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THE LAST WORDS OF DAVID

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN

2 SAMUEL 23:1-39

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The Last Words of David

David’s Mighty Men

Text:

2 Samuel 23:1-39,

1. These are the last words of David: "The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, Israel's singer of songs: 2. "The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. 3. The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: 'When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, 4. he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.' 5. "Is not my house right with God? Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part? Will he not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire? 6. But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand. 7. Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie." 8. These are the names of David's mighty men: Josheb- Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter. 9. Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted

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20. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 21. And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear. 22. Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men. 23. He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard. 24. Among the Thirty were: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem, 25. Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, 26. Helez the Paltite, Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa, 27. Abiezer from Anathoth, Mebunnai the Hushathite, 28. Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, 29. Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin, 30. Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai from the ravines of Gaash, 31. Abi-Albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, 32. Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan 33. son of Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam son of Sharar the Hararite, 34. Eliphelet son of Ahasbai the Maacathite, Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, 35. Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, 36. Igal son of Nathan from Zobah, the son of Hagri, 37. Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor- bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah, 38. Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite 39. and Uriah the Hittite. There were thirty-seven in all. (NIV)

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Introduction:

I. 2 Samuel 23:1-7 can be described as, “The last words of David,” but, according to Anderson, in the light of its contents, it seems more appropriate to designate it as, “Yahweh’s oracle to David, . .” (See Anderson.)

A. These are the last inspired words spoken by David and were in the form of a song or psalm.

II. 2 Samuel 23:8-39 consists of four (4) main sections: (See Anderson.)

A. Section A is a brief summary of the heroic exploits of the Three: Ishbaal, Eleazar, and Shamma. (See Anderson.)

B. Section B describes the foolhardy act of devotion by three (3) nameless warriors. (See Anderson.)

C. Section C deals with the deeds of Abishai and Benaiah, and Anderson adds, “It is surprising that neither Joab nor his exploits are mentioned in any of the four (4) sections, apart from the reference, ‘brother of Joab.’ ”

D. Section D provides us with a list of the Thirty (30), which . . . gives thirty-one (31) names plus the Three as well as Abishai and Benaiah, making a total of thirty-six (36). (See Anderson.)

1. A more expanded form of this list appears in 1 Chronicles 11:11-47. (See Anderson.)

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Commentary:

The Last Words of David

2 Samuel 23:1, These are the last words of David: "The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, Israel's singer of songs: (NIV)

I. These are the last words of David: . . .

A. “These are not the last words David ever spoke, but rather the last inspired song which he ever composed,” Smith stated.

1. 1 Kings 2:1-9, When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go, and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: 'If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.' "Now you yourself know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to the two commanders of Israel's armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He killed them, shedding their blood in peacetime as if in battle, and with that blood stained the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. Deal with him according to

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your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to the grave in peace. "But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and let them be among those who eat at your table. They stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom. "And remember, you have with you Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, who called down bitter curses on me the day I went to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD : 'I will not put you to death by the sword.' But now, do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood." (NIV)

2. This song likely was composed shortly before the end of David’s life in 970 B.C., Smith wrote.

3. Clarke supposed that this was David’s last poetical composition.

4. The Pulpit Commentary states, “A long interval separates this psalm from the preceding” (that is, the psalm recorded in 2 Samuel 22).

a. The psalm in 2 Samuel 22 was written when David had just reached the zenith of his power, before his sins regarding Bathsheba and Uriah, and, therefore, could claim his innocence and God’s favor. (The Pulpit Commentary).

b. The psalm recorded in 2 Samuel 23 was probably written during the period of calm following Absalom’s rebellion and death. (The Pulpit Commentary)

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II. “The oracle (utterance) of David son of Jesse, . . .”

A. Smith defined an oracle as a direct utterance from God.

B. David’s origins were very lowly, insignificant, but by God’s grace he was elevated to renowned leader of God’s chosen people.

C. Clarke wrote, “The words of this song contain a glorious prediction of the Messiah’s kingdom and conquests.”

D. This verse reminds the reader of Balaam’s “introductory formula” and others.

1. Numbers 24:3-4, and he uttered his oracle:"The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of one whose eye sees clearly, the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened: (NIV)

2. Proverbs 30:1, The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an oracle: This man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal: (NIV)

3. Proverbs 31:1, The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle his mother taught him: (NIV)

III. “the oracle of the man exalted by the Most High, . . .”

A. Many have been born in little known places and unfavorable conditions who have risen to places of great influence, prominence and power.

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1. The answer to the question, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” is a resounding YES!

B. David was the man, a word signifying strength, whom God exalted, “raised on high.” (See Smith.)

1. Even more, Christ was exalted above all others ever to walk on this earth.

IV. “the man anointed by the God of Jacob, . . .”

A. David was anointed with sacred oil by Samuel the prophet in his youth, in Hebron and in Jerusalem.

1. 1 Samuel 16:1-13, The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king." But Samuel said, "How can I go? Saul will hear about it and kill me." The LORD said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate." Samuel did what the LORD said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, "Do you come in peace?" Samuel replied, "Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me." Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD." But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his

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appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, "Nor has the LORD chosen this one." Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, "The LORD has not chosen these." So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one." So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah. (NIV)

2. 2 Samuel 4:1-4a, When Ish-Bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel became alarmed. Now Saul's son had two men who were leaders of raiding bands. One was named Baanah and the other Recab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite from the tribe of Benjamin—Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin, because the people of Beeroth fled to Gittaim and have lived there as aliens to this day. (Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. (NIV)

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3. 2 Samuel 5:1-5, All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.' " When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a compact with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. (NIV)

B. As God’s anointed, David was a type of Christ, the anointed one without equal. (Smith)

V. “Israel’s singer of songs.”

A. David is well known as the “sweet psalmist of Israel,” literally, he who is pleasant in the psalms of Israel. (The Pulpit Commentary)

1. Some seventy-three (73) psalms of the one hundred fifty (150) psalms in the book of Psalms were written by David. (See Smith.)

B. Christ is the sweetest psalmist, not only of Israel, but of the entire world!

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2 Samuel 23:2, "The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. (NIV)

I. “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.”

A. David realized he was guided by the Holy Spirit in the composition of this song. (See Smith.)

1. God spoke through him.

2. God’s word was on his tongue. God guided David in this and other psalms.

3. Matthew 22:43-44, He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? (KJV)

4. Proverbs 16:10, The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice. (NIV)

5. 1 Kings 22:24, Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah went up and slapped Micaiah in the face. "Which way did the spirit from the LORD go when he went from me to speak to you?" he asked. (NIV)

6. 1 Chronicles 12:18, Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: "We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you." So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands. (NIV)

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B. Through Christ, God spoke more than through anyone else ever to walk the earth!

