1 Chronicles 11:26

KJV

Also the valiant men of the armies [were], Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

KJV (with Strong's)

Also the valiant men {H1368} of the armies {H2428} were, Asahel {H6214} the brother {H251} of Joab {H3097}, Elhanan {H445} the son {H1121} of Dodo {H1734} of Bethlehem {H1035},

Complete Jewish Bible

There were also these warrior-heroes: 'Asah'el the brother of Yo'av, Elchanan the son of Dodo, from Beit-Lechem,

Berean Standard Bible

Now these were the mighty men: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

American Standard Version

Also the mighty men of the armies: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Beth-lehem,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse introduces the detailed roster of David's most elite warriors, known as his "mighty men" or "valiant men." Following David's anointing as king over all Israel and his strategic capture of Jerusalem, the Chronicler meticulously begins to list the individuals who formed the bedrock of his military strength and personal guard, highlighting their indispensable role in securing and expanding his kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 11:26 is situated within a pivotal chapter that marks the formal establishment of David's reign. The chapter opens with the tribes of Israel gathering at Hebron to anoint David as king over all Israel, fulfilling God's promise ([1 Chronicles 11:1-3](/1_chronicles/11-1 "1 Chronicles 11:1-3 - David Anointed King")). Immediately following this, David captures the Jebusite stronghold of Zion, which becomes the "City of David" and his capital ([1 Chronicles 11:4-9](/1_chronicles/11-4 "1 Chronicles 11:4-9 - David Captures Jerusalem")). The narrative then transitions directly into the catalog of David's "mighty men," beginning with the most prominent "three" and "thirty" and then listing others. Verse 26 specifically introduces Asahel and Elhanan, setting the stage for a more extensive enumeration of these crucial individuals, underscoring their collective and individual contributions to David's early successes and the stability of his kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) was a time of significant national consolidation and expansion for Israel. After centuries of tribal disunity and intermittent leadership under judges, the monarchy under David brought unprecedented stability and military prowess. In the ancient Near East, a king's power and security were directly tied to the strength and loyalty of his personal guard and army. The "valiant men" were not merely soldiers but elite warriors, often bound by personal loyalty to David, who had proven their courage and skill in battle. Their service was vital for national defense, conquest, and maintaining order. The mention of "Bethlehem" for Elhanan also subtly connects these warriors to David's own humble origins in that town, reinforcing a sense of shared identity and loyalty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the larger list, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Enablement and Human Instrumentality**. While God chose and empowered David, He also worked through the dedicated service of these individuals to establish His kingdom on earth. Secondly, the detailed listing emphasizes the **Recognition of Service and Loyalty**. The Chronicler's meticulous naming of these men underscores the value placed on individual courage, faithfulness, and self-sacrifice in supporting God-ordained leadership. This theme resonates with the broader narrative of God honoring those who serve Him and His anointed ones. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Military Strength and Kingdom Security**, demonstrating that the stability and prosperity of David's kingdom were built upon both divine favor and the tangible strength provided by these elite warriors, allowing for the eventual establishment of the temple and the flourishing of worship in Jerusalem, a central concern of the Chronicler.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Valiant men (Hebrew, _gibborim_):** This term (גִּבֹּרִים) is a plural noun derived from the root _gbr_ (גבר), meaning "to be strong, mighty." It refers to powerful, mighty men, heroes, or champions. In a military context, it denotes elite warriors of exceptional strength, skill, and bravery, often distinguished by specific feats of valor. The use of _gibborim_ here immediately signals that the Chronicler is not listing ordinary soldiers but a select group of formidable individuals whose prowess was legendary and whose presence was crucial to David's success.
* **Armies (Hebrew, _ṣābā'_):** The word (צָבָא) refers to a host, army, or military force. When coupled with "valiant men," it emphasizes that these individuals were not isolated heroes but the elite core within David's broader military structure. They were the spearhead of his forces, the shock troops, and the trusted bodyguards who executed the king's will and secured his dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also the valiant men of the armies [were],"**: This opening phrase serves as a transitional marker, shifting from the narrative of David's anointing and conquest of Jerusalem to the enumeration of his key military personnel. The "valiant men" (Hebrew: _gibborim_) are introduced as an elite class within David's "armies," signifying their exceptional status and importance. The implied verb "were" (supplied in KJV) indicates that the following names belong to this distinguished group.
* **"Asahel the brother of Joab,"**: Asahel is the first individual mentioned in this specific list of the "thirty." His primary identifier is his familial relationship to Joab, who would become David's formidable and often ruthless commander of the army. This connection immediately establishes Asahel's prominence and lineage within the military elite, as Joab's family (sons of Zeruiah, David's sister) held significant power and influence in David's court. Asahel was known for his speed, though his impetuous pursuit of Abner ultimately led to his death ([2 Samuel 2:18-23](/2_samuel/2-18 "2 Samuel 2:18-23 - Asahel's Pursuit and Death")).
* **"Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,"**: Elhanan is the second individual named in this verse. His identity is established through his father, Dodo, and his geographical origin, Bethlehem. The mention of Bethlehem is significant as it is David's own hometown, suggesting a potential early connection or loyalty to David from his youth. While less is known about Elhanan than Asahel, his inclusion here signifies his status as a renowned warrior among David's elite, contributing to the diverse origins and loyalties within David's fighting force.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this verse and the list it introduces. Primarily, there is **Catalog** or **Enumeration**, as the text systematically lists individuals, their patronymics, and sometimes their places of origin or notable deeds. This detailed listing serves to document and honor those who served David faithfully. There is also **Emphasis by Naming**, as the very act of naming each warrior, rather than simply referring to them collectively, underscores their individual significance and contributions. This highlights the Chronicler's intent to preserve their memory and validate their service. Furthermore, the placement of this list immediately after David's anointing and conquest creates a subtle **Juxtaposition**, linking David's divinely ordained kingship directly to the human instruments through whom his kingdom was established and maintained. This connection reinforces the idea that God works through chosen leaders and their dedicated followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, by introducing David's "valiant men," underscores a profound theological truth: God often accomplishes His purposes through the dedicated and courageous service of ordinary (or in this case, extraordinary) individuals. While David was God's anointed, his kingdom was not built in isolation but through the collective effort, skill, and loyalty of those who served him. This highlights the importance of faithful stewardship of gifts and the value of every member's contribution within a larger, divinely-ordained enterprise. It reminds us that God raises up and uses people from diverse backgrounds and with various skills—be they military, administrative, or spiritual—to advance His kingdom. The Chronicler's careful preservation of these names suggests that faithful service, even in supporting roles, is seen and valued by God.

