Helez is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, recognized as one of King David's mighty warriors. His name appears in the context of David's elite group of fighters, known as the "mighty men" or "Gibborim," who played a crucial role in establishing and securing David's kingdom. Helez's inclusion in this distinguished group highlights his valor and skill in battle.

Tribal Affiliation and Lineage

Helez is identified as a Paltite, which suggests a connection to the town of Beth-Palet in the territory of Judah. This affiliation indicates that he was likely of Judahite descent, aligning him with the tribe from which King David himself hailed. In 1 Chronicles 27:10, Helez is further described as the leader of the seventh division of the army, serving during the seventh month, which underscores his significant military role and leadership capabilities.

Biblical References

Helez is mentioned in two primary biblical passages that list David's mighty men:

1. 2 Samuel 23:26 : "Helez the Paltite, Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite."
2. 1 Chronicles 11:27 : "Helez the Pelonite, Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite."

The slight variation in his designation as a "Paltite" in 2 Samuel and a "Pelonite" in 1 Chronicles may be attributed to textual differences or scribal transmission over time. Despite this discrepancy, both references affirm his status as one of David's valiant warriors.

Role and Significance

Helez's role as one of the mighty men signifies his importance in the military hierarchy of David's reign. The mighty men were renowned for their extraordinary feats of bravery and loyalty to David, often engaging in perilous missions and battles to secure the kingdom of Israel. As a leader of a division of the army, Helez would have been responsible for commanding troops and executing military strategies, contributing to the stability and expansion of David's rule.

Historical and Theological Context

The account of David's mighty men, including Helez, serves to illustrate the divine favor and providence that accompanied David's kingship. These warriors were seen as instruments through which God delivered victories and established Israel as a formidable nation. Helez's inclusion in this group reflects the biblical theme of God using individuals from various backgrounds to fulfill His purposes and support His anointed leaders.

In summary, Helez stands as a testament to the valor and dedication of those who served under King David, playing a pivotal role in the establishment of a united Israel under a divinely appointed monarchy. His legacy, preserved in the biblical narrative, continues to inspire readers with the ideals of courage, loyalty, and faithfulness.Helez

armed; set free

Helez

(strength).

1. One of "the thirty" of David's guard, (2 Samuel 23:26; 1 Chronicles 11:27) an Ephraimite, and captain of the seventh monthly course. (1 Chronicles 27:10) (B.C. 1016.)
2. A man of Judah, son of Azariah. (1 Chronicles 2:39)

Strong, or loin (?)

(1.) One of Judah's posterity (1 Chronicles 2:39).

(2.) One of David's warriors (2 Samuel 23:26).

HELEZ

he'-lez (chelets "vigor"; Septuagint Selles, Chelles):

(1) 2 Samuel 23:26 1 Chronicles 11:27; 1 Chronicles 27:10. One of David's mighty men; according to 1 Chronicles 27:10, he belonged to the sons of Ephraim and was at the head of the 7th course in David's organization of the kingdom.

(2) Septuagint Chelles, 1 Chronicles 2:39. A man of Judah of the clan of the Jerahmeelites.

2503. Chelets -- two Israelites
... 2502b, 2503. Chelets. 2504 . two Israelites. Transliteration: Chelets Phonetic
Spelling: (kheh'-lets) Short Definition: Helez. ... NASB Word Usage Helez (5). Helez ...
/hebrew/2503.htm - 6kHelez (4 Occurrences)
...HELEZ. he'-lez (chelets "vigor"; Septuagint Selles, Chelles): (1) 2 Samuel
23:26 1 Chronicles 11:27; 1 Chronicles 27:10. ...Helez (4 Occurrences). ...
/h/helez.htm - 8k

Paltite (1 Occurrence)
... The Septuagint has: Codex Vaticanus Kelothei; Codex Alexandrinus Phellonei): The
description occurs but once in this form and is then applied to Helez, one of ...
/p/paltite.htm - 7k

Pelonite (3 Occurrences)
... pel'-o-nit, pe'-lo-nit, pe-lo'-nit (peloni, a place-name): Two of David's heroes
are thus described: (1) "Helez the Pelonite" (1 Chronicles 11:27) (see PALTITE ...
/p/pelonite.htm - 7k

Elasah (4 Occurrences)
... ELEASAH. Multi-Version Concordance Elasah (4 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles
2:39 and Azariah begot Helez, and Helez begot Elasah, (DBY). 1 ...
/e/elasah.htm - 8k

Eleasah (5 Occurrences)
... Eleasah (5 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 2:39 and Azariah became the father of Helez,
and Helez became the father of Eleasah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV) ...
/e/eleasah.htm - 8k

Ele-a'sah (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ele-a'sah (4 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 2:39 and
Azariah begot Helez, and Helez begot Eleasah; (See RSV). ...
/e/ele-a'sah.htm - 7k

Pel'onite (3 Occurrences)
... Pelonite, Pel'onite. Pelted . Multi-Version Concordance Pel'onite (3 Occurrences).
1 Chronicles 11:27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite; (See RSV). ...
/p/pel'onite.htm - 7k

Azari'ah (46 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:38 and Obed begot Jehu, and Jehu begot Azariah; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles
2:39 and Azariah begot Helez, and Helez begot Eleasah; (See RSV). ...
/a/azari'ah.htm - 18k

Begot (119 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:38 and Obed begot Jehu, and Jehu begot Azariah, (DBY JPS). 1 Chronicles
2:39 and Azariah begot Helez, and Helez begot Elasah, (DBY JPS). ...
/b/begot.htm - 30k

Begat (112 Occurrences)
... Azariah, (KJV ASV WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 2:39 And Azariah begat Helez, and
Helez begat Eleasah, (KJV ASV WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 2:40 And ...
/b/begat.htm - 31k

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