1. God guided Christ’s tongue in everything he said!

2 Samuel 23:3, The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: 'When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, (NIV)

I. “The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: . . .”

A. God spoke to David and David reported what God had said.

B. These were the words of THE God of Israel, the unchangeable foundation, rock on which Israel depended, rested.

1. 1 Samuel 2:2, "There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. (NIV)

II. ‘When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, . . .’

A. The nation is blessed whose king rules righteously in the fear of God.

B. Smith sees this as especially applicable to the reign of the Messiah.

C. The ultimate reference here is to Christ, rather than David, who rules over men in righteousness and in the fear of God.

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D. “The just one is the ruler among men. He rules in the fear of God.”

1. The phrases perfectly apply to Christ.

2 Samuel 23:4, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.' (NIV)

I. “he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, . . .”

A. This beautifully describes the reign of the Messiah.

1. Malachi 4:2, But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. (NIV)

B. Christ is most certainly “the sun of righteousness” in the absolute sense.

II. “like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.”

A. The Messiah is likened to the bright sun that appears after the rain that renews life in vegetation. (See Smith.)

1. Rain is representative of blessings.

a. Isaiah 44:3-4, For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will

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spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. (NIV)

b. Isaiah 45:8, "You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the LORD, have created it. (NIV)

B. Christ brings saints to life from those who before had been dead, lifeless sinners.

C. It is also true, as stated by The Pulpit Commentary, that all righteous rulers are a great blessing to the people they govern.

2 Samuel 23:5, "Is not my house right with God? Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part? Will he not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire? (NIV)

I. “Is not my house (dynasty) right with God?”

A. The Messiah would come from the house, descendants of David. (Smith)

B. Coffman regarded the King James Version as expressing the original meaning of verse 5, “Although my house be not so with God; yet he has made with me an everlasting covenant, . . .”

1. David’s house (David himself and his descendants) was far from “right with God,” had been greatly stained by sin.

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2. If God’s covenant to bring Christ into the world through David’s lineage depended on David’s righteousness and that of his descendants, Christ would never have come into the world.

a. Psalm 89:30-37, "If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness—and I will not lie to David-that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky." Selah (NIV)

3. Clarke viewed this as a question; viz., “. . . is not my house (family) established with God; because he hath made with me an everlasting covenant?”

a. . . .not because David had been righteous in all his ways, which certainly was not the case.

II. “Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every place?”

A. God’s covenant with David was legal and binding in every detail.

1. 2 Samuel 7:8-17, "Now then, tell my servant David, 'This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the

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flock to be ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth. And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. " 'The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.' " Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation. (NIV)

B. God’s Messianic promises, covenant, did not hinge on David’s righteousness and that of his descendants who were, generally speaking, as wicked as other rulers.

1. The wickedness of David and his descendants did not keep God’s plan from coming to fruition.

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C. Coffman noted that this passage regarding Christ is somewhat obscure, ambiguous, but concludes there are sufficient grounds for hailing the passage as Messianic.

III. “Will he not bring to fruition my salvation and . . .”

A. God would provide personal salvation or deliverance from physical threat. (See Smith.)

B. The world’s ultimate salvation would be possible only through Christ, David’s descendant.

IV. “grant me my every desire?”

A. . . . in regard to deliverance from his enemies and matters pertaining to the Davidic covenant.

B. God did not grant David’s every desire! He did not even grant Christ’s every desire.

1. Remember Christ’s prayer in the garden, “Let this cup pass from me?”

2. It is egocentric and selfish beyond belief for a person to pray for God to give him everything he might want!

2 Samuel 23:6, But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand. (NIV)

I. “But evil men (sons of Belial, which is not a proper name, but a word signifying worthlessness, vicious worthlessness) are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand.

A. The marked contrast between the righteous and the wicked is here clearly presented!

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1. The good-for-nothing man may refer to Saul first and secondly to the enemies of our Lord. (See Clarke.)

B. Smith noted that the wicked are compared with thorns which injure all who come in contact with them.

1. Thorns are dug up, gathered and burned as undesirable, useless things.

2. Those whose job it is to clear thorns from the land have to exercise care in handling them lest they be injured. (See Smith.)

a. Matthew 13:40-43, As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (KJV)

2 Samuel 23:7, Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie." (NIV)

I. “Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; . . .”

A. When opposing sin and wicked people, God’s servants must be both diligent and careful.

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B. In ancient clearing of thorns, a tool and/or thick, protective gloves were used to protect the worker from injury.

II. “they are burned up where they lie.”

A. This is the just end of the wicked! . . . worthless opponents of all that is good.

1. Malachi 4:1-3, "Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire," says the LORD Almighty. "Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I do these things," says the LORD Almighty. (NIV)

2. Isaiah 33:12, The peoples will be burned as if to lime; like cut thorn bushes they will be set ablaze." (NIV)

David’s Mighty Men

2 Samuel 23:8, These are the names of David's mighty men: Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one (NIV)

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1 Chronicles 11:10-14, These were the chiefs of David's mighty men—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the LORD had promised-this is the list of David's mighty men: Jashobeam, a Hacmonite, was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter. Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory. (NIV)

I. “These are the names of David’s mighty men:”

A. “Three (3) warriors received the supreme recognition from king David” and were known simply as the Three. (Smith)

B. The Thirty (30) mentioned later were also greatly honored warriors who had greatly distinguished themselves in David’s military service. (Smith)

1. The Three were evidently members of the Thirty, but were outstanding members of that group, Smith stated.

Note: These two (2) lists of three (3) and one (1) list of thirty (30) were military orders of honor. (Smith)

2. “The present is the actual list of the order as it existed on the day when David, at Hebron, was anointed king over all the twelve tribes,” The Pulpit

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Commentary states, to which others were added as the years passed.

II. “Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, . . .”

A. Josheb-Basshebeth (Jashobeam), whose family name is referenced by the designation Tahkemonite (Hachmonite), joined David at Ziklag.

1. Reference:

a. 1 Chronicles 11:11, this is the list of David's mighty men: Jashobeam, a Hacmonite, was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter. (NIV)

b. 1 Chronicles 12:6, Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer and Jashobeam the Korahites; (NIV)

c. 1 Chronicles 27:2, In charge of the first division, for the first month, was Jashobeam son of Zabdiel. There were 24,000 men in his division. (NIV)

2. Josheb-Basshebeth is also known as Adino the Ezrite.

a. Youngblood wrote, “Adino was the name given to Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief captain of David’s mighty men. He was given the name Adino the Ezrite ‘because he had killed eight hundred (800) men at one time.’ ”

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b. Adino was of the family of Ezri who was a superintendent of family workers in David’s court.

i. 1 Chronicles 27:26, Ezri son of Kelub was in charge of the field workers who farmed the land. (NIV)

c. However, The Pulpit Commentary says “Adino the Ezrite” should be translated “he lifted up his spear.”