* [2 Samuel 23:8-39](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8-39 - David's Mighty Men (Parallel Account)")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 11:26 invites us to reflect on the nature of leadership, service, and community. Just as David's success was inextricably linked to the dedication of his "valiant men," so too are significant endeavors in our lives—whether in family, church, or broader society—dependent on the collective commitment and courage of its members. This verse calls us to recognize and value those who serve faithfully, often behind the scenes or in demanding roles, enabling leaders and ministries to flourish. It challenges us to consider what it means to be "valiant" in our own contexts—not necessarily in physical combat, but in spiritual warfare, in standing for truth, in perseverance through adversity, and in unwavering loyalty to Christ and His kingdom. Our "valiance" is expressed through our willingness to use our gifts, however ordinary or extraordinary, for the common good and the glory of God, remembering that every act of faithful service contributes to the larger divine narrative.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are the "valiant men and women" in your life or community whose faithful service often goes unnoticed but is vital?**
* **In what ways can you demonstrate "valiance" in your spiritual walk or in your service to God's kingdom today?**
* **How does recognizing the contributions of others encourage a stronger sense of community and shared purpose?**
* **What does it mean to be loyal to a cause or a leader, and how does this apply to our loyalty to Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who were David's "valiant men" and why are they listed?**

Answer: David's "valiant men" (Hebrew: _gibborim_) were an elite group of highly skilled, courageous, and loyal warriors who formed the core of David's army and personal guard. They were instrumental in his military victories, the consolidation of his kingdom, and the defense of Israel. The Chronicler lists them, as also seen in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words and Mighty Men"), to honor their individual contributions and to emphasize that David's success was not solely his own but also a result of the dedicated service of these individuals. This detailed enumeration underscores the value of faithful service and the human instruments God uses to achieve His divine purposes.

**What is the significance of Asahel and Elhanan being mentioned first in this part of the list?**

Answer: Asahel and Elhanan are mentioned first in the list of the "thirty" (or "thirty-seven" when including the three chiefs) because they were prominent figures among David's elite warriors. Asahel's inclusion is particularly significant due to his familial connection as the brother of Joab, David's eventual commander-in-chief, and Abishai. This highlights the importance of family and tribal connections within David's military hierarchy. Elhanan's mention, especially with the detail "of Bethlehem," connects him to David's own hometown, possibly indicating an early or deeply rooted loyalty. Their initial placement signifies their high standing and foundational role within this distinguished group of warriors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The list of David's valiant men, introduced in 1 Chronicles 11:26, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the establishment of God's eternal kingdom through Jesus Christ and the call to His followers to be "valiant" in a spiritual sense. David, as an earthly king, relied on human strength and loyalty to build his kingdom; yet, he himself was a type of the coming Messiah. Jesus, the true King, does not build His kingdom through physical armies but through the power of the Holy Spirit and the faithful service of His disciples. Just as David's men demonstrated unwavering loyalty and courage, so too are believers called to be steadfast in their devotion to Christ, the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). The "valiant men" of Christ's kingdom are those who, empowered by the Spirit, faithfully proclaim the gospel ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")), stand firm against spiritual adversaries ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")), and advance His reign through lives of love, service, and truth. Their names may not be listed in an earthly chronicle, but they are written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Book of Life"), serving the ultimate Davidic King whose kingdom will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")).

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 27:7

The fourth [captain] for the fourth month [was] Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

2 Samuel 23:24

Asahel the brother of Joab [was] one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

2 Samuel 21:19

And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew [the brother of] Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear [was] like a weaver's beam.

2 Samuel 3:30

So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

2 Samuel 2:18

¶ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel [was as] light of foot as a wild roe.

2 Samuel 2:23

Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth [rib], that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, [that] as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.