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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Chronicles 11:10–47. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here an account of David's worthies, the great men of his time that served him and were preferred by him. The first edition of this catalogue we had, Sa2 23:8, etc. This is much the same, only that those named here from Ch1 11:41 to the end are added. Observe,
I.The connexion of this catalogue with that which is said concerning David, Ch1 11:9.
1.David waxed greater and greater, and these were his mighty men. Much of the strength and honour of great men is borrowed from their servants and depends upon them, which cannot but somewhat diminish pomp and power in the opinion of those that are wise. David is great because he has great men about him; take these away, and he is where he was.
2.The Lord of hosts was with him, and these were the mighty men which he had. God was with him and wrought for him, but by men and means and the use of second causes. By this it appeared that God was with him, that he inclined the hearts of those to come over to him that were able to serve his interest. As, if God be for us none can be against us, so, if God be for us, all shall be for us that we have occasion for. Yet David ascribed his success and increase, not to the hosts he had, but to the Lord of hosts, not to the mighty men that were with him, but to the mighty God whose presence with us is all in all.
II.The title of this catalogue (Ch1 11:10):
These are the men who strengthened themselves with him. In strengthening him they strengthened themselves and their own interest; for his advancement was theirs. What we do in our places for the support of the kingdom of the Son of David we shall be gainers by. In strengthening it we strengthen ourselves. It may be read, They held strongly with him and with all Israel. Note, When God has work to do he will not want fit instruments to do it with. If it be work that requires mighty men, mighty men shall either be found or made to effect it, according to the word of the Lord.
III.That which made all these men honourable was the good service that they did to their king and country; they helped to make David king (Ch1 11:10) - a good work. They slew the Philistines, and other public enemies, and were instrumental to save Israel. Note, The way to be great is to do good. Nor did they gain this honour without labour and the hazard of their lives. The honours of Christ's kingdom are prepared for those that fight the good fight of faith, that labour and suffer, and are willing to venture all, even life itself, for Christ and a good conscience. It is by a patient continuance in well-doing that we must seek for glory, and honour, and immortality; and those that are faithful to the Son of David shall find their names registered and enrolled much more to their honour than these are in the records of fame.
IV.Among all the great exploits of David's mighty men, here is nothing great mentioned concerning David himself but his pouring out water before the Lord which he had longed for, Ch1 11:18, Ch1 11:19. Four very honourable dispositions of David appeared in that action, which, for aught I know, made it as great as any of the achievements of those worthies.
1.Repentance for his own weakness. It is really an honour to a man, when he is made sensible that he has said or done any thing unadvisedly, to unsay it and undo it again by repentance, as it is a shame to a man when he has said or done amiss to stand to it.
2.Denial of his own appetite. He longed for the water of the well of Bethlehem; but, when he had it, he would not drink it, because he would not so far humour himself and gratify a foolish fancy. He that has such a rule as this over his own spirit is better than the mighty. It is an honour to a man to have the command of himself; but he that will command himself must sometimes cross himself.
3.Devotion towards God. That water which he thought too good, too precious, for his own drinking, he poured out to the Lord for a drink offering. If we have any thing better than another, let God be honoured with it, who is the best, and should have the best.
4.Tenderness of his servants. It put him into the greatest confusion imaginable to think that three brave men should hazard their lives to fetch water for him. In his account it turns the water into blood. It is the honour of great men not to be prodigal of the blood of those they employ, but, in all the commands they give them, to put their own souls into their souls' stead.
V.In the wonderful achievements of these heroes the power of God must be acknowledged.
How could one slay 300 and another the same number (Ch1 11:11, Ch1 11:20), another two lion-like men (Ch1 11:22), and another an Egyptian giant (Ch1 11:23), if they had not had the extraordinary presence of God with them, according to that promise, Jos 23:10, One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God fighteth for you?
VI.One of these worthies is said to be an Ammonite (Ch1 11:39), another a Moabite (Ch1 11:46), and yet the law was that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the congregation of the Lord, Deu 23:3. These, it is likely, had approved themselves so hearty for the interest of Israel that in their case it was thought fit to dispense with that law, and the rather because it was an indication that the Son of David would have worthies among the Gentiles: with him there is neither Greek nor Jew.