III. “was chief of the Three; . . .”

A. Josheb-Basshebeth was the chief; chief captain, of The Three.

IV. “he raised his spear against eight hundred men (soldiers), whom he killed in one encounter.”

A. Smith wrote that in one battle Josheb-Basshebeth killed eight hundred (800) men.

1. Individual hand-to-hand combat is a prominent factor in the exploits of David’s mighty men.

2. Coffman (and we, perhaps) wonder what tactics were used to achieve this monumental victory.

B. Later he was appointed commander of the first division of David’s army. (Smith)

1. 1 Chronicles 27:2, In charge of the first division, for the first month, was Jashobeam son of Zabdiel. There were 24,000 men in his division. (NIV)

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C. Clarke observed that three hundred (300) is the reading in Chronicles and appears to be the preferred, uncorrupted reading.

1. 1 Chronicles 11:11, this is the list of David's mighty men: Jashobeam, a Hacmonite, was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter. (NIV)

2. However, The Pulpit commentary states “eight hundred (800) is probably right.”

3. One or the other appears to be due to a copyist’s error.

2 Samuel 23:9, Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the men of Israel retreated, (NIV)

I. “Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai (Dodo) the Ahohite.”

A. Eleazar was next in rank within the group of Three. (Smith)

B. Eleazar was the son of Dodai the Ahohite.

C. Ahoah, (Ahijah, Ahohi), from whom Eleazar descended, was a son of Bela in the genealogy of Benjamin. (Youngblood)

1. 1 Chronicles 8:4, 7, Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, (NIV)

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D. Dodai (Dodo) was Eleazar’s father. (Youngblood)

1. 1 Chronicles 11:12, Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. (NIV)

2. 1 Chronicles 27:4, In charge of the division for the second month was Dodai the Ahohite; Mikloth was the leader of his division. There were 24,000 men in his division. (NIV)

II. “As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted (goaded) the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle.”

A. Pas Dammim (boundary of blood) was located in the territory of Judah, and was the location of a victory by David over the Philistines. (Youngblood)

1. 1 Chronicles 11:13, He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. (NIV)

2. Pas Dammim is also called Ephes Dammim.

a. 1 Samuel 17:1, Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Socoh and Azekah. (NIV)

b. Pas Dammim was located in the valley of Elah.

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B. Clarke wrote, “This is supposed to refer to the war in which David slew Goliath.”

III. “Then the men of Israel retreated, . . .”

A. After Eleazar had won the battle by his valor, the other Israelites reappeared for their share of the spoil. (See Smith.)

2 Samuel 23:10, but he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead. (NIV)

I. “but he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze (cramped) to the sword.”

A. While certain other soldiers retreated, Eleazar “stood his ground.”

1. 1 Chronicles 11:13-14, He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory. (NIV)

2. Eleazar and his men defended their position and defended a field of barley. (See Smith.)

B. Eleazar had so tightly gripped his sword for so long, he was unable to relax his muscles when the battle was over. (See Smith.)

II. “The LORD brought about a great victory (salvation) that day.”

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A. God was credited with Israel’s great victory that day.

1. Coffman wrote, “The scriptures do not fail to make it clear that, great as the ability and bravery of David’s mighty men assuredly were, it was the Lord himself who protected and blessed them and gave them victory.”

III. “The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.”

A. The troops continued to follow Eleazar, but, the victory having been won, this time they set about to strip, rob the dead.

2 Samuel 23:11, Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel's troops fled from them. (NIV)

I. “Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite.”

A. Third in rank among The Three was Shaamah, the son of Agee the Hararite.

II. “When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils (beans), Israel’s troops fled from them.”

A. The Philistines massed for a new invasion of Judah. (Smith)

B. Smith and Coffman suggest that the purpose of this Philistine invasion was to steal or destroy Israelite crops which were ready to be harvested.

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C. 1 Chronicles 11:13 reads, “a parcel of ground full of barley.”

1. It is probable that the field contained both lentils and barley.

2. However, The Pulpit Commentary attributes the difference (lentils/barley) to a transposition of letters by an ancient copyist.

2 Samuel 23:12, But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory. (NIV)

I. “But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field.”

A. While others fled, Shammah stood his ground.

B. This event took place at Lehi which is associated with Samson. (Anderson)

1. Judges 15:9-20, The Philistines went up and camped in Judah, spreading out near Lehi. The men of Judah asked, "Why have you come to fight us?" "We have come to take Samson prisoner," they answered, "to do to him as he did to us." Then three thousand men from Judah went down to the cave in the rock of Etam and said to Samson, "Don't you realize that the Philistines are rulers over us? What have you done to us?" He answered, "I merely did to them what they did to me." They said to him, "We've come to tie you up and hand you over to the Philistines." Samson said, "Swear to me that you won't kill me yourselves." "Agreed," they answered. "We will only tie you up and hand you

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over to them. We will not kill you." So they bound him with two new ropes and led him up from the rock. As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came toward him shouting. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands. Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men. Then Samson said, "With a donkey's jawbone I have made donkeys of them. With a donkey's jawbone I have killed a thousand men." When he finished speaking, he threw away the jawbone; and the place was called Ramath Lehi. Because he was very thirsty, he cried out to the LORD, "You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?" Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived. So the spring was called En Hakkore, and it is still there in Lehi. Samson led Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines. (NIV)

2. Lehi was located in the hill country of Judah approximately half way between Jerusalem and the Mediterranean Sea. (Youngblood)

II. “He defended it and struck the Philistines down, . . .”

A. Shammah was God’s servant, whom God enabled to defeat the Philistine enemy.

III. “and the LORD brought about a great victory.”

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A. The Lord is again properly given credit for Israel’s victory.

1. We must be very careful not to boast regarding our successes, but we must diligently and humbly give God thanks for everything good we experience because all blessings come from God.

