Now these are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who showed themselves strong with him in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to Yahweh’s word concerning Israel.
This is the number of the mighty men whom David had: Jashobeam, the son of a Hachmonite, the chief of the thirty; he lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them at one time. After him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men. He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where there was a plot of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines. They stood in the middle of the plot, defended it, and killed the Philistines; and Yahweh saved them by a great victory. Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the army of the Philistines were encamped in the valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was in Bethlehem at that time. David longed, and said, “Oh that one would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!”
The three broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David; but David would not drink any of it, but poured it out to Yahweh, and said, “My God forbid me, that I should do this! Shall I drink the blood of these men who have put their lives in jeopardy?” For they risked their lives to bring it. Therefore he would not drink it. The three mighty men did these things.
Abishai, the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three; for he lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three. Of the three, he was more honorable than the two, and was made their captain; however he wasn’t included in the three. Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in the middle of a pit on a snowy day. He killed an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high. In the Egyptian’s hand was a spear like a weaver’s beam; and he went down to him with a staff, plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear. Benaiah the son of Jehoiada did these things, and had a name among the three mighty men. Behold, he was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn’t attain to the three; and David set him over his guard.
The mighty men of the armies also include Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite, Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shagee the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur, Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite, Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai, Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Hagri, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armor bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai, Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with him, Hanan the son of Maacah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite, Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite, Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite, Eliel, and Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv11, 12, 14, 15, 19, 22, 25, 27, 29 Meaning, the most excellent and best esteemed for his…
Meaning, the most excellent and best esteemed for his valiantness: some read, the chief of the princes.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 26, 39, 41, 42 1Ch 11:10 These also [are] the chief of the…
1Ch 11:10 These also [are] the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, [and] with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.
Ver. 10. These also are the chief of the mighties.] The same catalogue of David’s worthies we have in 2Sa 23:1-39, but here with a more ample inscription. Christ hath his heroes also, who in their several generations have done "worthily in Ephrata," and been "famous in Bethlehem." And if their names be not all registered on earth, yet they are "written in heaven," and shall one day be renowned in that great amphitheatre. {Heb 12:22-23}
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Who strengthened themselves with him.] Where God intendeth to raise or preserve kingdoms and states, he giveth and gifteth men for the purpose; as he did for Alexander the Great, for the Romans, and for our Queen Elizabeth.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv10, 11, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 32, 34, 38, 41, 42, 44, 46 Who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom; who…
Who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom; who helped him with all their might to settle him in his kingdom.
With all Israel; in conjunction with all those loyal Israelites who joined with David; of whom see the next chapter.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v10 We have here an account of David's worthies, the…
We have here an account of David's worthies, the great men of his time that served him and were preferred by him. The first edition of this catalogue we had, Sa2 23:8, etc. This is much the same, only that those named here from Ch1 11:41 to the end are added. Observe,
I. The connexion of this catalogue with that which is said concerning David, Ch1 11:9. 1. David waxed greater and greater, and these were his mighty men. Much of the strength and honour of great men is borrowed from their servants and depends upon them, which cannot but somewhat diminish pomp and power in the opinion of those that are wise. David is great because he has great men about him; take these away, and he is where he was. 2. The Lord of hosts was with him, and these were the mighty men which he had. God was with him and wrought for him, but by men and means and the use of second causes. By this it appeared that God was with him, that he inclined the hearts of those to come over to him that were able to serve his interest. As, if God be for us none can be against us, so, if God be for us, all shall be for us that we have occasion for. Yet David ascribed his success and increase, not to the hosts he had, but to the Lord of hosts, not to the mighty men that were with him, but to the mighty God whose presence with us is all in all.
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II. The title of this catalogue (Ch1 11:10): These are the men who strengthened themselves with him. In strengthening him they strengthened themselves and their own interest; for his advancement was theirs. What we do in our places for the support of the kingdom of the Son of David we shall be gainers by. In strengthening it we strengthen ourselves. It may be read, They held strongly with him and with all Israel. Note, When God has work to do he will not want fit instruments to do it with. If it be work that requires mighty men, mighty men shall either be found or made to effect it, according to the word of the Lord.
III. That which made all these men honourable was the good service that they did to their king and country; they helped to make David king (Ch1 11:10) - a good work. They slew the Philistines, and other public enemies, and were instrumental to save Israel. Note, The way to be great is to do good. Nor did they gain this honour without labour and the hazard of their lives. The honours of Christ's kingdom are prepared for those that fight the good fight of faith, that labour and suffer, and are willing to venture all, even life itself, for Christ and a good conscience. It is by a patient continuance in well-doing that we must seek for glory, and honour, and immortality; and those that are faithful to the Son of David shall find their names registered and enrolled much more to their honour than these are in the records of fame.
