What Was Zela in the Bible?
A City in the Territory of Benjamin
Zela, referred to in Hebrew as צֵלָע (Tzela), meaning “rib” or “side,” was a city mentioned in the Old Testament. It played a role in the biblical history of Israel, particularly in the inheritance of the tribes and in certain notable events during the reign of King David. Though not extensively detailed in the Scriptures, its mention provides a glimpse into the geographical and historical context of ancient Israel.
Zela in the Inheritance of Benjamin
The first mention of Zela occurs in Joshua 18:28, where it is listed among the cities allocated to the tribe of Benjamin. After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, the land was divided among the twelve tribes, and each tribe was given specific territories. Zela was part of this division, indicating that it held some importance within the region given to Benjamin.
The tribe of Benjamin occupied a central region in the land of Canaan, and its territory included cities that would later be significant in Israel’s history, such as Jerusalem and Gibeah. The inclusion of Zela in this list shows its connection to the broader narrative of the Israelites settling in the Promised Land, a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7).
The Burial of Saul and Jonathan in Zela
One of the most significant events associated with Zela is found in 2 Samuel 21:14. After a severe famine struck Israel during King David’s reign, David sought to rectify the bloodguilt incurred by Saul, the first king of Israel, against the Gibeonites. To atone for this sin, seven of Saul’s descendants were handed over to the Gibeonites, who killed them as retribution.
Afterward, David retrieved the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan, which had been left exposed since their deaths in battle against the Philistines. He brought their remains to Zela, where they were buried in the tomb of Kish, Saul’s father. This act of burial was significant in that it honored the fallen king and his son, providing them a proper resting place in the land of their inheritance.
The location of Zela as the burial site for Saul and Jonathan underscores its importance as a city with historical and familial significance within the tribe of Benjamin.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Respecting the Past and Honoring Legacies
The story of Zela reminds modern Christians of the importance of honoring the past and respecting legacies. David’s decision to bury Saul and Jonathan in Zela was an act of honor and respect, acknowledging their roles in Israel’s history, despite Saul’s tragic fall from grace. Similarly, Christians today are called to respect and honor those who have come before us, recognizing the impact of their lives on our faith and spiritual heritage.
The Importance of Restitution and Reconciliation
The events leading up to the burial at Zela also teach the value of restitution and reconciliation. David’s actions to make amends for Saul’s wrongs show the necessity of addressing past sins to restore peace and righteousness. For Christians, this is a powerful reminder of the need for confession, repentance, and making things right with others, as taught by Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 5:23-24).
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness in the Allotment of the Land
The mention of Zela in the allotment to the tribe of Benjamin serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His promises. The division of the land among the tribes was a fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham. Each city and territory, including Zela, was a tangible sign of God’s provision and care for His people.
For modern Christians, this reinforces the truth that God is faithful to His promises. Just as He provided for the Israelites, He continues to provide for us today, ensuring that His promises are fulfilled in our lives (Philippians 4:19).
God’s Sovereignty Over History
The burial of Saul and Jonathan in Zela reflects God’s sovereignty over the events of history. Even in the aftermath of tragedy and judgment, God orchestrated events to bring about honor and closure. This underscores the belief that God is in control, guiding history according to His purposes, even when human understanding is limited.
Christians can take comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over the past, present, and future. He works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), just as He worked through the events surrounding Zela.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Fulfillment of God’s Promises in Christ
The allotment of Zela and the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham foreshadow the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ. Just as God provided an inheritance for the tribes of Israel, He provides a spiritual inheritance for all who are in Christ. Through Jesus, believers receive the promise of eternal life and the inheritance of the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 1:11).
Burial and Resurrection
The burial of Saul and Jonathan in Zela points forward to the significance of burial in the Christian faith. Just as David honored Saul and Jonathan with a proper burial, Jesus was buried after His crucifixion, fulfilling the Scriptures. However, unlike Saul and Jonathan, Jesus did not remain in the grave. His resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death.
For Christians, Zela’s association with burial reminds us of the importance of Jesus’ death and burial, but more importantly, it points us to the hope of the resurrection and the life that comes through Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
Conclusion
Zela, though a seemingly obscure city in the Bible, holds significant lessons and connections for believers today. Its role in the tribal allotment, the burial of Israel’s first king, and its mention in Scripture highlight God’s faithfulness, the importance of honoring legacies, and the need for reconciliation. Additionally, Zela’s story serves as a reminder of the greater promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ, offering believers a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty and love throughout history. As we reflect on Zela, we are encouraged to trust in God’s faithfulness, honor those who have gone before us, and live in the hope of the resurrection that is ours in Christ.
References:
– Joshua 18:28 – Zela, Haeleph, the Jebusite city (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah and Kiriath—fourteen towns and their villages. This was the inheritance of Benjamin for its clans.
– 2 Samuel 21:14 – They buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish, at Zela in Benjamin, and did everything the king commanded. After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land.