1 Chronicles 11:12

KJV

And after him [was] Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who [was one] of the three mighties.

KJV (with Strong's)

And after {H310} him was Eleazar {H499} the son {H1121} of Dodo {H1734}, the Ahohite {H266}, who was one of the three {H7969} mighties {H1368}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After him was El'azar the son of Dodo the Achochi, one of the three warriors.

Berean Standard Bible

Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men.

American Standard Version

And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:12 introduces Eleazar, son of Dodo, the Ahohite, as a distinguished member of King David's elite fighting force, specifically identifying him as one of "the three mighties." This designation highlights his exceptional valor and military prowess, setting the stage for his remarkable acts of courage that further underscore the strength and divine backing of David's burgeoning kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial passage in 1 Chronicles 11 (verses 10-47), which meticulously lists David's most valiant warriors. This detailed roster immediately follows the account of [David being anointed king over all Israel](/1_chronicles/11-1 "1 Chronicles 11:1 - David Anointed King") and the pivotal capture of Jerusalem, which became his capital. The inclusion of such a comprehensive list of "mighty men" serves to legitimize David's reign, showcasing the caliber of loyal and courageous individuals who rallied behind him. It emphasizes that David's kingdom was not built on his strength alone, but on the collective might and devotion of his divinely appointed army. This section parallels a similar, though not identical, account found in [2 Samuel 23:8-39](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8-39 - David's Mighty Men").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, military strength and valor were highly prized, particularly during periods of kingdom formation and consolidation like David's reign. The concept of "mighty men" (Hebrew: _gibborim_) was deeply embedded in the warrior culture, referring to individuals who demonstrated extraordinary bravery, skill, and loyalty in battle. Tribal identity, indicated by epithets like "the Ahohite" (referring to Eleazar's lineage from Ahoah, a descendant of Benjamin), was crucial for establishing one's place within the societal structure and for understanding alliances and origins. These elite warriors formed the backbone of David's military, essential for defending the nascent kingdom against external threats and expanding its influence. Their exploits were not merely acts of human strength but were often seen as evidence of divine favor and empowerment, crucial for a king whose authority was understood to be divinely ordained.

* **Key Themes:** Eleazar's inclusion among "the three mighties" underscores several prominent themes. First, **Exceptional Valor and Skill** is paramount; these men were not just soldiers but heroes whose feats set them apart, demonstrating the pinnacle of military excellence in Israel. Second, **Loyalty and Service** to [King David](/1_chronicles/11-3 "1 Chronicles 11:3 - David's Kingship") and, by extension, to God's chosen kingdom, is a recurring motif, highlighting their unwavering commitment. Third, the narrative subtly points to **Divine Empowerment**; while their physical prowess was evident, the biblical account often implies that God's hand was with these warriors, enabling them to achieve remarkable victories, such as Eleazar's stand against the Philistines described in [1 Chronicles 11:13-14](/1_chronicles/11-13 "1 Chronicles 11:13-14 - Eleazar's Heroic Stand"). This theme reinforces the idea that David's success and the strength of his kingdom were ultimately rooted in God's providence and active involvement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eleazar (Hebrew, _'El'azar'_):** Meaning "God has helped" or "God is helper." This name is significant, as it subtly foreshadows the divine assistance that would enable Eleazar to perform his heroic deeds, particularly his solitary stand against the Philistines. It positions him not merely as a strong man but as an instrument through whom God's power would be manifested.
* **Ahohite (Hebrew, _'Ahohi'_):** This is a patronymic or tribal designation, indicating Eleazar's descent from Ahoah, a son of Bela, who was a son of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:4). This detail grounds Eleazar within a specific tribal lineage, highlighting the diverse origins of David's loyal men and the unity forged under his leadership. It also serves as a precise identifier in a culture where lineage was paramount.
* **mighties (Hebrew, גִּבֹּרִים, _gibborim'_):** This plural noun denotes "strong ones," "valiant ones," "heroes," or "champions." It is a term used throughout the Old Testament to describe individuals of exceptional strength, courage, and often, military prowess. In this context, "the three mighties" refers to the absolute elite, the most formidable and renowned warriors in David's army, whose deeds were legendary and unparalleled. Their inclusion in this exclusive group signifies the highest possible commendation for military excellence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after him [was] Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite":** This clause introduces Eleazar immediately following Jashobeam, who was the first of the three mighties mentioned in [1 Chronicles 11:11](/1_chronicles/11-11 "1 Chronicles 11:11 - Jashobeam, the First of the Three"). The meticulous lineage "son of Dodo, the Ahohite" provides precise identification, emphasizing his specific family and tribal background, which was crucial for establishing identity and credibility in ancient Israelite society. The sequential introduction highlights his standing within this elite group.
* **"who [was one] of the three mighties":** This phrase is the core of the verse, establishing Eleazar's unparalleled status. It designates him as a member of the most exclusive and revered group of warriors in David's army. This is not merely a descriptive title but a formal recognition of his extraordinary capabilities and the legendary feats he performed, which would be elaborated upon in subsequent verses, particularly his valiant stand against the Philistines in [1 Chronicles 11:13-14](/1_chronicles/11-13 "1 Chronicles 11:13-14 - Eleazar's Heroic Stand").

