Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Pelonite" is used in the Bible to describe certain individuals associated with King David's mighty warriors, also known as David's "mighty men" or "the Thirty." These men were renowned for their bravery, skill in battle, and loyalty to David during his reign as king of Israel. The Pelonites are mentioned in the context of these elite warriors, highlighting their significance in the biblical narrative.
Biblical References1.
1 Chronicles 11:27 · "Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite."
In this passage, Helez is identified as a Pelonite, listed among the mighty men who supported David. The mention of Helez as a Pelonite suggests a specific regional or clan affiliation, although the exact location or meaning of "Pelonite" is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text.
2.
1 Chronicles 27:10 · "The seventh, for the seventh month, was Helez the Pelonite, from the Ephraimites, with twenty-four thousand men."
Here, Helez the Pelonite is again mentioned, this time in the context of the military divisions established by King David. Helez is noted as a leader of a division of twenty-four thousand men, indicating his prominent role and the trust placed in him by David. The reference to the Ephraimites suggests that Helez may have been from the tribe of Ephraim, further identifying his background.
Historical and Cultural ContextThe Pelonites, as represented by Helez, were part of the elite group of warriors who played a crucial role in establishing and securing David's kingdom. These men were not only skilled in combat but also deeply loyal to David, often risking their lives for his cause. The mention of Pelonites in the context of David's mighty men underscores the diverse backgrounds and tribal affiliations of those who rallied around David, uniting under his leadership to form a strong and cohesive force.
Theological SignificanceFrom a theological perspective, the inclusion of the Pelonites among David's mighty men highlights the theme of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises to David. The loyalty and valor of these warriors can be seen as instruments through which God established David's reign, fulfilling the covenant made with him. The Pelonites, like other mighty men, exemplify the qualities of courage, faithfulness, and dedication to God's anointed king, serving as models of righteous service and commitment.
ConclusionWhile the specific details about the Pelonites remain limited, their mention in the biblical narrative serves to emphasize the strength and unity of David's forces. The Pelonites, through their association with David's mighty men, contribute to the broader account of God's unfolding plan for Israel and the establishment of a kingdom that would ultimately lead to the coming of the Messiah.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Pelonitefalling; secret
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PELONITEpel'-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); and (2) "Ahijah the Pelonite" (1 Chronicles 11:36).
Strong's Hebrew
6397. Peloni -- descriptive title of two of David's men... descriptive title of two of David's men. Transliteration: Peloni or Peloni Phonetic
Spelling: (pel-o-nee') Short Definition:
Pelonite.
...Pelonite.
...Thesaurus
Pelonite (3 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PELONITE. pel'-o-nit, pe
... 11:36).
Multi-Version Concordance
Pelonite (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles
...Pel'onite (3 Occurrences)
Pel'onite.Pelonite, Pel'onite. Pelted .... Pel'onite (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles
11:27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez thePelonite; (See RSV)....
Paltite (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The designation of one of David's heroes (2 Samuel
23:26); called also thePelonite (1 Chronicles 11:27). Int....
Helez (4 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles 11:27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez thePelonite,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Chronicles...
Ahijah (23 Occurrences)
... Ahimelech at Nob. (4.) APelonite, one of David's heroes (1 Chronicles
11:36); called also Eliam (2 Samuel 23:34). (5.) A Levite...
24000 (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 27:10 The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez thePelonite,
of the children of Ephraim: and in his division were twenty-four thousand....
Ephraimite (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 27:10 The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez thePelonite,
of the children of Ephraim; and in his course were twenty and four thousand...
Mecherathite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mecherathite (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:36 Hepher
the Mecherathite, Ahijah thePelonite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS)....
Meche'rathite (1 Occurrence)
... Meche'rathite (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah
thePelonite; (See RSV). Mecherathite, Meche'rathite. Meconah ....
Mekerathite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mekerathite (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:36
Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah thePelonite, (See NIV)....
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