IV. Among all the great exploits of David's mighty men, here is nothing great mentioned concerning David himself but his pouring out water before the Lord which he had longed for, Ch1 11:18, Ch1 11:19. Four very honourable dispositions of David appeared in that action, which, for aught I know, made it as great as any of the achievements of those worthies. 1. Repentance for his own weakness. It is really an honour to a man, when he is made sensible that he has said or done any thing unadvisedly, to unsay it and undo it again by repentance, as it is a shame to a man when he has said or done amiss to stand to it. 2. Denial of his own appetite. He longed for the water of the well of Bethlehem; but, when he had it, he would not drink it, because he would not so far humour himself and gratify a foolish fancy. He that has such a rule as this over his own spirit is better than the mighty. It is an honour to a man to have the command of himself; but he that will command himself must sometimes cross himself. 3. Devotion towards God. That water which he thought too good, too precious, for his own drinking, he poured out to the Lord for a drink offering. If we have any thing better than another, let God be honoured with it, who is the best, and should have the best. 4. Tenderness of his servants. It put him into the greatest confusion imaginable to think that three brave men should hazard their lives to fetch water for him. In his account it turns the water into blood. It is the honour of great men not to be prodigal of the blood of those they employ, but, in all the commands they give them, to put their own souls into their souls' stead.
V. In the wonderful achievements of these heroes the power of God must be acknowledged. How could one slay 300 and another the same number (Ch1 11:11, Ch1 11:20), another two lion-like men (Ch1 11:22), and another an Egyptian giant (Ch1 11:23), if they had not had the extraordinary presence of God with them, according to that promise, Jos 23:10, One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God fighteth for you?
VI. One of these worthies is said to be an Ammonite (Ch1 11:39), another a Moabite (Ch1 11:46), and yet the law was that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the congregation of the Lord, Deu 23:3. These, it is likely, had approved themselves so hearty for the interest of Israel that in their case it was thought fit to dispense with that law, and the rather because it was an indication that the Son of David would have worthies among the Gentiles: with him there is neither Greek nor Jew.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv10, 11, 18, 19, 21, 41, 42 Mighty men - Yet David ascribed his success, not…
Mighty men - Yet David ascribed his success, not to the hosts he had, but to the Lord of hosts: not to the mighty men that were with him, but to the mighty God, whole presence with us is all in all.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv11, 17, 22, 23, 25 Verse 11. The number of the mighty men] See…
Verse 11. The number of the mighty men] See 2Sa 23:8, c., and the notes there. The Targum has a remarkable addition here.
"These are the numbers of the strong men who were with David he was the potent chief of the army; he sat upon the throne of judgment, anointed with the holy oil, all the prophets and wise men standing about him. When he went to battle, he was assisted from on high; and when he sat down to teach the law, the true meaning arose up in his mind. He was elect and pleasant, of a beautiful mien and lovely countenance, exercised in wisdom, prudent in counsel, and strong in virtue; the prince of the assembly, of a melodious voice, master in hymns, and chief among the mighty. He was instructed in the use of martial weapons; he carried a spear, to which was appended the ensign of the host of Judah; he went forth according to the voice of the Holy Spirit, was victorious in battle, and overthrew with his spear three hundred men at one time." - T.
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On this and some of the following verses there is a judicious note of Dr. Kennicott, which I shall take the liberty to introduce, referring to his first Dissertation on the Hebrew text for farther illustration and proof, p. 128-144.
"Among the parallel places, a comparison of which may be of very considerable service, scarce any passages will appear more effectually to correct each other than the catalogue of David's mighty men of valour, as it now stands in 2Sa 23:8-39, and in this chapter. About thirty-four Hebrew words have been lost out of this part of the passage in Chronicles, which are happily preserved in Samuel.
"The chief point of proof is this, that the catalogue divides these thirty-seven warriors into the captain-general, a first three, a second three, and the remaining thirty; and yet that the third captain of the first ternary is now here omitted. The following juxtaposition will show the whole deficiency, and properly supply it. But let it be observed that Jashobeam, the first captain of the first ternary, had been already mentioned, and that the history is here speaking of the second captain, namely, Eleazar.
