Zillethai is a lesser-known figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. His name appears in the context of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name "Zillethai" is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is not definitively established, it is often thought to mean "my shadow is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my protection," reflecting a common practice of the Israelites to incorporate the name of God into personal names as a testament to their faith and reliance on divine protection.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 8:20 · Zillethai is listed among the descendants of Benjamin, specifically within the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. The verse states: "Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel." This brief mention places Zillethai within the broader context of the Benjamite lineage, highlighting the importance of family and tribal connections in the biblical narrative.

2. 1 Chronicles 12:20 · In this passage, Zillethai is identified as one of the warriors who joined David at Ziklag. The verse reads: "As he went to Ziklag, there defected to him from Manasseh, Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, commanders of thousands in Manasseh." This reference underscores Zillethai's role as a leader and a man of valor, aligning himself with David during a critical period in David's rise to kingship. His allegiance to David signifies a commitment to the anointed king of Israel, reflecting the loyalty and courage expected of the men who supported David.

Historical and Theological Context:

Zillethai's inclusion in the genealogical and military records of the Chronicles serves as a testament to the importance of lineage and loyalty in the history of Israel. The Chronicler's emphasis on genealogies is not merely a record-keeping exercise but a theological statement about the continuity of God's covenant with His people through the generations. Zillethai's association with the tribe of Manasseh and his support of David highlight the unity and diversity within the tribes of Israel, as well as the divine orchestration of events leading to the establishment of David's kingdom.

Theologically, Zillethai's account, though brief, contributes to the larger narrative of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. His participation in the support of David can be seen as part of the divine plan to establish a kingdom that would ultimately lead to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, from the line of David. The loyalty and bravery of individuals like Zillethai are celebrated as part of the unfolding account of redemption and God's sovereign purposes in history.ZILLETHAI

zil'-e-thi, zil-e'-tha-i (tsillethay, meaning uncertain; the King James Version Zilthai):

(1) A Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:20).

(2) A Manassite who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:20 (Hebrew verse 21)).

6769. Tsillethay -- "shady," two Israelites
... "shady," two Israelites. Transliteration: Tsillethay Phonetic Spelling:
(tsil-leth-ah'-ee) Short Definition: Zillethai. ... NASB Word Usage Zillethai (2). Zilthai. ...
/hebrew/6769.htm - 6kZillethai (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZILLETHAI. ...Zillethai (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles
8:20 and Elienai, and Zillethai, and Eliel, (WEB JPS ASV BBE YLT NAS NIV). ...
/z/zillethai.htm - 7k

Zil'lethai (2 Occurrences)
Zil'lethai. Zillethai, Zil'lethai. Zillthai . ... Zil'lethai (2 Occurrences). 1
Chronicles 8:20 and Elienai, and Zillethai, and Eliel; (See RSV). ...
/z/zil'lethai.htm - 6k

Zillah (3 Occurrences)

/z/zillah.htm - 7k

Units (14 Occurrences)
... 12:20 As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and
Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of ...
/u/units.htm - 10k

Jediael (6 Occurrences)
... 12:20 As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and
Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of ...
/j/jediael.htm - 9k

Jozabad (10 Occurrences)
... 12:20 As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and
Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of ...
/j/jozabad.htm - 11k

Jedi'a-el (5 Occurrences)
... 12:20 As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and
Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of ...
/j/jedi'a-el.htm - 7k

Joz'abad (2 Occurrences)
... 12:20 As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and
Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of ...
/j/joz'abad.htm - 7k

Eliel (10 Occurrences)
... YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 8:20 and Elienai, and Zillethai, and Eliel,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 8:22 ...
/e/eliel.htm - 10k

Eli'hu (11 Occurrences)
... 12:20 As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and
Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of ...
/e/eli'hu.htm - 8k

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