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. **Enumeration** is evident as this verse is part of a larger list of David's mighty men, meticulously detailing the individuals who supported his reign. This listing serves to underscore the strength and breadth of David's loyal forces. **Epithet** is used in "the Ahohite," which functions as a descriptive title indicating Eleazar's lineage and tribal affiliation, providing specific identity. Similarly, "one of the three mighties" is an **Appellation**, a formal title that immediately conveys his elite status and exceptional valor. This appellation also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the extraordinary deeds Eleazar is about to perform, which are detailed in the subsequent verses, building anticipation for the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Eleazar's introduction as one of "the three mighties" serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of God's kingdom and the individuals He raises up to serve His purposes. His valor is not merely human strength but a testament to the courage and steadfastness that God imbues in His servants. The Chronicler emphasizes that David's success was not solely due to his own leadership but also to the faithful and courageous service of men like Eleazar, who were willing to stand firm in the face of overwhelming odds. This highlights a broader biblical theme: God often uses the extraordinary commitment of individuals to accomplish His divine will, demonstrating that true might comes from a combination of human dedication and divine empowerment.

* [1 Chronicles 11:13-14](/1_chronicles/11-13 "1 Chronicles 11:13-14 - Eleazar's Heroic Stand Against the Philistines")
* [2 Samuel 23:9-10](/2_samuel/23-9 "2 Samuel 23:9-10 - Parallel Account of Eleazar's Valor")
* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eleazar's brief introduction here, leading into his remarkable deed, serves as a profound testament to the power of unwavering commitment, courage, and loyalty. His story encourages us to recognize that true strength is not merely physical prowess but encompasses steadfastness, integrity, and devotion to a higher calling or leader. In our own lives, we are called to identify our unique strengths, talents, and positions, and to use them faithfully in service, whether to our families, communities, or, most importantly, to our faith. Eleazar's example reminds us that dedication, even when standing seemingly alone against formidable challenges, can lead to remarkable and impactful outcomes. It underscores the truth that God can and often does use ordinary people, who possess extraordinary courage and faithfulness, to accomplish His divine purposes, demonstrating that our steadfastness in difficult moments can yield significant spiritual victories.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate "might" or extraordinary courage, not necessarily physically, but spiritually or morally?**
* **How does Eleazar's loyalty to David inspire your own commitment to the leaders or causes you believe in?**
* **What "impossible" situations are you facing where you might need to stand firm, trusting in God's empowering presence, like Eleazar?**

### FAQ
**Who were "the three mighties" in David's army, and why were they significant?**

Answer: "The three mighties" were the most elite and renowned warriors in King David's army, distinguished by their unparalleled valor and extraordinary feats in battle. As mentioned in [1 Chronicles 11:12](/1_chronicles/11-12 "1 Chronicles 11:12 - Eleazar, One of the Three Mighties") and [2 Samuel 23:8](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8 - The Three Mighties"), they included Jashobeam (or Ishbaal), Eleazar, and Shammah (though Shammah is only explicitly named in 2 Samuel's account, implied by shared exploits). Their significance lay in their being the epitome of military excellence and unwavering loyalty to David, often performing acts of bravery that seemed humanly impossible, such as Eleazar's stand against the Philistines until his hand was weary and stuck to his sword ([1 Chronicles 11:13-14](/1_chronicles/11-13 "1 Chronicles 11:13-14 - Eleazar's Heroic Stand")). They served as a testament to the strength and divine backing of David's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Eleazar, one of David's "three mighties," foreshadows the ultimate "Mighty One" in Jesus Christ, who leads a spiritual army. Just as Eleazar stood firm against overwhelming odds, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to King David, Christ stood firm against the forces of sin and death, demonstrating perfect obedience to His Father's will. Eleazar's name, meaning "God has helped," points to the divine assistance that enabled his valor, much like the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be "mighty" in faith and spiritual warfare. The concept of an elite group of devoted warriors finds its ultimate fulfillment in the church, Christ's body, called to be a people who stand firm in the truth of the Gospel ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")). We are called not to physical warfare, but to a spiritual battle, empowered by the strength of Christ who has already secured the decisive victory on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Eleazar's dedication to an earthly king, even to the point of exhaustion, serves as a powerful illustration of the steadfast love and sacrifice Christ demonstrated for His people ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")), and the call for believers to be courageous and faithful soldiers in His kingdom ([2 Timothy 2:3-4](/2_timothy/2-3 "2 Timothy 2:3-4 - Endure Hardship as a Good Soldier of Christ Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 27:4

And over the course of the second month [was] Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course [was] Mikloth also the ruler: in his course likewise [were] twenty and four thousand.

2 Samuel 23:9

And after him [was] Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, [one] of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines [that] were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:

1 Chronicles 11:19

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. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.

1 Chronicles 8:4

And Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah,

2 Samuel 23:23

He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the [first] three. And David set him over his guard.

2 Samuel 23:17

And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: [is not this] the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

2 Samuel 23:19

Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the [first] three.