The term "Helekite" refers to a descendant or member of the family of Helek, a lesser-known figure in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel. Helek is mentioned in the context of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Helekites are thus associated with the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled on the west side of the Jordan River.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to Helek and the Helekites is found in the Book of Numbers, which details the genealogies and divisions of the tribes of Israel. In Numbers 26:30, the descendants of Gilead, the son of Machir, are listed, and Helek is mentioned as one of the sons of Gilead:

"The descendants of Gilead were the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek" (Numbers 26:30).

This passage is part of a larger census taken by Moses and Eleazar the priest, which was conducted to determine the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. The census was significant for establishing the inheritance rights and territorial boundaries for each tribe and clan.

Tribal Context:

The tribe of Manasseh, to which the Helekites belonged, was one of the two tribes descended from Joseph, the son of Jacob. Manasseh, along with Ephraim, was blessed by Jacob in Genesis 48, where Jacob adopted them as his own sons, thus granting them a portion among the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it was divided into two half-tribes, with one half settling east of the Jordan River and the other half settling to the west.

The Helekites, as part of the western half-tribe of Manasseh, would have been involved in the conquest and settlement of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. The land allotted to the western half-tribe of Manasseh included territories in the region of Samaria, which later became significant in the history of Israel.

Historical and Theological Significance:

While the Helekites are not prominently featured in biblical narratives, their inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. The genealogies served not only as historical records but also as a means of preserving the covenantal promises made by God to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Theologically, the mention of the Helekites and other clans within the tribes of Israel highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Abraham's descendants and give them a land of their own. Each clan and family played a role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, contributing to the larger narrative of Israel's history and its relationship with God.

In summary, the Helekites, though not a major focus in the biblical text, represent the broader theme of God's faithfulness to His people and the intricate tapestry of Israel's tribal structure. Their presence in the genealogies serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the tribes of Israel and their place in the biblical account.Helekite (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 26:30
These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the family of the Iezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Helekite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Helekite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:30 These are
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