Ilai
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ilai in the Bible?
Ilai was a mighty man of David, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 11:29 and also referred to as Zalmon in 2 Samuel 23:28.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Ilai as a Benjamite clarifies the tribal composition of David's elite guard, demonstrating the king's strategy of integrating loyalists from his home tribe into the core of his military leadership.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ilai reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ilai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ilai clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
1 Chronicles 11:292 Samuel 23:28
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ilai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ilai/