Lexical Summary Tseleq: Scar, wound Original Word: צֶלֶק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zelek From an unused root meaning to split; fissure; Tselek, an Israelite -- Zelek. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an Ammonite hero of David NASB Translation Zelek (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs צֶ֫לֶק proper name, masculine Ammonite hero of David 2 Samuel 23:37 = 1 Chronicles 11:39, Ελειε, Σελ (λ) η (κ), Σαλααδ, etc. צִלְּתַי see III. צלל. P.853 Topical Lexicon Identity and SettingsTselek (Zelek) appears twice in Scripture, both times in the elite roster of “the mighty men” who served King David (2 Samuel 23:37; 1 Chronicles 11:39). He is uniquely identified as “the Ammonite,” showing that he was born outside Israel’s tribal lines yet rose to distinction within Israel’s army. Biblical Occurrences (Berean Standard Bible) 2 Samuel 23:37 – “Zelek the Ammonite; Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer for Joab son of Zeruiah.” 1 Chronicles 11:39 – “Zelek the Ammonite; Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah;” Historical Context 1. Ammon–Israel relations: In the eras of Saul and David, Ammon was often hostile toward Israel (1 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 10). Yet David’s reign witnessed individual Ammonites shifting loyalty, demonstrating the magnetic draw of God’s king and covenant community. Role among David’s Mighty Men Tselek’s placement near the end of the elite “Thirty” signifies seasoned valor, though specific exploits are not recorded. His pairing with Naharai, Joab’s armor-bearer, hints at proximity to key command structures. Serving beside Joab’s chief guard implies trustworthiness, discipline, and intimate involvement in strategic operations during David’s military campaigns. Spiritual and Theological Significance 1. Inclusion of the nations: Tselek stands as tangible evidence that faithfulness to the LORD is not determined by lineage but by allegiance to His anointed king. His service foreshadows the New Testament vision of Gentile believers grafted into God’s people (Romans 11:17). Ministry Applications • Welcoming outsiders: Local congregations should mirror David’s open-handed leadership by valuing and integrating believers from every background who profess loyalty to Christ, the greater Son of David (Ephesians 2:19). Related Texts for Study Genesis 12:3; Ruth 1:16; 1 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 10; Romans 11:17; Ephesians 2:11-22; Hebrews 11:32-34. Forms and Transliterations צֶ֖לֶק צלק ṣe·leq ṣeleq TzelekLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 23:37 HEB: צֶ֖לֶק הָעַמֹּנִ֑י ס NAS: Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai KJV: Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai INT: Zelek the Ammonite Naharai 1 Chronicles 11:39 2 Occurrences |
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