### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Chelday**, represented by `{{H2469}}`, means **worldliness** and is used as the name **Heldai** for two different Israelites. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, highlighting specific individuals in Israel's history rather than a common concept.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two appearances of `{{H2469}}` place these individuals in distinct historical contexts. In 1 Chronicles, one Heldai is identified as a military leader, the twelfth **captain** for the twelfth **month** `{{H2320}}` in a rotating military division that included twenty-four thousand men [[1 Chronicles 27:15]]. This Heldai was a Netophathite `{{H5200}}` from the lineage of Othniel `{{H6274}}`. In a completely different setting, the prophet Zechariah is instructed to take silver and gold from a different Heldai, who was among the exiles that had **come** `{{H935}}` from **Babylon** `{{H894}}` [[Zechariah 6:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the roles of the two men named Heldai:
* `{{H5200}}` **Nᵉṭôphâthîy** (Netophathite): This patronymic term identifies the first Heldai as an **inhabitant of Netophah**, providing a geographical or clan-based identity within Israel's military structure [[1 Chronicles 27:15]].
* `{{H4256}}` **machălôqeth** (course): This word, meaning a **section** or **division**, is used to describe the organized military unit that Heldai commanded, emphasizing the structured nature of his service [[1 Chronicles 27:15]].
* `{{H1473}}` **gôwlâh** (captivity): This term is central to the identity of the second Heldai, defining him and his companions as **exiles** who had returned from Babylon, a status that was key to the prophetic act in Zechariah's time [[Zechariah 6:10]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H2469}}` is tied to the two individuals who bear the name, each representing a different era of Israel's story.
* **Military Organization:** The first Heldai, as a captain in his **course** `{{H4256}}`, illustrates the highly organized civil and military administration of the Israelite kingdom. His mention is part of a detailed list of officials, underscoring a period of national order and strength [[1 Chronicles 27:15]].
* **Post-Exilic Restoration:** The second Heldai represents the faithful remnant returning from **captivity** `{{H1473}}`. His contribution, along with that of Tobijah `{{H2900}}` and Jedaiah `{{H3048}}`, is part of a prophetic instruction from God, symbolizing the rebuilding of the community and its leadership after the exile in **Babylon** `{{H894}}` [[Zechariah 6:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2469}}` is the name Heldai, assigned to two Israelites in scripture. Though the name itself is rare, its use points to two significant aspects of Israel's history. One Heldai represents the established order and military structure of the kingdom, while the other is a participant in God's work of restoration for the people returning from exile. The name connects a legacy of organized service with the hope of a renewed community.
TRV