Helek is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogies of the tribes of Israel. He is recognized as one of the descendants of Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). The name "Helek" is believed to mean "portion" or "division," which may reflect the division of land among the tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 26:30 · In the census of the Israelites conducted in the wilderness, Helek is mentioned as the head of a family within the tribe of Manasseh. The verse states: "These were the descendants of Gilead: the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek."

2. Joshua 17:2 · Helek is again referenced in the context of the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh. The passage reads: "So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These were the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph by their clans."

Tribal Significance:

Helek's mention in the genealogies and land allotments underscores the importance of family lineage and inheritance in ancient Israelite society. As a descendant of Manasseh, Helek's family would have been part of the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled on the west side of the Jordan River. This region was known for its fertile land and strategic location, which played a significant role in the history of Israel.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The division of land among the tribes of Israel was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the inheritance of the Promised Land. Each tribe's portion was determined by lot, as described in the Book of Joshua, and was intended to provide for the needs of the tribe while maintaining the distinct identity and heritage of each family group.

Helek's inclusion in these records highlights the meticulous nature of the biblical genealogies, which served not only as historical records but also as a means of preserving the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The genealogies emphasized the continuity of God's promises through successive generations, reinforcing the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Helek and other tribal leaders in the Bible reflects the broader theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel was a tangible expression of God's covenant with His people, demonstrating His provision and care for them. The genealogies also serve as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites were called to live according to His statutes in the land He had given them.

In summary, Helek is a minor yet significant figure within the biblical narrative, representing the broader themes of inheritance, covenant, and divine faithfulness that permeate the Scriptures. His mention in the genealogies of Manasseh underscores the importance of family lineage and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.Helek

part; portion

Helek

(portion), one of the descendants of Manasseh, and second son of Gilead, (Numbers 26:30) and founder of the Helekites. (B.C. 1445.)

A portion, (Joshua 17:2), descended from Manasseh. HELEK

he'-lek chelekh): Son of Gilead the Manassite (Numbers 26:30 Joshua 17:2). Patronymic, Helekites (Numbers 26:30).

1982. helek -- traveler
... 1981, 1982. helek. 1983 . traveler. Transliteration: helek Phonetic Spelling:
(hay'-lek) Short Definition: flow. ... 1981, 1982. helek. 1983 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/1982.htm - 6k

2516. Chelqi -- descendant of Helek
... Chelqi. 2517 . descendant of Helek. Transliteration: Chelqi Phonetic Spelling:
(khel-kee') Short Definition: Helekites. ... of Helek NASB Word Usage Helekites (1). ...
/hebrew/2516.htm - 6k

2507. Cheleq -- a Gileadite
... a Gileadite. Transliteration: Cheleq Phonetic Spelling: (khay'-lek) Short Definition:
Helek. Helek The same as cheleq; portion; Chelek, an Israelite -- Helek. ...
/hebrew/2507.htm - 5k

2507a. Cheleq -- a Gileadite
... a Gileadite. Transliteration: Cheleq Short Definition: Helek. Word Origin from chalaq
Definition a Gileadite NASB Word Usage Helek (2). 2507, 2507a. ...
/hebrew/2507a.htm - 5k

Helek (2 Occurrences)
...HELEK. he'-lek chelekh): Son of Gilead the Manassite (Numbers 26:30 Joshua
17:2). Patronymic, Helekites (Numbers 26:30). ...Helek (2 Occurrences). ...
/h/helek.htm - 7k

Helekite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the family of the Iezerites;
of Helek, the family of the Helekites; (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT ...
/h/helekite.htm - 6k

Jeezerites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites:
of Helek, the family of the Helekites: (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/j/jeezerites.htm - 6k

Jeezer (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites:
of Helek, the family of the Helekites: (KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/j/jeezer.htm - 7k

Jeezerite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites:
of Helek, the family of the Helekites: (Root in KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/j/jeezerite.htm - 6k

Iezerite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the family of the Iezerites;
of Helek, the family of the Helekites; (Root in WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/i/iezerite.htm - 6k

Ie'zer (1 Occurrence)
... Ie'zer (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the
family of the Iezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites; (See RSV). ...
/i/ie'zer.htm - 6k

Iezer (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the family of the Iezerites;
of Helek, the family of the Helekites; (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/i/iezer.htm - 7k

Ie'zerites (1 Occurrence)
... Ie'zerites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer,
the family of the Iezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites; (See RSV). ...
/i/ie'zerites.htm - 6k

Iezerites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the family of the Iezerites;
of Helek, the family of the Helekites; (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS). ...
/i/iezerites.htm - 7k

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