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Summary
1 Chronicles 11:33 meticulously records two more individuals, Azmaveth the Baharumite and Eliahba the Shaalbonite, among King David's elite corps of "mighty men." This verse is part of a comprehensive list that underscores the diverse origins and collective strength of the loyal warriors who were instrumental in establishing David's reign and securing the kingdom of Israel, highlighting the divine providence and human dedication that characterized his era.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is embedded within a lengthy and significant catalog of David's "mighty men" found in 1 Chronicles 11:10-47. The Chronicler's detailed enumeration serves to validate David's kingship, emphasizing the strength and loyalty of the men who rallied around him. This list begins immediately after David is anointed king over all Israel in 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 and captures Jerusalem, making it his capital in 1 Chronicles 11:4-9. The inclusion of these names, even those of lesser renown, underscores the collective effort in David's success. While a parallel, though slightly varying, list appears in 2 Samuel 23:8-39, the Chronicler's version often includes more names and details, reflecting a particular interest in the lineage and historical legitimacy of the Davidic line and the unified kingdom, especially for his post-exilic audience.
Historical & Cultural Context
David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) marked a pivotal period in Israelite history, transforming a loose tribal confederacy into a unified monarchy. To achieve and maintain this, a strong, loyal, and capable military was essential. The "mighty men" were not just soldiers but personal loyalists, often from diverse backgrounds and regions, who committed themselves to David's cause before he was fully established as king. Their valor and strategic importance were paramount in securing Israel's borders, expanding its influence, and establishing a stable kingdom. The geographical identifiers such as "the Baharumite" and "the Shaalbonite" were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, serving not only to distinguish individuals but also to indicate their place of origin or tribal affiliation, thereby highlighting the broad support David garnered from across Israel's territories and the national scope of his united kingdom.
Key Themes
The listing of David's mighty men, including Azmaveth and Eliahba, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights Loyalty and Service, demonstrating the unwavering dedication of these warriors to David, God's chosen king. Their commitment was foundational to the stability and success of the kingdom. Secondly, the sheer number and diversity of these men point to Divine Providence; God was clearly at work, raising up and equipping individuals from various places to serve His purposes through David. This aligns with the Chronicler's broader theological agenda of showing God's active hand in Israel's history, particularly in establishing the Davidic covenant, as seen in 1 Chronicles 17. Thirdly, the meticulous Historical Record and Remembrance of these individuals ensures their contributions are not forgotten. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, sought to remind them of their glorious past and the foundations of their national identity, emphasizing the importance of every individual's contribution to the collective good of God's people, a theme echoed in the detailed genealogies throughout 1 Chronicles 1-9.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This proper noun (H5820) literally means "strength of death" or "strong one of death," derived from the Hebrew words for "strength" (עַז) and "death" (מָוֶת). While it's a name and not necessarily descriptive of the individual's character, its etymology hints at a formidable or powerful person, fitting for a warrior in David's elite force. The name itself carries a sense of might or resilience, suggesting a person capable of confronting danger or overcoming obstacles.
This geographical identifier (H978) indicates Azmaveth's origin from Bahurim, a village in Benjamin, east of Jerusalem. This detail is significant as it places Azmaveth within the tribal territory of Benjamin, which was Saul's tribe. His loyalty to David, despite being from Saul's home region, underscores the broad appeal and unifying power of David's leadership, drawing support even from areas potentially aligned with the former king. It highlights the widespread acceptance of David's kingship across Israel.
This identifier (H8170) points to Eliahba's origin from Shaalbon, a town in the territory of Dan. Like Baharumite, this detail highlights the geographical breadth from which David's loyalists were drawn. It emphasizes the national scope of David's support and the diverse origins of the men who formed the backbone of his kingdom, demonstrating a truly unified Israel under his command. The inclusion of such specific geographical tags reinforces the historical veracity and comprehensive nature of the Chronicler's record.
