel 23:29; 1 Chronicles 11:30)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fatness, one of David's warriors (2 Samuel 23:29).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HELEB

he'-leb chelebh, 2 Samuel 23:29).

See HELDAI.

Strong's Hebrew
2460. Cheleb -- one of David's heroes
... 2459, 2460. Cheleb. 2461 . one of David's heroes. Transliteration: Cheleb
Phonetic Spelling: (khay'-leb) Short Definition: Heleb. ... Heleb. ...
/hebrew/2460.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Heleb (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HELEB. he'-leb chelebh, 2 Samuel 23:29).
See HELDAI. Multi-Version Concordance Heleb (2 Occurrences). ...
/h/heleb.htm - 7k

Heldai (4 Occurrences)
... Wordly. (1.) 1 Chronicles 27:15; called also Heleb (2 Samuel 23:29); one of David's
captains. (2.) Zechariah 6:10, one who returned from Babylon. Int. ...
/h/heldai.htm - 8k

Netophah (2 Occurrences)
... ne-to'-fa (neTophah; Septuagint Netopha, Nephota, and other variants): The birthplace
of two of David's heroes, Maharai and Heleb (2 Samuel 23:28, 29), also of ...
/n/netophah.htm - 9k

Netoph'ah (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son
of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin; (See RSV). ...
/n/netoph'ah.htm - 7k

Netophathite (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai
of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV ...
/n/netophathite.htm - 9k

Walled (63 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Joshua 19:29 And the limit goes round to Ramah and the walled town of
Tyre and Hosah, ending at the sea by Heleb and Achzib; (BBE). ...
/w/walled.htm - 25k

It'tai (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai
of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, (See RSV). Ittai, It'tai. Ituraea . ...
/i/it'tai.htm - 8k

Ithai (2 Occurrences)
... Ithai (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite,
Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, (See NIV). ...
/i/ithai.htm - 7k

Fat (150 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews heleb) denotes the richest part of the animal,
or the fattest of the flock, in the account of Abel's sacrifice (Genesis 4:4 ...
/f/fat.htm - 44k

Ri'bai (1 Occurrence)
... Ri'bai (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite,
Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, (See RSV). ...
/r/ri'bai.htm - 6k

Resources
Who were the mighty men of David? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Heleb (2 Occurrences)

Joshua 19:29
And the limit goes round to Ramah and the walled town of Tyre and Hosah, ending at the sea by Heleb and Achzib;
(BBE)

2 Samuel 23:29
Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Subtopics

Heleb

Related Terms

Gamad (1 Occurrence)

Heled (1 Occurrence)

Heleb (2 Occurrences)

Heldai: The Netophathite: One of David's Heroes
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