2Sa 23:9: And after him was Eleazar the son
1Ch 11:12: And after him was Eleazar the son
S. of Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the three mighty
C. of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties.
S. men with David when they defied
C. 13. He was with David at Pas-dammim, and there
S. the Philistines that were there gathered together to
C. the Philistines were gathered together to
S. battle, and the men of Israel were gone away.
C. battle, * * * * * *
S. 10. He arose and smote the Philistines until his
C. * * * * * * *
S. hand was weary and his hand clave unto the
C. * * * * * * *
S. sword; and the Lord wrought a great victory
C. * * * * * * *
S. that day: and the people returned after him only
C. * * * * * * *
S. to spoil. 11. And after him was SHAMMAH. the
C. * * * * * * *
S. son of Agee, the Hararite: and the Philistines
C. * * * * * * *
S. were gathered together into a troop, where was
C. * * * * * where was
S. a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people
C. a parcel of ground full of barley, and the people
S. fled from the Philistines. 12. But he
C. fled from before the Philistines. 14. And they set
S. stood in the midst of the ground and defended
C. themselves, in the midst of that parcel, and delivered
S. it, and slew the Philistines: and the Lord
C. it, and slew the Philistines: and the Lord
S. wrought a great victory.
C. saved than by a great deliverance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv10, 11, 18, 20, 41, 44, 46 1Ch 11:10. The chief of the mighty men —…
1Ch 11:10. The chief of the mighty men — Who helped with all their might to settle him in his kingdom. With all Israel — In conjunction with all those loyal Israelites who joined with David. Yet David ascribed his success, not to the hosts he had, but to the Lord of hosts: not to the mighty men that were with him, but to the mighty God, whose presence with us is all in all.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv10, 11, 13, 23, 26, 34 Strengthened themselves - Or “exerted themselves” - “strenuously assisted…
Strengthened themselves - Or “exerted themselves” - “strenuously assisted with all Israel in making David king.” This list of David’s principal heroes belongs, therefore, to his reign at Hebron. In Samuel the list is not given until nearly the end of David’s reign 2 Sam. 23:8-39.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46 These. Besides the help which David received immediately from…
These. Besides the help which David received immediately from God, he derived great assistance from Joab, the captain-general, from the six more renowned valiant men, and from the body of Thirty, as well as from fifteen others of less note, who are mentioned here. (Haydock)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 30, 39, 41 A CATALOGUE OF HIS WORTHIES. (1Ch. 11:10-47)
A CATALOGUE OF HIS WORTHIES. (1Ch. 11:10-47)
These . . . are the chief of the mighty men--(See on Sa2 23:8). They are here described as those who held strongly with him (Margin) to make him king, &c. In these words the sacred historian assigns a reason for introducing the list of their names, immediately after his account of the election of David as king, and the conquest of Jerusalem; namely, that they assisted in making David king. In the original form of the list, and the connection in which it occurs in Samuel, there is no reference to the choice of a king; and even in this passage it is only in the clause introduced into the superscription that such a reference occurs [KEIL].
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 46, 47 10. These also] R.V. Now these. This verse is…
10. These also] R.V. Now these. This verse is the Chronicler’s own heading which he prefixes to the list of heroes taken from Sam., while retaining (in 1Ch_11:11) the original heading given in Sam.
who strengthened themselves with him] Render with R.V. mg., who held strongly with him. Cp. 1Ch_12:23.
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and with all Israel] R.V. together with all Israel.
10–41a (= 2Sa_23:8-39). David’s Mighty Men and their Deeds
(The names of twelve of these heroes reappear in chap. 27 as the commanders of David’s twelve “courses.”)
This section seems to consist of elements drawn from different sources and brought together (probably by the author of Samuel) in order to give as complete a list as possible of the heroes who at different times in David’s career did good service to Israel.
1Ch_11:11-14 (= 2Sa_23:8-12) deal with two (in Sam. three) heroes otherwise unknown.
1Ch_11:15-19 (= 2Sa_23:13-17) are independent of the foregoing and narrate an exploit of three unnamed heroes.
1Ch_11:20-25 (= 2Sa_23:18-23) seem in turn to be independent of 15–19, and 1Ch_11:21; 1Ch_11:25 in particular seem to be quoted from some lost poem. These verses contain the eulogy of Abishai and Benaiah.
1Ch_11:26-41 a (= 2Sa_23:24-39) contain thirty names of heroes whose exploits are not recorded. It is to be noted that Chron., 1Ch_11:41 b–47, adds some sixteen names at the end which are not given in Samuel.
Joab is not included in the formal list because he has been already mentioned (1Ch_11:6).
Lists of names are favourite features in Oriental Histories. Thus ibn Hishâm in his life of Mohammed gives a list of the 83 Moslems who took refuge in Abyssinia from the persecution of the Koreish, of the 75 inhabitants of Medina who swore allegiance to the Prophet before the Hegira, and even of the 314 Moslems who were present at the battle of Bedr.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv10–47 (10) These also are the chief of the mighty…
(10) These also are the chief of the mighty men.—Rather, And these were the heads of the warriors (i.e., the chief warriors, other warriors of lower rank being enumerated in 1 Chronicles 12) who showed themselves strong in his support (with him, Dan_10:21; Psa_12:4), in the matter of his kingdom, in common with all Israel, in order to make him king (and maintain him as such: comp. their exploits, noticed below). This description of the heroes is not given in Samuel, the connection there being different.