2 Samuel 23:13, During harvest time, three of the thirty chief men came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. (NIV)

1 Chronicles 11:15-25, Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. David longed for water and said, "Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!" So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. "God forbid that I should do this!" he said. "Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?" Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. He was doubly honored above the Three and became their commander, even though he was not included among them. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he struck down an Egyptian who was seven and a half feet tall. Although the Egyptian had

Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Avenue, Nashville, TN., 37216, U.S.A., John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor http://www.biblestudyworkshop.org 31 a spear like a weaver's rod in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear. Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men. He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard. (NIV)

I. “During harvest time, three of the thirty chief men came down to David at the cave of Adullum, . . .”

A. The city of Adullum was located some sixteen (16) miles southwest of Jerusalem in the Judean lowland which first appears as a Canaanite city. The cave of Adullum in which David hid was evidently near the city of Adullum. (Youngblood)

1. Joshua 12:15, the king of Libnah one the king of Adullam one (NIV)

2. Joshua 15:35, Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah, (NIV)

3. 2 Chronicles 11:5, 7, Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built up towns for defense in Judah: Beth Zur, Soco, Adullam, (NIV)

4. Micah 1:15, I will bring a conqueror against you who live in Mareshah. He who is the glory of Israel will come to Adullam. (NIV)

5. 1 Samuel 22:1, David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father's household heard about it, they went down to him there. (NIV)

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6. 1 Chronicles 11:15, Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. (NIV)

B. The Thirty was a military order known for its bravery and success in battle of whom three are especially honored in verses 13-17. (See Smith.)

II. “while a band of Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim.”

A. The Valley of Rephaim was located between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. (Youngblood)

1. 2 Samuel 5:17-25, When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold. Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD answered him, "Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you." So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, "As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me." So that place was called Baal Perazim. The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his men carried them off. Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As

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soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." So David did as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. (NIV)

2 Samuel 23:14, At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. (NIV)

I. “At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem.”

A. The Philistine encampment blocked access to Bethlehem. (Smith)

1. The cave of Adullum was twenty-five (25) miles from Bethlehem. (Smith)

2 Samuel 23:15, David longed for water and said, "Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!" (NIV)

I. “David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of water from the well (or cistern) near the gate of Bethlehem!”

A. David was in a desert area and longed for the refreshing waters from Bethlehem’s well, his hometown.

B. Anderson wrote, “There is no need to assume that David and his soldiers were short of water supplies; it was, most likely, a sentimental longing for a drink of cool water from one’s native place.”

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C. The location of this well is not now known, but, as Anderson wrote, “. . .wells are not necessarily eternal.”

2 Samuel 23:16, So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. (NIV)

I. “So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David.”

A. Three mighty men, at the risk of their lives, broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well, made a round trip of fifty (50) miles to bring David a drink of water.

B. When David expressed his interest in the water of Bethlehem, he evidently did not expect any of his warriors to actually go to Bethlehem to get water for him when there were other available sources of water in the area of Adullum.

II. “But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord.”

A. David poured the water out as a sacrificial libation to God because it was obtained at the risk of the lives of these three mighty men. (See Smith.)

1. Genesis 35:14-15, Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. Jacob called the place where God had talked with him Bethel. (NIV)

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B. David, Smith concluded, was saying the well-being of his troops was more important to him than his personal comfort.

C. How very different was David at this time who was greatly concerned for his soldiers than the David who, after his affair with Bathsheba, ordered the death of his faithful servant, Uriah! (See Coffman.)

2 Samuel 23:17, "Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this!" he said. "Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?" And David would not drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. (NIV)

I. “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this!” he said.”

A. David was concerned about the welfare of his warriors and refused to drink the water which was obtained at the risk of their lives, a thing they did because of their love for David.

B. David’s soldiers, at least some of them, were so devoted and loyal that they were ready to indulge his every whim even at the risk of their own lives. (See Anderson.)

II. “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?”

A. The water was obtained at the risk of their lives.

III. “And David would not drink it.”

A. In this matter David showed himself to be unselfish and honorable.

IV. “Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.”

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A. These Three Mighty Men were especially recognized for this exploit which was typical of many others for which they were known.

2 Samuel 23:18, Abishai the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. (NIV)

I. “Abishai the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah was chief of the Three.”

A. Abishai was the captain of these Three Mighty Men, had a name or reputation among the three.

1. 1 Chronicles 11:20-21, Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. 21 He was doubly honored above the Three and became their commander, even though he was not included among them. (NIV)

2. Abishai was the chief captain of the second group of three, but he did not attain to the highest honor, membership among the first three. (Smith)

B. Abishai was the oldest son of Zeruiah, David’s half-sister, and brother of Joab and Asahel. (Youngblood)

II. “He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three.

A. Abishai in hand-to-hand combat won such a mighty victory that it is still spoken of today!

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2 Samuel 23:19, Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them. (NIV)

I. “Was he not held in greater honor than the Three?”

A. Abishai was famous, greatly renowned, for this and many other remarkable exploits.

II. “He became their commander, even though he was not included among them.”

A. Abishai’s command of troops as an officer, usually serving under his brother Joab, continued for many years.

2 Samuel 23:20, Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. (NIV)

I. “Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter (mighty in deeds) from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits.”

A. Benaiah was from Kabzeel (Jekabzeel), a town in the Negev (southern Judean, wilderness or desert) near the border of Edom. (Smith, Youngblood)

1. Nehemiah 11:25, As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath Arba and its surrounding settlements, in Dibon and its settlements, in Jekabzeel and its villages, (NIV)

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2. Joshua 15:21, The southernmost towns of the tribe of Judah in the Negev toward the boundary of Edom were: Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur, (NIV)

B. Benaiah was a son of Jehoiada, who may or may not have been the priest of that same name.

1. The Pulpit Commentary states this Jehoiada was the priest whose support greatly helped David become king in Hebron.

a. 1 Chronicles 12:27, including Jehoiada, leader of the family of Aaron, with 3,700 men, (NIV)

II. “He struck down two of Moab’s best men, (Ariel) (warriors, heroes, champions) two lion-like men of Moab.

A. Ezra 8:16, So I summoned Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah and Meshullam, who were leaders, and Joiarib and Elnathan, who were men of learning, (NIV)

1. In Ezra 8:16 Ariel is the name of a person while in 2 Samuel 23:20 here the word evidently refers to the best warriors.

III. “He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.”

A. The Pulpit Commentary ventured the opinion that the lion was probably a danger to the people in the area.

2 Samuel 23:21, And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went

Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Avenue, Nashville, TN., 37216, U.S.A., John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor http://www.biblestudyworkshop.org 39 against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear. (NIV)

I. “And he struck down a huge Egyptian.”

A. Clarke reminds us that this man is said to have been five cubits (7 ½) feet tall.

1. 1 Chronicles 11:23, And he struck down an Egyptian who was seven and a half feet tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver's rod in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear. (NIV)

2. Goliath was six cubits and a span tall.

a. 1 Samuel 17:4, A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. He was over nine feet tall. (NIV)

B. This appears to be a reference to combat between two individual champions, one Israelite and one Egyptian. (See Anderson.)

