The Helekites are a lesser-known group mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal divisions of Israel. They are identified as a clan within the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name "Helekites" is derived from Helek, who was a descendant of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. The Helekites are mentioned in the genealogical records that outline the subdivisions of the tribe of Manasseh.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the Helekites is found in the Book of Numbers, which details the census of the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. In Numbers 26:30, the Berean Standard Bible states: "These were the descendants of Gilead: the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek." This passage is part of a larger genealogical record that lists the families and clans within the tribe of Manasseh.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Helekites, as part of the tribe of Manasseh, were descendants of Joseph, one of the patriarchs of Israel. Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were adopted by Jacob (Israel) and each received a portion of the inheritance, effectively making them tribes of their own. The tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it was divided into two half-tribes, with one portion settling on the east side of the Jordan River and the other on the west.

The Helekites, being part of the western half-tribe of Manasseh, would have settled in the region of Canaan that was allocated to them during the conquest led by Joshua. This area included parts of the fertile Jezreel Valley and extended to the northern territories. The land was known for its agricultural potential, which would have been significant for the sustenance and prosperity of the Helekite clan.

Theological Significance:

The mention of the Helekites, though brief, contributes to the broader narrative of God's covenant with Israel. The detailed genealogies and tribal divisions underscore the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the multiplication of their descendants and the inheritance of the land. Each clan, including the Helekites, played a role in the unfolding of Israel's history and the establishment of the nation in the Promised Land.

The Helekites, like other clans, were part of the collective identity of Israel as God's chosen people. Their inclusion in the biblical record serves as a reminder of the importance of family lineage and the continuity of God's covenantal promises through successive generations. The Helekites, though not prominent in biblical narratives, are a testament to the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and fulfilling His divine plan.2516. Chelqi -- descendant of Helek
... Chelqi. 2517 . descendant of Helek. Transliteration: Chelqi Phonetic Spelling:
(khel-kee') Short Definition: Helekites. ... of Helek NASB Word Usage Helekites (1). ...
/hebrew/2516.htm - 6kHelekites (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Helekites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:30 These are
the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the family of the Iezerites ...
/h/helekites.htm - 6k

He'lekites (1 Occurrence)
He'lekites. Helekites, He'lekites. Helem . Multi-Version Concordance He'lekites
(1 Occurrence). ... Helekites, He'lekites. Helem . Reference Bible.
/h/he'lekites.htm - 6k

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 ...
/h/helekite.htm - 6k

Helek (2 Occurrences)
... HELEK. he'-lek chelekh): Son of Gilead the Manassite (Numbers 26:30 Joshua 17:2).
Patronymic, Helekites (Numbers 26:30). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/h/helek.htm - 7k

Jeezerites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites:
of Helek, the family of the Helekites: (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/j/jeezerites.htm - 6k

Jeezer (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites:
of Helek, the family of the Helekites: (KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/j/jeezer.htm - 7k

Jeezerite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites:
of Helek, the family of the Helekites: (Root in KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/j/jeezerite.htm - 6k

Iezerite (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 JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/i/iezerite.htm - 6k

Ie'zer (1 Occurrence)
... Ie'zer (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; (See RSV). ...
/i/ie'zer.htm - 6k

Iezer (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; (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/i/iezer.htm - 7k

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