Zalmon
Zalmon, also known as Ilai, was one of King David's mighty men, hailing from Ahlai.
Biography
Zalmon, also identified as Ilai the Ahohite, was a member of David's elite fighting force known as the Thirty (2 Samuel 23:28; 1 Chronicles 11:29). He hailed from Ahlai, though his precise tribal affiliation within Israel is not fully detailed. The Thirty were the second tier of David's celebrated mighty men, below the Three but still exceptional warriors whose deeds helped secure Israel's borders and David's kingdom. The dual name Zalmon/Ilai may reflect a common ancient Near Eastern practice of individuals bearing both a personal and a clan-based name. His inclusion in this distinguished register marks him as a proven soldier in Israel's formative period of unified monarchy.
Significance
Zalmon's place among David's mighty men speaks to the broader theological theme of God raising up skilled and courageous individuals to protect and establish his chosen king. The roster of David's warriors in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11 functions as more than a military record; it is a testimony to the communal faithfulness that undergirded the Davidic kingdom. Zalmon, though lacking a recorded individual exploit, represents the essential supporting cast of Israel's golden age, warriors whose collective valor enabled David to fulfill his calling as the shepherd-king and precursor to the messianic ruler.
Verse Appearances (2)
2Sam
1Chr
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]