II. “Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club.”

A. In regard to weapons and size, the Egyptian appears to have had the advantage.

III. “He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear.”

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A. This was a remarkable accomplishment, not otherwise unheard of, but truly remarkable nonetheless.

B. To the Egyptian champion, being killed with his own spear which had been taken away from him in battle must have been the ultimate disgrace!

2 Samuel 23:22, Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men. (NIV)

I. “Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; . . .”

A. This incident was only one of many by which Benaiah became famous.

II. “he too was as famous as the three mighty men.”

A. These mighty men, by whom David and Israel were greatly blessed, were properly honored by their countrymen.

2 Samuel 23:23, He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard. (NIV)

I. “He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three.”

A. The ranking of heroes was based on their exploits, accomplishments.

II. “And David put him in charge of his bodyguard (his privy council).”

A. References:

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1. 2 Samuel 8:18, Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David's sons were royal advisers. (NIV)

2. 1 Samuel 22:14, Ahimelech answered the king, "Who of all your servants is as loyal as David, the king's son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard and highly respected in your household? (NIV)

B. He was also commander of the third division of twenty- four thousand (24,000) men. (Smith)

1. 1 Chronicles 27:5-6, The third army commander, for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest. He was chief and there were 24,000 men in his division. This was the Benaiah who was a mighty man among the Thirty and was over the Thirty. His son Ammizabad was in charge of his division. (NIV)

C. Subsequently he took the side of Solomon against Adonijah, and was rewarded by being made commander-in- chief in place of Joab. (Smith)

1. 1 Kings 2:35, The king put Benaiah son of Jehoiada over the army in Joab's position and replaced Abiathar with Zadok the priest. (NIV)

D. The body-guard of David, Anderson wrote, was, most likely formed by the Cherethites and Pelethites. Benaiah was in charge of these foreign mercenaries.

Note: Smith stated the third member of this second group of three is not named, perhaps because he may have fallen out of favor with

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the king. Some think Joab was the missing member of the group while others have suggested Amasa and Ahithophel. (Smith)

2 Samuel 23:24, Among the Thirty were: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem, (NIV)

1 Chronicles 11:26-47, The mighty men were: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem, Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa, Abiezer from Anathoth, Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hurai from the ravines of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite, Ahiam son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal son of Ur, Hepher the Mekerathite, Ahijah the Pelonite, Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai son of Ezbai, Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar son of Hagri, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, Uriah the Hittite, Zabad son of Ahlai, Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, who was chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him, Hanan son of Maacah, Joshaphat the Mithnite, Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, Jediael son of Shimri, his brother Joha the Tizite, Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite, Eliel, Obed and Jaasiel the Mezobaite. (NIV)

I. “Among the Thirty (Shalishim) were:”

Note: “This order of knighthood consisted originally of thirty-three (33) men, of whom three were of higher rank, and presided, probably, each over ten, while Joab was chief over them all. The

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A. A third group of heroes was called The Thirty.

1. “The group was initiated in David’s fugitive period (when his friends were mostly in Judah) and was later expanded after the establishment of his kingdom,” Smith wrote.

2. Specific deeds are not specified for these honored list of Thirty.

3. “The list in Chronicles contains sixteen (16) additional names of men who attained this honor after the list in 2 Samuel was composed,” Smith stated.

a. 1 Chronicles 11:26-47, The mighty men were: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem, Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa, Abiezer from Anathoth, Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hurai from the ravines of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite, Ahiam son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal son of Ur, Hepher the Mekerathite, Ahijah the Pelonite, Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai son of Ezbai, Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar son of Hagri, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite,

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the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, Uriah the Hittite, Zabad son of Ahlai, Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, who was chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him, Hanan son of Maacah, Joshaphat the Mithnite, Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, Jediael son of Shimri, his brother Joha the Tizite, Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite, Eliel, Obed and Jaasiel the Mezobaite. (NIV)

b. As deaths occurred, others were added to this honorable group. (See Smith.)

c. Also, thirty could have been the original number which increased as time passed. (See Smith.)

II. “Asahel the brother of Joab, . . .”

A. Asahel was Joab’s brother who was slain early in David’s reign (Smith) by Abner, Saul’s general.

1. 2 Samuel 2:18-30, The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai and Asahel. Now Asahel was as fleet-footed as a wild gazelle. He chased Abner, turning neither to the right nor to the left as he pursued him. Abner looked behind him and asked, "Is that you, Asahel?" "It is," he answered. Then Abner said to him, "Turn aside to the right or to the left; take on one of the young men and strip him of his weapons." But Asahel would not stop chasing him. Again Abner warned Asahel, "Stop chasing

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me! Why should I strike you down? How could I look your brother Joab in the face?" But Asahel refused to give up the pursuit; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear into Asahel's stomach, and the spear came out through his back. He fell there and died on the spot. And every man stopped when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died. But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and as the sun was setting, they came to the hill of Ammah, near Giah on the way to the wasteland of Gibeon. Then the men of Benjamin rallied behind Abner. They formed themselves into a group and took their stand on top of a hill. Abner called out to Joab, "Must the sword devour forever? Don't you realize that this will end in bitterness? How long before you order your men to stop pursuing their brothers?" Joab answered, "As surely as God lives, if you had not spoken, the men would have continued the pursuit of their brothers until morning." So Joab blew the trumpet, and all the men came to a halt; they no longer pursued Israel, nor did they fight anymore. All that night Abner and his men marched through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, continued through the whole Bithron and came to Mahanaim. Then Joab returned from pursuing Abner and assembled all his men. Besides Asahel, nineteen of David's men were found missing. (NIV)

2. Asahel, Joab and Abishai were sons of Zeruiah, David’s half sister.

B. Mention of Asahel indicates this group of Thirty was formed while David was still ruling in Hebron before he became king over all Israel. (Smith)

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III. “Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem, . . .”