According to the word of the Lord concerning Israel.—Comp. Note on 1Ch_11:3. David was made king (1) for his own sake. It was work for which he was best fitted, and a reward of his faithfulness. (2) For Israel’s sake: “So he led them with a faithful and true heart” (Psa_78:70-72).
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(10-44) X list of the warriors who helped David to win and maintain his kingdom. This catalogue answers to that of 2Sa_23:8-39, which, however, breaks off with Uriah the Hittite; whereas our text communicates sixteen additional names. This fact proves that the chronicler had either a fuller source, or a different recension of Samuel. The numerous variant spellings are in general mistakes of transcription.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 46, 47 Vers. 10-25. This list of chiefs of David"s "mighty…
Vers. 10-25. This list of chiefs of David"s "mighty men" finds a more appropriate position where it is placed here, than where it is found, after the close of the very dying speech of David, in 2Sa_23:8-23. It plainly belongs to the time of the establishment of David"s sway over the whole people. The different position of the list here is itself an indication of some force, that the writers of the work of Samuel and of Chronicles availed them- selves independently of the common source, and that the latter did not take through the former.
Vers. 10-14, 20-47.
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The moral of the mighty men.
We may learn from this record of gallant exploits and of the names of David"s mighty men
I THAT NO MAN, HOWEVER GREAT AND WISE, CAN DISPENSE WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF OTHERS. David"s elevation to the throne was largely due to his own character and to his own deeds. That was noble and winning; these were great and worthy. But he could not and would not have become king over all Israel, had not these mighty men "strengthened themselves with him to make him king" (ver. 10). And though the power and glory of his long reign were, to a great extent, the product of the king"s own wisdom, valour, and loyalty to Jehovah, yet the deeds of his mighty men had much to do with the triumphs he won and the power he wielded. No Christian leader can accomplish great things without an active following on the part of brave and true men, who "strengthen themselves with him." Around the illustrious men whose names are household words and who wrought great things for Christ and for the world, there were gathered others, less in moral and spiritual stature than they, whose names were unwritten or have faded from view, but whose cooperation ensured success. All who would accomplish much must know how to surround themselves with others who will second their work and sustain their hands.
II THAT MEN MAY SERVE A GOOD CAUSE ANIMATED BY VARIOUS MOTIVES. It is impossible to suppose that all those who "strengthened themselves with David according to the word of the Lord" (ver. 10) took their part, then and afterwards, solely on the ground that they were thus carrying out the Divine will. Doubtless they had their personal ambitions. The court at Jerusalem was not without its rivalries and jealousies. The mighty men were no doubt stirred to more daring deeds because they hoped to "have a name among the three" (vers. 20, 24), if not the" first three" (ver. 21); or among "the thirty" (ver. 25), if not the three; or to be counted among "the valiant men of the armies" (ver. 26). In our Christian warfare we should be actuated by the very highest considerations by the love of Christ and the love of man. we may also be affected, maylet our zeal burn more steadily and brightly, by considerations less lofty than these by the desire to gain the approval of our leaders, by the hope of a large reward, etc.
III THAT MEN MAY DEDICATE THEIR PHYSICAL PROWESS TO THE SERVICE OF GOD AND OF THEIR KIND. The worthies whose deeds are here recorded were rendering a not unimportant service to their race. The reign of David had a certain serious bearing on the whole plan of Providence. It was, perhaps, an essential link in the whole redemptive chain. In this light the exploits of these heroes, who helped to place David in regal power and to sustain him on the throne of Israel, formed a contribution to the work of God and the redemption of man. The tendency of our nature is to overestimate such brilliant feats as those of this chapter (vers. 11-14, 20, 22, 23). But it is possible, by a reaction of thought, to under-estimate them, and even to deny them a place in the account of honourable service. Physical prowess has served and yet may serve the cause of truth, righteousness, wisdom.
IV "THAT USUALLY IN OTHER WAYS THAN THESE GOD ASKS AND ACCEPTS OUR SERVICE. Now, in these Christian times, it is
(1) by moral rather than by physical courage;
(2) in obscurity rather than in distinction;
(3) with the sword of the Spirit rather than with the sword of steel, that we are to win victories and render service to our Lord. C.
