Zelek is a lesser-known figure in the Bible, mentioned specifically in the context of King David's reign. He is identified as one of David's mighty warriors, a group of elite soldiers who played a crucial role in establishing and securing David's kingdom. The account of Zelek is found in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 23:37 · Zelek is listed among the valiant men who served King David. The verse states: "Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah." This passage is part of a longer list detailing the names and origins of David's mighty men, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and the unity they found in serving the king.

2. 1 Chronicles 11:39 · This verse parallels the account in 2 Samuel, reaffirming Zelek's position among David's warriors: "Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah." The Chronicles account serves to emphasize the importance of these men in the establishment of David's rule and the expansion of his kingdom.

Background and Significance:

Zelek is noted as an Ammonite, indicating that he was not originally an Israelite by birth. The Ammonites were a neighboring people often in conflict with Israel. Zelek's inclusion among David's mighty men suggests a significant level of integration and acceptance within the Israelite community, reflecting the broader theme of God's kingdom being open to all who are faithful, regardless of their ethnic origin.

The mention of Zelek alongside other notable warriors underscores the diverse composition of David's forces. This diversity is a testament to David's leadership and the unifying power of a common cause under God's anointed king. Zelek's role as a mighty warrior would have required exceptional skill, bravery, and loyalty, qualities that were essential for the success of David's military campaigns.

Theological Implications:

Zelek's presence among David's mighty men can be seen as a foreshadowing of the New Testament message of inclusion and the breaking down of ethnic barriers through faith in God. His account is a reminder of the transformative power of allegiance to God's chosen leaders and the potential for unity among diverse peoples under God's covenant.

In summary, Zelek the Ammonite, though briefly mentioned, represents the broader narrative of God's work through King David to establish a kingdom that prefigures the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God. His account is a testament to the power of faith and loyalty in overcoming divisions and serving a greater purpose.Zelek

the shadow or noise of him that licks or laps

Cleft, an Ammonite; one of David's valiant men (2 Samuel 23:37). ZELEK

ze'-lek (tseleq, meaning unknown): An Ammonite, one of David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:37 1 Chronicles 11:39).

6768. Tseleq -- an Ammonite hero of David
... 6767d, 6768. Tseleq. 6769 . an Ammonite hero of David. Transliteration: Tseleq
Phonetic Spelling: (tseh'-lek) Short Definition: Zelek. ... Zelek. ...
/hebrew/6768.htm - 6kZelek (2 Occurrences)
...ZELEK. ze'-lek (tseleq, meaning unknown): An Ammonite, one of David's mighty
men (2 Samuel 23:37 1 Chronicles 11:39). ...Zelek (2 Occurrences). ...
/z/zelek.htm - 7k

Naharai (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab
the son of Zeruiah, (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/n/naharai.htm - 7k

Na'harai (2 Occurrences)
... Na'harai (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite,
armor bearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah, (See RSV). ...
/n/na'harai.htm - 6k

Be-er'oth (8 Occurrences)
... RSV). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers
to Joab the son of Zeruiah, (See RSV). 1 Chronicles ...
/b/be-er'oth.htm - 8k

Armourbearer (14 Occurrences)
... together. (KJV). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Nahari the Beerothite,
armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah, (KJV). 1 Chronicles ...
/a/armourbearer.htm - 11k

Armour-bearer (14 Occurrences)
... together. (DBY JPS). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite,
the armour-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, (DBY JPS). 1 ...
/a/armour-bearer.htm - 11k

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)
... three. (See RSV). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite,
armour-bearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah; (See RSV). 1 ...
/z/zeru'iah.htm - 13k

Armor-bearer (15 Occurrences)
... together. (WBS RSV NIV). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite,
armor-bearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah, (WBS RSV). 1 ...
/a/armor-bearer.htm - 12k

Bearer (23 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers
to Joab the son of Zeruiah, (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/bearer.htm - 14k

Ammonite (22 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab
the son of Zeruiah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/a/ammonite.htm - 18k

Who were the mighty men of David? | GotQuestions.org

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