Original Word: שַׁעַלְבֹנִי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Sha`alboniy
Pronunciation: shah-al-bo-nee
Phonetic Spelling: (shah-al-bo-nee')
KJV: Shaalbonite
NASB: Shaalbonite
Word Origin: [patrial from H8169 (שַׁעַלבִּים שַׁעֲלַבִּין - Shaalbim)]

1. a Shaalbonite or inhabitant of Shaalbin

Shaalbonite

Patrial from Sha'albiym; a Shaalbonite or inhabitant of Shaalbin -- Shaalbonite.

see HEBREW Sha'albiym

Word Origin
from Shaalbim
Definition
perhaps an inhab. of Shaalbim
NASB Translation
Shaalbonite (2).

שַׁעַלְבֹנִי adjective, of a people (of foregoing ?); — 2 Samuel 23:32 = 1 Chronicles 11:33; ὁ Σαλβωνείτης, Σαλαβωνι,etc.

Geographical Background

Shaalbonite designates a native or inhabitant of Shaalabbin (also spelled Shaalabbin or Shaalbon), a town allotted to the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:42) on the northwestern slope of the Shephelah, near Aijalon and Gezer. The modern site is often identified with Selbît, roughly twenty miles west-northwest of Jerusalem. Situated along a strategic route between the coastal plain and the hill country, the town served as a frontier settlement where Israel’s covenant community met Canaanite culture, highlighting the importance of faithfulness amid spiritual and military pressures (Judges 18).

Occurrences in Scripture

1. 2 Samuel 23:32: “Eliahba the Shaalbonite; the sons of Jashen; Jonathan.”
2. 1 Chronicles 11:33: “Azmaveth the Baharumite; Eliahba the Shaalbonite.”

In both texts the term appears within the honor roll of David’s “mighty men,” attesting that warriors from Danite territory stood shoulder to shoulder with men from Judah, Benjamin, Gad, and beyond.

Role among David’s Mighty Men

Eliahba the Shaalbonite is listed among “the Thirty,” an elite corps who supported David during his wilderness years and later under his kingship (2 Samuel 23:13–39; 1 Chronicles 11:10–47). Though Eliahba’s personal exploits are not recorded, his inclusion signals proven valor, loyalty, and Spirit-empowered ability (2 Samuel 23:10, 12). The mention of his hometown emphasizes that David’s leadership transcended tribal boundaries. Dan, often portrayed as a tribe with mixed spiritual record, nevertheless produced a champion who contributed to the consolidation of a united monarchy. This underscores the biblical truth that God redeems and employs individuals from every background for His purposes.

Historical Context

The muster of diverse warriors around David took place during the late eleventh and early tenth centuries BC, when Israel transitioned from tribal confederation to centralized kingdom. Shaalabbin’s proximity to Philistine territory rendered it vulnerable to raids, making military courage essential for survival. A seasoned fighter like Eliahba would have been shaped by years of border conflict, fitting him for David’s campaigns against the Philistines, Edomites, Ammonites, and Arameans (2 Samuel 8).

Theological and Ministry Implications

Unity in diversity: The Shaalbonite’s presence among Judahite and Benjaminite heroes foreshadows the New Testament principle of one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12:12).

Faithfulness from obscure places: Scripture remembers Eliahba’s faith, not his fame. God records the names of those who stand firm in hostile environments, assuring believers that steadfast service in small locales is celebrated in heaven (Hebrews 6:10).

Covenant continuity: By repeating the title “Shaalbonite” in both Samuel and Chronicles, the inspired writers reinforce historical reliability and covenant continuity across generations, encouraging confidence in the trustworthiness of God’s Word (Psalm 119:160).

Archaeological and Later Jewish Tradition

Surface surveys at Selbît have uncovered pottery from the Late Bronze and Iron Ages, supporting continuous occupation during the Judges and Monarchy periods. Rabbinic literature mentions Shaalabbin primarily when listing Danite towns, offering no further legends concerning Eliahba. The scarcity of later embellishment may reflect the biblical pattern of honoring genuine service without exaggeration.

Christological and Eschatological Reflections

David’s mighty men prefigure the Messiah’s army of faithful followers who overcome through obedience to their King (Revelation 19:14). The Shaalbonite’s inclusion hints at the gathering of a remnant from every tribe, pointing forward to the consummate unity of God’s people in the reign of Jesus Christ.

הַשַּׁ֣עַלְבֹנִ֔י הַשַּׁעַלְבֹנִֽי׃ השעלבני השעלבני׃ haš·ša·‘al·ḇō·nî hashShaalvoNi hašša‘alḇōnîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts