The Hebrew word Shaʻalbônîy, represented by H8170, is a patrial term defined as a Shaalbonite or inhabitant of Shaalbin. This identifier, derived from a place name, appears 2 times in 2 unique verses. Its sole function in scripture is to specify the geographic origin of an individual.
In the biblical narrative, H8170 is used exclusively to identify Eliahba, one of King David's mighty men. Both occurrences are found within lists cataloging these elite warriors. In 2 Samuel 23:32, the text reads, "Eliahba the Shaalbonite." A parallel account in 1 Chronicles 11:33 likewise identifies "Eliahba the Shaalbonite" among the valiant men who served David, placing him alongside other noted fighters.
Several related words provide context for the identity of the Shaalbonite and those listed with him:
- H455 ʼElyachbâʼ (God will hide; Eljachba, an Israelite; Eliahbah): This is the name of the individual who is identified as the Shaalbonite in both of his biblical mentions (2 Samuel 23:32, 1 Chronicles 11:33).
- H3464 Yâshên (Jashen, an Israelite; Jashen): Mentioned in the list of mighty men, where some of the warriors are referred to as the "sons of Jashen" immediately following the reference to Eliahba 2 Samuel 23:32.
- H3083 Yᵉhôwnâthân (Jehovah-given; Jehonathan...; Jonathan): The name of another warrior listed in the same verse as Eliahba the Shaalbonite 2 Samuel 23:32.
- H978 Bachărûwmîy (a Bacharumite or inhabitant of Bachurim; Baharumite): A similar patrial term used to describe another of David's men, Azmaveth, in the same list as Eliahba 1 Chronicles 11:33.
- H5820 ʻAzmâveth (strong one of death; Azmaveth...): The name of the "Baharumite" warrior listed just before Eliahba in the 1 Chronicles account 1 Chronicles 11:33.
- H1121 bên (a son (as a builder of the family name)): This word is used to establish lineage within the list of mighty men, such as "the sons of Jashen" 2 Samuel 23:32.
The significance of H8170 is rooted in its role within the historical record of David's kingdom.
- Geographic Identification: The term firmly grounds a biblical figure, Eliahba, to a specific location, Shaalbin. This use of patrials adds a layer of historical and geographical detail to the lists of David's mighty men.
- Preservation of Legacy: Its inclusion in two separate historical accounts (2 Samuel 23:32, 1 Chronicles 11:33) highlights the importance of recording the origins of those who served the king, ensuring their identity was not lost to time.
- Diversity of David's Men: By identifying a "Shaalbonite" alongside a "Baharumite" and others, the text implicitly shows that David's loyal followers were drawn from various clans and towns across the land.
In summary, H8170 is a specific patrial noun used to denote the origin of one of David's mighty men, Eliahba. It does not carry theological weight on its own, but its presence in the biblical record is significant for historical documentation. It provides precision, preserves the identity of a loyal warrior, and illustrates the diverse composition of King David's inner circle.
TRV