Early Access: Sign up to unlock all Pro features free through the end of 2026.
Biblexika

Elika

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleDavid's warrior

Elika the Harodite was one of David's mighty men (2Sa.23.25).

Elika illustration
Elika

Biography

Elika the Harodite was one of King David's renowned elite warriors, listed among the Thirty, the corps of exceptional soldiers celebrated for their battlefield courage and loyalty to the king (2 Samuel 23:25). The designation "Harodite" indicates he came from Harod, a place associated with Gideon's encampment in the valley of Jezreel (Judges 7:1). Though the biblical text preserves his name without attaching specific exploits to it, his inclusion in the list of David's mighty men is itself an honor, these warriors were distinguished by extraordinary valor and service in the campaigns that secured and expanded David's kingdom. Their collective faithfulness helped establish the political and military foundation upon which Solomon's peaceful reign was later built.

Significance

Elika the Harodite, though known only by name in the biblical record, represents the indispensable company of loyal warriors through whom God worked to establish David's kingdom. The list of David's mighty men in 2 Samuel 23 functions theologically as a testament to corporate faithfulness, the kingdom of God's anointed was upheld not by one man alone but by a community of devoted servants. These warriors foreshadow the community of those who serve the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ, whose kingdom likewise advances through the faithful service of often-unheralded disciples. Elika's inclusion reminds readers that God honors fidelity even when history does not record its details.

Verse Appearances (1)

References

  1. Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
  2. Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
  3. Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
  4. Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources