In the intricate genealogies of the tribe of Asher, the name Helem stands as a mark of strength and brotherhood. He was a son of Heber and the brother of Shamer, Jephlunneth, and Pispa. His life is recorded within the context of a tribe known for its abundance and its warriors—men who were “choice and mighty men of valour” and “chief of the princes.”
The account of Helem is found in 1 Chronicles 7:35, where his lineage is established among the heads of the houses of Asher:
“And the sons of his brother Helem; Zophah, and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal.”
As a leader within his tribe, Helem was part of a generation that understood the necessity of being “apt to the war and to battle.” The sons of Asher were noted for their discipline and their ability to provide for the kingdom while maintaining a military readiness that honored the Lord. Helem’s inclusion in this list signifies a man who ruled his own house well, raising sons who were counted among the thousands of the tribal host.
His name, which carries the meaning of “dream” or “strength,” reflects the dual nature of a life lived in faith: the vision to see what God has promised and the fortitude to lay hold of it. Helem was not a man who stood alone; he was a brother who supported his kin and a father who built a legacy. In the economy of God’s kingdom, the quiet faithfulness of a man like Helem ensures that the entire body is fitly joined together and strengthened for the tasks ahead.
Individuals Named Helem
The Holy Scriptures provide us with two distinct contexts for the name Helem, representing both a historical figure of the lineage of Asher and a symbolic figure in the prophetic restoration of Israel.
- Helem (of Asher): The son of Heber and brother of Shomer (Shamer), as recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:35. He was a prince of his tribe and a father of mighty men who served the interests of Israel during the period of tribal settlement and growth.
- Helem (The Captive): In the prophetic book of Zechariah 6:14, the name Helem appears again, though many scholars and the marginal notes of the KJV suggest this may be an alternate name for Heldai, one of the exiles who returned from Babylon with gold and silver. This Helem (or Heldai) contributed to the crowns placed upon the head of Joshua the high priest, serving as a “memorial in the temple of the Lord.”
“And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the Lord.”
Whether these are two men or one man known by two names, the truth remains: Helem represents those who give of their substance and their strength to see the glory of the Lord’s house restored.