A. Two men named Elhanan, both from Bethlehem, were mighty warriors.

1. 2 Samuel 21:19, In another battle with the Philistines at Gob, Elhanan son of Jaare-Oregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite, who had a spear with a shaft like a weaver's rod. (NIV)

B. Elhanan son of Dodo. . .

1. 2 Samuel 23:24, Among the Thirty were: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem, (NIV)

2. 1 Chronicles 11:26, The mighty men were: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem, (NIV)

2 Samuel 23:25, Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, (NIV)

I. “Shammah (Shammoth) the Harodite, . . .”

A. 1 Chronicles 11:27, Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, (NIV)

B. This Shammah commanded the fifth (5th) division of David’s army. (Smith)

C. This Shammah is not to be confused with others of this same name.

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1. 2 Samuel 23:11, 33, Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel's troops fled from them. son of Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam son of Sharar the Hararite, (NIV)

D. Harodites were natives or residents of Harod thought to be located on the northwest side of Mt. Gilboa about one (1) mile southeast of Jezreel. (Youngblood)

1. Anderson identifies this Harod as being located near Bethlehem rather than with the one near Mt. Gilboa.

2. Two of David’s mighty men, Shammah and Elika, were Harodites. (Youngblood)

II. “Elika the Harodite, . . .”

A. Nothing further is known of Elika except that he was one of David’s mighty men, one of The Thirty, who was a native or resident of Harod which was located on the northwest side of Mt. Gilboa about one (1) mile southeast of Jezreel.

B. Elika is not included in the 1 Chronicles 11, Anderson wrote.

2 Samuel 23:26, Helez the Paltite, Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa, (NIV)

I. “Helez the Paltite, . . .”

A. Helez commanded the seventh (7th) division of David’s army. (Smith)

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1. 1 Chronicles 27:10, The seventh, for the seventh month, was Helez the Pelonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in his division. (NIV)

B. The term Paltite refers to a native of Beth Pelet, a city in southern Judah. (Youngblood)

1. Joshua 15:27, Hazar Gaddah, Heshmon, Beth Pelet, (NIV)

II. “Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa, . . .”

A. Ira commanded the sixth division of David’s army. (Smith)

1. 1 Chronicles 27:9, The sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite. There were 24,000 men in his division. (NIV)

2. This Ira should not be confused with a man of the same name who served as David’s priest. (See Smith.)

a. 2 Samuel 20:26, and Ira the Jairite was David's priest. (NIV)

B. Tekoah was located in Judah some six (6) miles southeast of Bethlehem.

C. Other than what is said here, nothing further is known of Ikkesh.

2 Samuel 23:27, Abiezer from Anathoth, Mebunnai the Hushathite, (NIV)

I. “Abiezer from Anathoth, . . .”

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A. Abiezer commanded the ninth (9th) division of David’s army (Smith) which contained twenty-four thousand (24,000) men. (Coffman)

1. 1 Chronicles 27:12, The ninth, for the ninth month, was Abiezer the Anathothite, a Benjamite. There were 24,000 men in his division. (NIV)

B. Anathoth was a Levitical city located in the territory of Benjamin, was the birthplace of the prophet Jeremiah and was located about three (3) miles northeast of Jerusalem. (Youngblood)

II. “Mebunnai (Sibbecai, Sibbechai) the Hushathite, . . .”

A. Mebunnai commanded the eighth (8th) division of David’s army. (Smith)

1. 1 Chronicles 27:11, The eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbecai the Hushathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division. (NIV)

B. Hushathites were natives of Hushah thought to have been located in the Judean uplands southwest of Bethlehem. (Bromiley)

2 Samuel 23:28, Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, (NIV)

I. “Zalmon (Ilai) the Ahohite, . . .”

A. Youngblood defined Ahohites as descendants of Ahoah who had a “flair for military affairs.”

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1. 1 Chronicles 8:4, Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, (NIV)

2. 1 Chronicles 11:12, 29, Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, (NIV)

II. “Meharai the Nethophathite, . . .”

A. Meharai commanded the tenth (10th) division of David’s army. (Smith)

1. 1 Chronicles 27:13, The tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai the Netophathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division. (NIV)

B. Netophathites were natives or residents of Netophah, a city in Judah near Bethlehem. (Youngblood)

1. Ezra 2:22, of Netophah 56 (NIV)

2. Two of David’s mighty men, Meharai and Heled, were Netophathites.

2 Samuel 23:29, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin, (NIV)

I. “Heled (Heleb, Heldai) son of Baanah the Netophathite, . . .”

A. Heled, a descendant of Othniel, the first of Israel’s judges, commanded the twelfth division of David’s army.

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1. 1 Chronicles 27:15, The twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, from the family of Othniel. There were 24,000 men in his division. (NIV)

2. 1 Chronicles 11:30, Maharai the Netophathite, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, (NIV)

B. Heled, as well as Meharai, was a native or resident of Netophah in Judah near Bethlehem. (Youngblood)

II. “Ittai (Ithai) son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin, . . .”

A. This Ittai is not to be confused with Ittai the Gittite of 2 Samuel 15:19. (Smith)

1. 1 Chronicles 11:31, Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, (NIV)

2. 2 Samuel 15:19, The king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland. (NIV)

B. This Ittai, Ithai, one of David’s mighty men, was from Gibeah (Geba) in the territory of Benjamin, the birthplace of Saul, located three (3) miles north of Jerusalem.

1. 1 Chronicles 11:31, Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, (NIV)

2. 1 Samuel 13:3, 15, Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba, and the Philistines heard

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about it. Then Saul had the trumpet blown throughout the land and said, "Let the Hebrews hear!" Then Samuel left Gilgal and went up to Gibeah in Benjamin, and Saul counted the men who were with him. They numbered about six hundred. (NIV)

2 Samuel 23:30, Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai from the ravines of Gaash, (NIV)

I. “Benaiah the Pirathonite, . . .”

A. Benaiah was commander of the eleventh (11th) division of David’s army.

1. 1 Chronicles 11:31, Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, (NIV)

2. 1 Chronicles 27:14, The eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah the Pirathonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in his division. (NIV)

3. This Benaiah is not the person whose exploits are discussed in verses 20-23.

a. 2 Samuel 23:20-23, Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him

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with his own spear. Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men. He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard. (NIV)

B. This Benaiah, an Ephraimite, was a native or inhabitant of Pirathon which was located about seven and one-half (7 ½) miles southwest of Shechem in central Canaan.

1. Judges 12:15, Then Abdon son of Hillel died, and was buried at Pirathon in Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites. (NIV)

II. “Hiddai (Hurai) from the ravines (brooks) of Gaash, . . .”

A. Gaash was a mountain in the hill country of Ephraim and Hiddai must have been a native or resident of a valley in the area of this mountain.