Ver. 2Sa_23:8-24. David formed a military staff out of this "great host" that had gathered around him. The "mighty men," or "champions," of this staff were divided into three classes. The highest was Jashobeam, the son of Hachmoni; the second, Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite; the third, Shammah the son of Agee, the Hararite. These were of the first class or highest rank. In the second class were first Abishai the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah; the second, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; the third, Asahel the brother of Joab. These were of the second rank. The third class were the thirty men enumerated in these chapters, of whom Asahel was the chief. There are thirty-one mentioned in the list, including Asahel, which, including the six of the two superior ranks, make thirty-seven. The first name in the chief rank, Jashobeam, was an office, or "seat". (2Sa_23:8) Adino the Eznite is said to have filled this office under Joab. The one who filled this seat was president of war. The three chief men who composed the ranks of each of the first two classes were chosen for their valour, and the remarkable manner in which they had distinguished themselves at, the time when David was Saul"s general against the Philistines. The two chapters give in detail the account of the exploits performed by Jashobeam, Eleazar, Shammah, Abishai, Benaiah, and Asahel. These were the men who had so distinguished themselves under David when acting as Saul"s general. Adino the Eznite is represented as sitting in Jashobeam"s seat probably acting for him as the president of the council of war. Jashobeam is said to have slain eight hundred men with "his own spear." The Philistines gathered together against David in a field of barley, or lentiles. There Eleazar met them, and fought "till his hand was weary," and it "clave unto the sword." The same battle was continued by Shammah after the exhaustion of Eleazar, and he, by his valour, preserved the field. To these two the Lord gave a great victory, and "the People returned after them only to spoil." These were the exploits of the three chief men of David"s first rank. In his second rank, Abishai the brother of Joab slew with his own spear three hundred men. Benaiah the son of Jehoiada slew at one time two Moabitish giants; at another time, when snow covered the ground, he slew a lion in a pit; and at another an Egyptian giant with his own spear. Asahel, the third of the second rank, and brother also of Joab, is merely described as one of the valiant men. This "great host" had gathered to David in the cave of Adullam, situate within a few miles of Bethlehem. Drawn thither by personal attachment to himself, they preferred rejection and danger and every hardship of life. Let us learn a few spiritual lessons from this narrative. All those who are drawn around the true David, the Lord Jesus, are not only Christians but warriors. They are to be heroes in the Lord"s service to "fight the good fight of faith." And as with these "mighty men," according to their individual prowess will they be rewarded in the day of the true David"s glory, Many of the noble acts of valour which distinguished these "mighty men" were done in secret, and on their own special ground, never heard of till now, and on this account were they chosen as David"s "mighty men" now. Those who are fit to fight the Lord"s battles in public are those who have conquered in secret, on their own home ground, and where no eye has seen but God"s. The man who knows not, like David himself, what it is to have killed the "lion and the bear" in secret is not fit to stand in the public arena to contend with Goliath of Oath. Here we have the election of David to the throne by God, even while Saul was reigning. Just so is it now. The prince of this world reigns, but Jesus is God"s chosen One. "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take \ together, against the Lord, and against his Anointed Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion." The anointing of David by God is brought before us in 1Sa_16:12, 1Sa_16:13. The election and anointing of David by the people is recorded in the chapter we are now considering. In these two passages we have the election of Jesus and his anointing by God shadowed forth in those of David, even while as yet the world"s king was reigning. In the mean time David, thus chosen and anointed of God, is rejected and cast out by the people of God and by the Gentiles. This is shadowed forth in the rejection by Saul and by Achish, King of Gath. (1Sa_21:10-15) Thus Jesus, the Chosen and Anointed of God, has been rejected by Jews and Gentiles. "Away with him! Crucify him!" was the united cry of both. The rejected king David takes refuge in the cave of Adullam, and there "a great host as the host of God" gather round him, drawn to him by devoted love, and preferring to be identified with him in his rejection than to be in honour under Saul. How fully we see Christ in all this! As the rejected One, Jesus is now hiding from the view of the world, like David in the cave of Adullam. He has ascended on high, as the Chosen and Anointed of God. He is King, "set upon his holy hill of Zion." And now "a great host, as the host of God," is being gathered out of this world, "a multitude which no man can number," drawn around this rejected One drawn by his love, and preferring rejection with him to "enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season." The prince of this world is ruling still; but though in the world, his people are not of the world. Saul is not their king, but David; not Satan, but Jesus. "He is precious" to them the "chief of ten thousand, the altogether lovely." And just as there was great joy in this outgathered host of David, (1Ch_12:40) so there is joy among the people of God. Jesus is their joy. He is coming to reign. They know it. And the joy which David"s outgathered ones had in him was indeed only a faint shadow of that joy which is theirs, for they have "his joy fulfilled in themselves." And what was the character of those who were drawn to David as the rejected one in the cave of Adullam? "And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was bitter of soul, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them." Could any passage more