1 Chronicles 11 27

1 Chronicles 11:27 kjv

Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,

1 Chronicles 11:27 nkjv

Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,

1 Chronicles 11:27 niv

Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,

1 Chronicles 11:27 esv

Shammoth of Harod, Helez the Pelonite,

1 Chronicles 11:27 nlt

Shammah from Harod;
Helez from Pelon;

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 27 Meaning

1 Chronicles 11:27 meticulously records two individuals, Shammoth the Harorite and Helez the Pelonite, who were part of David's esteemed group of "mighty men." This verse serves to underscore the breadth and depth of loyalty and skill within King David's forces, highlighting that the success of his kingdom was not merely due to the king alone, but to the collective dedication of numerous individuals. It is a testament to the divine hand gathering diverse people to support the divinely appointed monarch and establish the earthly kingdom, demonstrating meticulous record-keeping of those who faithfully served.

1 Chronicles 11 27 Context

Chapter 11 of 1 Chronicles opens with the unified anointing of David as king over all Israel (vv. 1-3) and details his decisive capture of Jerusalem, making it his capital (vv. 4-9). This foundational account then transitions into an extensive catalog of David's elite warriors, beginning with the "Three" and proceeding to "the Thirty" (vv. 10-47). The inclusion of detailed lists of names like Shammoth and Helez is not arbitrary; it demonstrates the divine providence that established David's reign, acknowledging the brave individuals whose skills and loyalty were instrumental in securing his kingdom. In the broader context of Chronicles, these lists affirm the legitimacy of David's dynasty and the unity of Israel under his rule, serving to remind the post-exilic community of their rich heritage and God's faithfulness in assembling His people. Historically, these men were essential for expanding and maintaining the nascent kingdom of Israel amidst frequent conflicts.

1 Chronicles 11 27 Word analysis

• Shammoth (שַׁמּוֹת - Shammôṯ): A proper name. While the root (שמם) often relates to desolation or astonishment, here it functions purely as the unique identifier for this warrior. In 2 Samuel 23:25, a parallel passage lists "Shammah," which is a common variant or nickname for the same individual, sometimes "Shamhuth" (1 Chr 27:8). This minor textual variation is typical in ancient manuscripts, affirming the individual's significance in differing records.

• the Harorite (הַחֲרֹרִי - ha-Ḥărorî): A gentilic adjective indicating geographical origin, specifically from Haror. This designates a distinct locality from which Shammoth hailed, though "Haror" is not well-known or identified today. Such appellations precisely distinguish individuals, suggesting careful record-keeping and highlighting the diverse origins of David's loyal military leaders. It also signifies his specific place and perhaps unique cultural background.

• Helez (חֶלֶץ - Ḥeleṣ): A proper name meaning "strength," "deliverance," or "resilience." This etymological meaning fits well for a warrior of David's mighty men, subtly reflecting his characteristic attributes. Helez is also notable as one of David's twelve monthly army commanders (1 Chr 27:10), indicating his continued prominence and leadership within the kingdom.

• the Pelonite (הַפְּלוֹנִי - ha-Pəlonî): Another gentilic term denoting place of origin, "Pelon." Like "Harorite," this geographically locates Helez. The parallel account in 2 Samuel 23:26 identifies him as "Helez the Paltite" (הַפַּלְטִי - ha-Paḷṭî), which some scholars connect to Beth-Pelet, a town in Judah. The variation "Pelonite" versus "Paltite" suggests alternate regional names or textual variations across different ancient records, reinforcing the individuality of those who pledged their loyalty to the king.

• "Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite": This phrase structure is standard biblical genealogical or enlistment notation: a name followed by a patronymic or a geographical/tribal designation. This precision underlines the individual identity and provenance of each warrior, emphasizing their distinct contribution rather than them being a nameless mass. The naming of specific origins also points to the unity forged under David, as warriors from diverse areas came together under one banner for the king whom God had chosen.

1 Chronicles 11 27 Bonus section

The presence of lists, particularly those of names and places, in Chronicles is highly significant for the book's purpose. For the post-exilic community returning to Judah, these meticulous records offered a vital connection to their past, asserting their legitimate heritage from Abraham through David. Such detailed catalogs served to affirm the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and the lineage of the promised king. While this specific verse might name lesser-known figures compared to David's "Three" (like Joab, Abishai, and Benaiah), their very inclusion as members of "the Thirty" underscores David's organizational prowess and the importance he placed on loyal, capable warriors, creating levels of elite military distinction. Furthermore, the slight variations in names and localities when compared to parallel passages in 2 Samuel are common textual phenomena in ancient Hebrew manuscripts, often indicating different traditional spellings, regional names for places, or minor scribal differences rather than historical discrepancy, serving as a reminder of the nuanced textual transmission of the Old Testament.

1 Chronicles 11 27 Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:27, embedded within the extensive list of David's mighty men, might seem like a mere detail, yet it carries profound significance. It is part of the Chronicler's diligent effort to highlight the specific individuals who comprised the bedrock of David's kingdom. These aren't just names; they represent courageous and loyal men chosen by God's providence to support His appointed king. Their inclusion underscores the truth that great achievements, even those divinely ordained, are often realized through the faithful participation of many, known and less known. It illustrates a divine principle: God raises leaders and simultaneously prepares those who will support their ministry, demonstrating meticulous divine care in every aspect of His plans for humanity. Each individual, regardless of their apparent "fame" within the list, played a crucial role in building the kingdom and furthering God's purposes. The distinct geographical markers like "Harorite" and "Pelonite" also speak to the unified strength of Israel under David, bringing together diverse elements to serve a common, divine cause. This historical record is a testament to the collective contribution and the faithful service of specific individuals within the broader sweep of God's redemptive narrative.