Lexical Summary Chelday: Heldai Original Word: חֶלְדַּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Heldai From cheled; worldliness; Cheldai, the name of two Israelites -- Heldai. see HEBREW cheled NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as choled Definition two Isr. NASB Translation Heldai (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֶלְדַּי proper name, masculine 1. one of David's heroes 1 Chronicles 27:15 (= חֵלֶד 1 Chronicles 11:30 = חֵלֶב 2 Samuel 23:29) ᵐ5 Ξολδεια (#NAME?), ᵐ5L Ολδια. 2 a returned exile Zechariah 6:10 (omitted by ᵐ5) = חֵלֶם Zechariah 6:14. Topical Lexicon Name and Background חֶלְדַּי (Heldai) derives from a root meaning “mole” or “worldly,” but Scripture associates the man more with steadfast service than with any negative nuance. The form “Heldai” appears twice, though in Zechariah 6:10 he is also called “Helem” in verse 14, indicating a possible alternate name or honorific. Occurrences 1 Chronicles 27:15 – Heldai the Netophathite, of the sons of Othni, commands the twelfth division of King David’s standing army for the twelfth month. Zechariah 6:10 – Heldai returns from Babylon with Tobijah and Jedaiah; along with Josiah (Hen) he contributes silver and gold that become a prophetic crown for Joshua the high priest. Historical Setting Davidic Period David organizes Israel’s military into twelve month-long rotating divisions (1 Chronicles 27). Heldai’s leadership of the twelfth division places him among thirty-six elite officers (twelve captains, each aided by tribal chiefs and mighty men). Netophathite lineage links him with warriors like Maharai and Heleb (2 Samuel 23:28-29), reflecting the strategic importance of villages south of Bethlehem. Serving in the final month likely synchronized with the agricultural cycle when farmers could be spared for royal duty, underscoring David’s balanced administration of worship, work, and warfare. Post-exilic Period More than five centuries later, a second Heldai surfaces among Jewish returnees bringing offerings from Babylon to Jerusalem (Zechariah 6:10). Their generosity occurs “the same day” Zechariah receives a vision of four chariots (Zechariah 6:1-8) announcing divine sovereignty over the nations. The prophet is commanded to “take silver and gold from the exiles… and make a crown” (Zechariah 6:11). Their gifts become a tangible oracle: Joshua the high priest is crowned, prefiguring the Branch who will unite priesthood and kingship (Zechariah 6:12-13). Military Significance Heldai’s role in David’s army illustrates the king’s policy of inclusive leadership drawn from beyond Judah’s core cities. Netophathite officers demonstrate that loyalty, not geography, defines membership in the kingdom’s service. Heldai oversees twenty-four thousand soldiers, a trust implying proven courage and administrative skill. His month would correspond roughly to our late February–March, a threshold between campaigns and spring rains, requiring readiness for sudden engagement or defense. Prophetic Significance In Zechariah, Heldai’s donation plays into a symbolic coronation uniting priestly and royal motifs. His name links two eras: the first Heldai upholds Davidic rule; the second funds a prophecy of the future Davidic-priestly Messiah. Thus Heldai becomes a thread tying the monarchy of Israel’s past to the eschatological hope of “the Branch,” emphasizing continuity in God’s redemptive plan. Theological Implications 1. Faithful Stewardship – Whether leading troops or surrendering treasure, both Heldais model responsible use of God-given resources. Practical Lessons • Obscurity is no barrier to significance; a man mentioned only twice still advances God’s purposes. See Also Helem (Zechariah 6:14) – alternate designation of Heldai in the same narrative. Netophathite – clan noted for military valor (2 Samuel 23:28-29). Joshua son of Jehozadak – high priest crowned in Zechariah’s oracle. Forms and Transliterations חֶלְדַּ֥י חלדי מֵחֶלְדַּ֕י מחלדי chelDai ḥel·day ḥelday mê·ḥel·day mechelDai mêḥeldayLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 27:15 HEB: עָשָׂ֣ר הַחֹ֔דֶשׁ חֶלְדַּ֥י הַנְּטוֹפָתִ֖י לְעָתְנִיאֵ֑ל NAS: month [was] Heldai the Netophathite KJV: month [was] Heldai the Netophathite, INT: ten month Heldai the Netophathite of Othniel Zechariah 6:10 2 Occurrences |