accurately describe those who flocked round the standard of the Lord Jesus when on earth? "Publicans and harlots, sinners," those out of whom had been east seven devils, the broken in heart, the outcast, the blind and deaf and dumb, the naked and hungry and wretched, such were those who were drawn to the true David when on earth drawn by his love, and, with his love constraining them, content to "count all things as dung that they might win Christ, and be found in him." And such are they still who are drawn to the world"s rejected One. They are in "distress they have nothing, and are full of want. Wearied with the mockery of a world that has ever cheated them, they have cast themselves, weary and heavy laden, on Jesus. Again and again they have uttered the cry, "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life." They are "in debt debtors to a broken Law , with the sword of Divine wrath hanging over their heads on account of guilt and sin. They are "bitter of soul;" for sin has wounded them, the world has wounded them, Satan has pierced them through and through. They had "no hope, and were without God in the world." They were "hateful and hating one another." They were "dead in trespasses and sins." Drawn to Jesus by his love, he is now their All in all." He has risen from the dead and has ascended on high. He has "become a Captain over them the "Captain of their salvation, made perfect through sufferings." The host thus gathering round the true David is indeed "the host of God." It is increasing and shall increase till it becomes "a multitude that no man can number," which shall come with Jesus when he shall return in glory, and shall reign with him, "King of kings and Lord of lords." There is one very precious word in this narrative, "And David went on going and growing: for the Lord of hosts was with him" (see margin, 2Sa_5:10, and ver. 9 of this chapter). What a word for each of us and growing"! Yes; they are inseparable! In your "walk" with God you must "grow." Oh, how many are in the way to heaven, but standing still! Reader, are you growing? Are you "walking" with God? then you must grow; but not otherwise. Less each day in your own eyes, but more in his. Growth in grace is a going down a reversal to ourselves. Christ"s glory so rises till the soul is lost in it. "Going andgrowing"! And what was the secret of it? Not David"s natural prowess; not the numbers who were daily flocking to his standard. No; none of these: "for the Lord of hosts was with him." Yes; God"s presence abiding in Jesus is the secret of all going" and the secret of all "growing." None without it. W.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv15, 22, 28 Now three of the thirty captains went down to…
1Ch_11:15-19
Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David.
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The water of the well of Bethlehem
This incident, although it rests upon a basis of conspicuous bravery, evidently owes its cardinal importance to far deeper considerations. Some might be tempted to think that Davids conduct in pouring out the water was fantastic and wasteful--an ill-timed intrusion of a poetic sentiment on the stern realities of life. On the contrary his conduct is penetrated with the sense of the value of life, with deep appreciation of heroism and with a high-minded shrinking from any mean appropriation of the unselfish devotion of his fellow-men. Some lives there are that whatever is done for them are never thrilled by any self-abasing surprise; no sacrifice is above their merit--their bottomless egotism could swallow worlds.
I. The base acceptance of the incalculable risks and toils and sorrows of other men is to be noted in--
1. Those in whom is developed the undue love of command and the imperious appetite for personal distinction. The monarchs of the older world who remorselessly sacrificed blood and treasure to build themselves impregnable cities, or to erect stately sepulchres. The Eastern chieftain who bade his warrior take the needless death-leap. Napoleon Bonaparte.
2. In those simply selfish ones who have not yet risen high enough to afford themselves the luxury of tyranny. Their maxim is Everybody for himself. I have heard of a farmer, whose parcel of ground one might ride round in a couple of hours, express an eager desire for a war between two great powers, since it would probably enrich him. Merchants and millowners have not been free from such wishes. All this is to batten on flesh and blood.
3. In the indifferent many of us are like the receivers of stolen property, only too satisfied to receive and to ask no questions. We expect all the machinery of our life to work with regularity, but are coldly indifferent to the means. Let us learn from David a view of life diviner and therefore more humane.
II. Think of the heroic water-fetching that lies behind our own life.
1. Historically. Whole civilisations lie behind us; the Egyptian, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, and Roman--each has contributed its quota and we inherit the best of each. Do we reflect, with sufficient gratitude to God and man, on that costly part of which we are--the result?
2. The present day. Our life is enriched by the multitudinous toil of those who remain unknown, and often scantily rewarded. Davids words are not without meaning to us under existing social conditions.
3. Let us step on to more personal ground.
(1) Some of us are where we are through the wonderful devotion of our parents.
(2) Some of us, later on in life, have been saved by the generous resolve and clinging faithfulness of those whom it cost a great effort to befriend us.
III. What does Davids view lead us to?
1. Solemn thoughtfulness. What are we that all this should have been done for us? We ought to learn reverence for that majesty of history which the children of the market-place deride. We ought to view our privileges with a more anxious sense of responsibility.
2. The acceptance of such services as have been referred to is inevitable, for we cannot unmake history or sever ourselves from the complex influences of the present order of society. But what does rest in every mans power is to form his own estimate of the value of such services and to decide what use their sacred splendour or gentle unselfishness urge him to put them to.