2 Samuel 23:31, Abi-Albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, (NIV)

I. “Abi-Albon (Abiel) the Arbathite, . . .”

A. 1 Chronicles 11:32, Hurai from the ravines of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, (NIV)

B. An Arbathite was one who lived in the Arabah, a barren Judean wilderness in the Jordan River valley (Youngblood) also known as Arabah or Betharabah. (Coffman)

1. Joshua 15:6, 61, went up to Beth Hoglah and continued north of Beth Arabah to the Stone of

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Bohan son of Reuben. In the desert: Beth Arabah, Middin, Secacah, (NIV)

2. Joshua 18:22, Beth Arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel, (NIV)

3. Joshua 18:18, It continued to the northern slope of Beth Arabah and on down into the Arabah. (NIV)

II. “Azmaveth the Barhumite (Baharumite), . . .”

A. Azmaveth (death is strong), one of David’s mighty men, was from Bahurim, a small village near Jerusalem in the territory of Benjamin. (Youngblood)

1. 1 Chronicles 11:33, Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, (NIV)

2. 1 Chronicles 27:25, Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal storehouses. Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the storehouses in the outlying districts, in the towns, the villages and the watchtowers. (NIV)

2 Samuel 23:32, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan (NIV)

I. “Eliahba the Shaalbonite, . . .”

A. Eliahba, one of David’s Thirty Mighty Men, was a native or resident of Shaalbon, which may be the same as Shaalabbin, an Amorite city in the territory of Dan, also known as Shaalbim, located fifteen (15) miles west of Jerusalem.

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1. 1 Chronicles 11:33, Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, (NIV)

2. Anderson associated Shaalbin (Shaalbim) with Selbit which was located some eight (8) miles north of Beth Shemesh.

a. Judges 1:35, And the Amorites were determined also to hold out in Mount Heres, Aijalon and Shaalbim, but when the power of the house of Joseph increased, they too were pressed into forced labor. (NIV)

II. “the sons of Jashen (Hashem). . . .”

A. The sons of Jashen (Hasdhem) were Gizonites (Gizrites) whose names were so well known that their names did not need to be listed, Smith wrote.

1. Gizonite may refer either to the name of his family or his hometown. (Youngblood)

a. 1 Chronicles 11:34, the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite, (NIV)

2. Anderson associates Gimzon (Gizon) with a site in southern Judah.

a. 2 Chronicles 28:18, while the Philistines had raided towns in the foothills and in the Negev of Judah. They captured and occupied Beth Shemesh, Aijalon and Gederoth, as well as

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Soco, Timnah and Gimzo, with their surrounding villages. (NIV)

2 Samuel 23:33, son of Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam son of Sharar the Hararite, (NIV)

I. “Jonathan son of Shammah (Shagee) the Hararite (Harorite), . . . . ”

A. Jonathan was the son of Shammah (Shagee) who was one of the First Three. (Smith)

1. Both father and son earned special military honors. (Smith)

B. Remember that son can refer to son, grandson, descendant.

1. Consequently, here we can accurately understand the positions of Shammah and Shagee. (See Coffman.)

II. “Ahiam son of Sharar (Sacar) the Hararite, . . .”

A. 1 Chronicles 11:35, Ahiam son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal son of Ur, (NIV)

2 Samuel 23:34, Eliphelet son of Ahasbai the Maacathite, Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, (NIV)

I. Eliphelet (Elipha, Eliphal) son of Ahasbai (Ur) the Maacathite, . . .” A. 1 Chronicles 11:35, Ahiam son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal son of Ur, (NIV)

B. Maacathites (Maachathites) were descendants of Maacah (Maachah), or a native or inhabitant of the Aramean kingdom

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of Maacah, which was located on the western border of Bashan, probably southwest of Mt. Hermon and east of the Jordan River.

C. David named one of his sons Eliphelet.

1. 1 Chronicles 3:8, Elishama, Eliada and Eliphelet—nine in all. (NIV)

II. “Eliam son of Ahithiophal the Gilonite, . . .”

A. Eliam (Amiel) was the son of Ahithophel the advisor who betrayed David during Absalom’s rebellion. (Smith)

B. Gilonites were natives or inhabitants of the town of Giloh, located in the hill country of Judah. (Youngblood)

Note: The list of David’s mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11 contains Hepher, Ahijah, and Mibhar, names not found in the 2 Samuel 23 list. (Smith)

2 Samuel 23:35, Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, (NIV)

I. “Hezro (Hezrai) the Carmelite, . . .”

A. 1 Chronicles 11:37, Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai son of Ezbai, (NIV)

B. Carmel was a town in the hill country of Judah located eight (8) or nine (9) miles southeast of Hebron. (Youngblood)

1. Hezro was a native or resident of Carmel south of Hebron, not a native of the Mt. Carmel area.

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II. Paarai (Naarai) the Arbite, . . .”

A. 1 Chronicles 11:37, Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai son of Ezbai, (NIV)

B. An Arbite was a native of Arab, a village in the hill country of Judah.

1. Joshua 15:52, Arab, Dumah, Eshan, (NIV)

2 Samuel 23:36, Igal son of Nathan from Zobah, the son of Hagri, (NIV)

I. “Igal (Joel) son of Nathan from Zobah, . . .”

A. Zobah was part of Syria, an Aramean or Syrian kingdom, located between Damascus and the Euphrates River.

II. “Bani, the Gadite, the son of Hagri.”

A. Bani was a member of the tribe of Gad which occupied territory east of the Jordan River. (Coffman)

B. Anderson wrote, “The Hagrites were nomadic people who dwelt in the region of Gilead.”

1. 1 Chronicles 5:10, During Saul's reign they waged war against the Hagrites, who were defeated at their hands; they occupied the dwellings of the Hagrites throughout the entire region east of Gilead. (NIV)

2 Samuel 23:37, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah, (NIV)

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I. “Zelek the Ammonite, . . .”

A. Ammonites were descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot by an incestuous relationship with his younger daughter. (See Youngblood.)

1. Ammonites lived north and east of Moab between the Arnon and Jabbok Rivers. (Youngblood)

B. Zelek is here associated with Naharai as one of David’s armor-bearers. (Youngblood)

II. “Naharai (Nahari) the Beerothite (Berothite), the armor-bearer of Joah son of Zeruiah, . . .”

A. A Beerothite was a native or resident of Beeroth, a Gibeonite city located in the territory of Benjamin about eight (8) miles north of Jerusalem.

