Who was Barhumite?

The Barhumite refers to Zelek the Barhumite, one of King David’s mighty warriors listed in the historical records of Israel’s united monarchy. The designation Barhumite (Hebrew: בַּרְחוּמִי, Barḥumi) identifies Zelek as a native of Bahurim, a small village or area in the territory of Benjamin. Zelek is mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:37 and the parallel list in 1 Chronicles 11:39, where he is honored among the elite group known as David’s Mighty Men (Gibborim in Hebrew).

Though Zelek is mentioned only briefly, his inclusion in this prestigious list suggests a man of remarkable bravery, loyalty, and military prowess during David’s reign. His origin as a Barhumite also situates him geographically and perhaps socially in the Benjamite region, which had complex historical relations with David’s tribe, Judah.

Biblical References

• 2 Samuel 23:37 – “Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah.”

• 1 Chronicles 11:39 – “Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah.”

Interestingly, there is a textual tension between the references. While 2 Samuel 23:37 identifies Zelek as “the Ammonite,” it is likely that he was from Bahurim, hence referred to as the Barhumite in some traditions. Some manuscripts and translations alternate between these identifiers, possibly reflecting both his ethnic background (Ammonite) and geographic origin (Barhumite/Bahurim). Scholars have debated whether “Barhumite” is an alternate reading or a copyist variant of “Ammonite,” but the term “Barhumite” persists in some biblical traditions and lexicons.

What Happened in the Bible?

Zelek the Barhumite appears on the official roster of David’s Mighty Men—a group of elite soldiers renowned for their extraordinary acts of valor, loyalty, and service to the king. While the Bible does not record any specific military feat performed by Zelek, his name is preserved in this roll of honor, which spans from 2 Samuel 23:8-39 and 1 Chronicles 11:10-47. This group played a crucial role in securing David’s kingship and defending Israel’s national interests against various enemies, including the Philistines and other neighboring tribes.

Zelek is listed alongside other warriors like Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Eleazar son of Dodai, and Shammah the Hararite, many of whom are remembered for singlehanded acts of courage in battle. That Zelek is included in this cohort shows that he lived out a life of bravery in service to God’s anointed king.

Broader Biblical Themes

Loyalty and Honor in Service to God’s Anointed

Zelek’s role as a Barhumite in David’s mighty men exemplifies the biblical theme of loyalty to God‘s chosen king. Despite being an outsider—possibly an Ammonite or from the region of Bahurim, a place with mixed loyalties during David’s reign (cf. 2 Samuel 16)—Zelek pledged allegiance to David. This anticipates the inclusion of Gentiles and foreigners in the redemptive plan of God, a key message that surfaces more fully in the New Testament.

God’s Sovereignty in Using the Marginalized

Zelek’s brief mention reveals how God honors the contributions of even lesser-known or marginalized individuals in His grand narrative. The mention of a non-Israelite (if indeed “Ammonite” is the correct reading) in the royal guard of Israel points to a sovereign God who raises up whomever He wills to fulfill His purposes.

The Unseen Faithfulness of the Saints

Zelek’s story is a reminder of the many faithful servants in the Bible who are named but not spotlighted. Their faithfulness is not forgotten by God, even if their deeds go unrecorded. This echoes the truth of Hebrews 6:10: “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him.”

What This Means for Today’s Christians

Today’s believers can draw several lessons from the life and example of Zelek the Barhumite:

• Faithfulness matters even when no one sees. Zelek’s deeds are not recorded in detail, yet he is remembered in Scripture as one of the mighty.

• God uses people from all backgrounds. If Zelek was indeed an Ammonite or from a politically divided region like Bahurim, his inclusion in David’s forces shows that God’s kingdom transcends human boundaries and ethnic lines.

• Courage and loyalty are still virtues to be cultivated. In a time when standing for truth and righteousness is increasingly difficult, Zelek’s silent legacy reminds us that valiant faith in the service of the true King still matters.

How Zelek the Barhumite Points to Jesus

Though obscure, Zelek’s life points us to Jesus Christ in several ways:

• Zelek served the anointed king, David. In doing so, he reflects the devotion of all who follow Jesus, the greater Son of David, the Messiah (cf. Matthew 1:1).

• He represents the Gentiles who served God’s purposes. Just as Ruth the Moabite and Uriah the Hittite played roles in Israel’s story, Zelek anticipates the gathering of the nations to the banner of Christ (cf. Isaiah 11:10).

• He foreshadows the nameless, faithful servants of the kingdom. Just as Zelek stood with David in battle, Christians are called to stand with Christ, the true and eternal King, even when the world is against Him.

Cross-References

• Bahurim – the region Zelek may have been from (2 Samuel 3:16; 2 Samuel 16:5-8)

• David’s Mighty Men – 2 Samuel 23:8-39; 1 Chronicles 11:10-47

• Loyalty of foreigners to David – e.g., Ittai the Gittite (2 Samuel 15:19-22)

• Gentile inclusion in God’s plan – Isaiah 56:6-8; Ephesians 2:11-13

• Faithfulness of the unknown saints – Hebrews 11:32-38

Broader Biblical Themes

1. The Quiet Valor of the Faithful

Zelek’s silent presence among the mighty men reminds us that kingdom faithfulness is often uncelebrated by the world but remembered by God. In the church today, many serve behind the scenes—praying, laboring, giving—without recognition, yet their faithfulness is recorded in heaven.

2. God’s Kingdom Includes the Nations

Zelek possibly being an Ammonite reinforces the missionary theme of Scripture. From the promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3) to the nations gathered around the throne in Revelation 7:9, God has always intended to include the Gentiles. Zelek’s role in David’s army is a shadow of this greater plan.

3. Christ as the Greater King

The Mighty Men serve David, but David himself is a type of Christ, the King to whom all believers owe allegiance. Just as Zelek committed himself to David‘s cause, the church is called to stand courageously and loyally in the service of King Jesus, even in times of great cost.

Reflection Questions

1. Are you willing to serve Christ faithfully even if your name is never publicly recognized?

2. How does Zelek’s story encourage you to view your own spiritual battles?

3. What does Zelek’s inclusion among David’s men say about God’s heart for people from all backgrounds?

4. In what ways are you demonstrating courage and loyalty in your walk with Christ?

5. How can the example of Zelek inspire your service to others in the church and the world?

Zelek the Barhumite, though a minor figure in Scripture, stands as a lasting reminder that God values faithful service, courageous allegiance, and loyal hearts, even when the world does not. His name, preserved in the biblical record, points forward to the greater King, Jesus Christ, and the eternal reward promised to all who stand firm to the end.