3. The impulse to self-abnegation which we see in David. This is the practical tendency of all such lives and deeds. The legend of Curtius, self-devoted that he might save the State, may have been simply a concrete personification of the general patriotism of early Rome; but it gave memorable impulses to later generations. It was not absent from the mind of Regulus; it helped to cheer the Roman legions in Parthia and Persia and amid the German swamps and forests. God has set our lives in a framework of noble and unceasing sacrifice. In this old Jewish story we have a significant though undesigned illustration of the transcendent sacrifice of Christ. He has brought us the true living water. (T. Rhys Evans.)
Jashobeam, and courageous companions
It was just like David with his intense nature to speak and act in the way recorded in these verses. Just as an Italian in a northern region longs for the fruits and blue skies of his own land, so David longed for the water. We have here--
I. A manifestation of devoted loyalty. What ought we to venture for our King Jesus?
II. High appreciation of service. David pours it out before the Lord as the only One who is worthy to receive so great a sacrifice. Some might blame him for appearing to throw a slight on the act of the brave men--judicious waste. Some had indignation when the woman broke the alabaster box of ointment over Christs feet; but He looked at it in another light--He approved that loving, loyal, lavish waste. Only selfish souls could be indifferent to the lives of others. His act was not like that of the Pasha in the Russo-Turkish war who, when English doctors went to him at a great cost, eager to help the wounded Turkish soldiers, repulsed them and firmly declined to receive their services. What ought to be our feeling towards our King who has broken through the ranks of evil, to gain for us the water of Life? (J. Hastings.)
Longing for the associations of child-hood
There are times in life when our childhood comes up with new meaning and with new appeal. We long for the old homestead, for the mountains which girdled us round in early life, for the friends who heard our first speech and answered our first desires; we want to leave the far country and go home again, and, forgetting all the burden of the past, start life with all that is richest in experience. Any water would have quenched Davids thirst, but there are times when mere necessaries are not enough; we must have the subtle touch, the mysterious association, the romantic impulse, all the poetry of life. In our spiritual life we cannot be satisfied with great conceptions, brilliant thoughts, miracles of genius, words employed by the tongue of the master; we need a tone, a look, a touch, a peculiar and distinctive something which belongs to the very root and core of life, being charged with a poetry and a force all its own. (J. Parker, D. D.)
Water poured out as a libation
Some years ago in the State House of Georgia, at Atlanta, this scene occurred: A coloured minister, standing in the State House, said he was thirsty, and he was looking for something to drink. A white gentleman standing by, said, Ill get you a drink, and departed from the room. As the white gentleman was coming back with a glass of water for this black clergyman some one said to the clergyman, Do you know who that is who is bringing you a glass of water? No I who is it? That is Governor Colquitt. Then the black man took the glass of water and said, Thank you, Governor, but I cannot drink this under such circumstances, and he poured it on the floor, saying: I pour this out as a libation on the altar of Christian feeling between the two races. Dramatic? Yes, but Christian. (T. De Witt Talmage.)
A modern hero
A window in the chapel of the Lichfield Cathedral has a special meaning. It is one of several windows presented by the officers and men who had served in New Zealand during the Maori War, in token of their gratitude for Bishop Selwyns attention to their welfare in that campaign. It is a medallion depicting David in the act of pouring out the longed-for water of the well of Bethlehem, procured for him by the three mighty men at the risk of their lives. This medallion commemorates the similar heroic action of a Christian Maori who had been a pupil of Dr. Selwyns when he was Bishop of New Zealand. This Maori, Henere Taratoa, when the war broke out, felt hound to join his tribe. He was placed in charge of a fortified village known as the formidable Gate Psalm The British troops stormed the pa, and were repulsed with great slaughter. Several wounded officers were left inside the village, mad one of them feebly moaned for water. There was no water to be had, the nearest being within the British lines. At night this young Christian Maori crept down, at the risk of his life, within the line of English sentries, filled a vessel with water, and carried it back to the pa to refresh his dying enemys lips. The next day the British again stormed the place, and Henere was killed. On his person was found the text of Holy Scripture which had suggested the deed: If thine enemy thirst, give him drink! (Sunday Companion.)
Self-forgetfulness
That which especially distinguishes a high order of man from a low order of man--that which constitutes human goodness, human nobleness--is surely not the degree of enlightenment with which men pursue their own advantage; but it is self-forgetfulness, it is self-sacrifice, it is the disregard of personal pleasure and personal indulgence, personal advantages remote or present. (A. Froude.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v10 David’s Mighty Men and their Deeds
David’s Mighty Men and their Deeds
v. 10. These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, the great heroes or champions of his army, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, standing bravely by him during his entire reign, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel.