1. Coffman wrote that Beeroth was one of the four (4) cites of the Hivites.

B. Joab was David’s nephew, commander of the army and son of Zeruiah, David’s half-sister.

1. 2 Samuel 23: 18, 24, 37, During Saul's reign they waged war against the Hagrites, who were defeated at their hands; they occupied the dwellings of the Hagrites throughout the entire region east of Gilead. Among the Thirty were: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor- bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah, (NIV)

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2 Samuel 23:38, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite (NIV)

I. “Ira the Ithrite, . . .”

A. Two men among David’s Thirty mighty men were named Ira, this one being the Ithrite (belonging to (Jattir) Jether), a family that lived at Kiriath Jearim which was located on the western part of the boundary line between the territories of Judah and Benjamin. (Youngblood)

1. Coffman wrote that Ithrites were a family descended from Kiriath-jearim.

a. 1 Chronicles 2:53, and the clans of Kiriath Jearim: the Ithrites, Puthites, Shumathites and Mishraites. From these descended the Zorathites and Eshtaolites. (NIV)

b. 1 Chronicles 11:40, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, (NIV)

2. “Jattir was located in the mountains of Judah,” Coffman wrote.

II. “Gareb the Ithrite, . . .”

A. Gareb, one of David’s mighty men of valor, was an Ithrite, a family who lived at Kirjath Jearim.

1. 1 Chronicles 2:53, and the clans of Kiriath Jearim: the Ithrites, Puthites, Shumathites and Mishraites. From these descended the Zorathites and Eshtaolites. (NIV)

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2. Two (2) of David’s mighty men, Gareb and Ira, were Ithrites.

a. 1 Chronicles 11:40, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, (NIV)

2 Samuel 23:39, and Uriah the Hittite. There were thirty-seven in all. (NIV)

I. “and Uriah the Hittite.”

A. The list of David’s mighty men ends with Uriah who was loyal to David, but whom David betrayed and ordered killed in battle and with whose wife (Bathsheba) David committed adultery!

1. On this note the list of David’s mighty men ends!

2. David was certainly not as much “a man after God’s own heart” as he should have been!

B. Hittites migrated to Canaan from Asia Minor.

II. “There were thirty-seven in all.”

A. These thirty-seven (37) mighty men were the total of this list of thirty-one (31) plus two (2) groups of three (3) of whom we read in verses 8-23. (See Smith)

1. Anderson wrote, “According to our interpretation of the text there are only thirty-six (36) names in verses 8- 39). Zabad son of Ahlai may be the missing name.”

a. 1 Chronicles 11:41, Uriah the Hittite, Zabad son of Ahlai, (NIV)

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B. To these the author of Chronicles adds sixteen (16) others.

1. 1 Chronicles 11:41b-47, Zabad son of Ahlai, Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, who was chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him, Hanan son of Maacah, Joshaphat the Mithnite, Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, Jediael son of Shimri, his brother Joha the Tizite, Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite, Eliel, Obed and Jaasiel the Mezobaite. (NIV)

Note: David’s army was divided into twelve (12) divisions. Each division served one month each year on active duty.

Conclusion:

I. David’s mighty men came from various locations in Canaan although a few families and tribes such as Judah are prominent in this lot and from non-Israelite (foreign) people as well.

A. Christ’s “mighty men” come from every nation under heaven and from all races, “red and yellow, black and white.”

II. Anderson wrote, “In a sense, (2 Samuel 23:1-7) offers not only a royal ideal by which all future kings should be judged but it also depicts an ideal for all human beings, both great and small.”

A. “Those who do justice and act in the fear of God will be blessed and they will be a blessing to others, while those who love chaos and destruction will receive their heart’s desire,” Anderson concluded.

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III. These mighty men of honor were the loyal and devoted servants of David. Their exploits attest to their skills and faithfulness.

A. There is a most important roster God keeps known as the Lamb’s book of life containing all the names of the saved of earth!

1. Is your name on that list?

2. Are you one of the faithful servants of the Lord?

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Questions

On

2 Samuel 23:1-39

(Questions based on NIV text.)

1. What is the meaning of the phrase, “The last words of David?” ______

2. 2 Samuel 23:8-39 consists of what four (4) main sections? ______

3. Lists of David’s mighty men are found in ______and in ______.

4. In what ways are these lists alike? How are they different? ______

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5. What is an oracle? ______

6. What other passages are similar to 2 Samuel 23:1? List at least three (3) references. ______

7. Is 2 Samuel 23:1-7 Messianic? If so, explain how. ______

8. Give examples, both Biblical and secular, of people who came from very insignificant places who rose to positions of great honor and accomplishment. ______

9. How many times, when and where was David anointed? ______

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______

10. Define the word Christ. ______

11. Why has David come to be known as “the sweet psalmist of Israel?” ______

12. “The ______of the ______through me; his ______was on my ______.”

13. What is meant by the statement, “The Bible is inspired?” Define inspiration. ______

14. To what is a righteous ruler who fears God compared in verses 3-4? ______

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______

15. Was David’s house right with God? Why or why not? ______

16. What everlasting covenant did God make with David? Did God’s covenant promise hinge on David’s righteousness? Why or why not? ______

17. Define salvation and desire in verse 5. Did David expect God to give him everything he wanted? ______

18. Define “sons of Beliel.” To what are evil men compared? ______

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19. Show that the righteous must exercise caution when dealing with evil men. (See verses 6-7). ______

20. Who was Josheb-Basshebeth? What did he do to earn a place among David’s might men? (See verse 8.) ______

21. Who was Eleazar? What did he do to earn a place among David’s mighty men? (See verses 9-10.) ______

22. Who was Shammah? What did he do to earn a place among David’s mighty men? (See verses 11-12.) ______

23. What behooved three (3) men, at the risk of their lives, to go to Bethlehem to get David a drink of water? (See verses 13-17.) ______

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______

24. Why did David refuse to drink this water? What did he do with it? ______

25. Who was Abishai? What did he do to earn a place among David’s mighty men? (See verses 18-19.) ______

26. Who was Benaiah? What did he do to earn a place among David’s mighty men? (See verses 20-23.) ______

27. Among the Thirty were: ______the ______of ______, ______of ______from ______, ______the ______, ______the ______, ______the ______,

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______of ______from ______, ______from ______, ______the ______, ______the ______, ______the ______, ______of ______, the ______, ______of ______the ______, ______of ______from ______in ______, ______the ______, ______from the ______of ______, ______-______the ______, ______the ______, ______the ______, the ______of ______, ______of ______the ______, ______of ______the ______, ______of ______the ______, ______the ______, ______the______, ______of ______from ______the ______of ______, ______the ______, ______the ______, ______-______of ______of ______, ______the ______, ______the ______and ______the

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______. There were ______- ______in all.

28. Those who do ______and ______in the ______of ______will be ______and they will be a ______to others, while those who ______and ______will receive their ______’s ______.

29. These ______men of ______were the ______and ______of ______. Their ______attest to their ______and ______.

30. There is a ______keeps known as the ______’s ______of ______containing all the ______of the ______of ______! Is your ______on that ______? Are you one of the ______of the ______?

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