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v. 11. And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had, for they apparently formed a band with a definite number of members; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains, head of thirty heroes; he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain by him at one time, the total number overthrown by him probably being eight hundred, 2Sa 23:8, the five hundred being wounded or scattered.
v. 12. And after him was Eleazar, the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties. Cf 2Sa 23:11.
v. 13. He was with David at Pas-dammim (or Ephesdammim), and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley, a part of the field, at least, being sowed to lentils; and the people fled from before the Philistines.
v. 14. And they, Shemmah being mentioned especially as standing up with Eleazar, and even taking his place when he was exhausted, set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the Lord saved them by a great deliverance. Cf 2Sa 23:9-11.
v. 15. Now, three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam, near the Philistine frontier, and the host of the Philistines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim, some distance west of Jerusalem.
v. 16. And David was then in the hold, in his mountain stronghold in the wilderness, and the Philistines’ garrison was then at Bethlehem, an advanced outpost.
v. 17. And David longed, in remembrance of the cooling water of his home town, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem that is at the gate!
v. 18. And the three, also members of this famous band, brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David, an act showing their devotion to their beloved leader. But David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the Lord, as a sort of drink offering,
v. 19. and said, My God forbid it me that I should do this thing; shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? For with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. He considered that they risked their lives, their hearts’ life-blood, in performing this act of kindness. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest, members of the band of David’s most valiant heroes.
v. 20. And Abishai, the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three, 2Sa 23:18-23, he also was a member of this illustrious band; for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them and had a name among the three, distinguished for his valor.
v. 21. of the three he was more honorable than the two, he was doubly, most conspicuously, honored, for he was their captain; howbeit he attained not to the first three. There seems to have been no difference in bravery, but only in the number of feats accomplished.
v. 22. Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, conspicuous for courageous feats; he slew two lionlike men of Moab; also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day. Cf 2Sa 23:20.
v. 23. And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high (about eight feet); and in the Egyptian’s hand was a spear like a weaver’s beam, on the order of that carried by Goliath; and he went down to him with a staff, his walking-stick being his only weapon, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and slew him with his own spear.
v. 24. These things did Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among the three mighties, apparently in the second division of the band of valiant heroes.
v. 25. Behold, he was honorable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three; and David set him over his guard, which, in turn, seems to have been made up of the bravest of David’s six hundred followers, who were commanded by his champions.
v. 26. Also the valiant men of the armies, the heroes in all the wars which David waged, were: Asahel, the brother of Joab, Elhanan, the son of Dodo, of Bethlehem,
v. 27. Shammoth (or Shammah) the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
v. 28. Ira, the son of Ikkesh, the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite,
v. 29. Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai (or Zalmon), the Ahohite,
v. 30. Maharai the Netophathite, Heled (or Heleb), the son of Baanah, the Netophathite,
v. 31. Ithai, the son of Ribai, of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin, being Saul’s own city, Benaiah the Pirathonite,
v. 32. Hurai (or Hiddai) of the brooks of Gaash, in the mountains of Ephraim, Abiel (or Abialbon) the Arbathite,
v. 33. Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
v. 34. the sons of Hashem (or Jashen) the Gizonite, Jonathan, the son of Shage, the Hararite,
v. 35. Ahiam, the son of Sacar (or Sharar), the Hararite, Eliphal (or Eliphelet), the son of Ur (or Ahasbai),
v. 36. Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,
v. 37. Hezro (or Hezrai) the Carmelite, Naarai (or Paarai), the son of Ezbai,
v. 38. Joel, the brother of Nathan, Mibhar, the son of Haggeri (or the Haggerite),
v. 39. Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armor-bearer of Joab, the son of Zeruiah,
v. 40. Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,
v. 41. Uriah the Hittite, Zabad, the son of Ahlai,
v. 42. Adina, the son of Shiza, the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,
v. 43. Hanan, the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,
v. 44. Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel, the sons of Hothan the Aroerite,
v. 45. Jediael, the son of Shimri (or the Shimrite), and Joha, his brother, the Tizite,
v. 46. Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,
v. 47. Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite. It was a fine thing that the names of these great heroes were preserved, as a constant example to the children of Israel. But a much finer thing it is for the Christians to have their names recorded in the book of life.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 45 These were the leaders David had
These were the leaders David had
"These were the leaders of David's warriors"
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who showed themselves strong with him in his kingdom ... to make him king
This phrase means that both the leaders of David's army, and the full army, helped David to establish himself as king over Israel. AT: "who strongly supported David's kingdom ... to make him king" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Jashobeam
This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)
a Hachmonite
This refers to a person from the Hachmon clan. (See: How to Translate Names)
on one occasion
"in one battle"
translationWords
kingdom
obey
spear
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv10, 41 11:10-47 This account of David’s mighty warriors demonstrates that…
11:10-47 This account of David’s mighty warriors demonstrates that David had the support of Israel’s best and bravest men, as well as the support of all Israel (cp. 2 Sam 23:8-39).
11:10 just as the Lord had promised: David’s kingship was God’s choice, not David’s or the people’s (cp. 11:3; 1 Sam 16:11-14).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.