Verse Breakdown
"Azmaveth the Baharumite"
This clause introduces Azmaveth, a warrior whose name suggests strength, and identifies his place of origin as Bahurim. His inclusion in this elite list signifies his valor and loyalty to King David. The geographical tag is crucial, indicating his tribal or regional affiliation, which for Azmaveth, from Benjamin, might imply a deliberate choice to serve David over any lingering loyalties to Saul's house, thereby emphasizing the unifying power of David's reign.
"Eliahba the Shaalbonite"
This clause presents Eliahba, another of David's mighty men, identified by his hometown, Shaalbon. His presence underscores the national representation within David's army, drawing men from various regions of Israel, including the tribe of Dan. Each name, though seemingly just a list, represents a life dedicated to David's cause and, by extension, to the establishment of God's kingdom on earth through His anointed king, showcasing the collective strength and diverse contributions that built the united monarchy.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 11:33, and indeed throughout 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, is Enumeration. This meticulous listing of names and origins serves to provide a comprehensive and authoritative record of David's loyal supporters, emphasizing the breadth and depth of his influence. The Repetition of the pattern "Name the Place-ite" creates a rhythmic and formal tone, emphasizing the historical precision and the diverse geographical scope of David's influence. This repetitive structure also lends a sense of gravitas and permanence to the record. Furthermore, the passage employs a form of Historical Documentation, where the Chronicler carefully preserves the memory of these individuals, ensuring their contributions are not lost to time. This act of remembering serves a theological purpose, highlighting God's faithfulness in raising up and equipping the necessary personnel to fulfill His covenant purposes through David and to provide a foundational history for the post-exilic community.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The inclusion of Azmaveth the Baharumite and Eliahba the Shaalbonite in the esteemed list of David's mighty men speaks volumes about God's sovereign hand in establishing His kingdom through human agents. It underscores the biblical principle that every individual, regardless of their perceived prominence, plays a vital role in God's grand narrative. Just as these men contributed their unique strengths and loyalties to David's earthly kingdom, so too does God utilize diverse individuals from all walks of life to build His spiritual kingdom. Their names, preserved for millennia, serve as a testament to the value God places on faithful service and the collective strength found in unity under divine leadership, reminding us that God's purposes are often accomplished through the faithful, albeit sometimes unsung, contributions of many.
Reflection and Application
The seemingly simple listing of names in 1 Chronicles 11:33 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that every person's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or unheralded, is significant in the grand tapestry of God's work. Just as Azmaveth and Eliahba were integral to David's success, so too are all members of the body of Christ essential for the flourishing of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom. This passage encourages us to value and affirm every individual's unique gifts and calling, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect. It challenges us to serve faithfully in our given spheres, trusting that our obedience, combined with the efforts of others, contributes to a greater purpose orchestrated by God. We are called to remember that God uses ordinary people from diverse backgrounds to accomplish extraordinary things, building His kingdom through loyalty, dedication, and collective effort, and that true significance is found not in worldly acclaim but in faithful service to God's purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of names, like Azmaveth and Eliahba?
The inclusion of detailed lists of names, such as Azmaveth the Baharumite and Eliahba the Shaalbonite in 1 Chronicles 11:33, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides historical validation and authenticity to the narrative, demonstrating that these were real people who lived and contributed to Israel's history. For the Chronicler's original audience, likely post-exilic, these lists reinforced their connection to their glorious past and the legitimacy of the Davidic line. Secondly, it highlights the importance of every individual's contribution to God's plan. Even those not famous for specific heroic deeds are remembered, underscoring that every act of loyalty and service is valued in God's eyes. Thirdly, it emphasizes the unity and diversity of David's support, drawing men from various tribes and regions, which was crucial for establishing a unified kingdom under God's chosen king. This meticulous record ensures that their valor and dedication are not forgotten, but rather celebrated as integral to God's unfolding purposes for Israel.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 1 Chronicles 11:33 details the earthly warriors who served King David, it points forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, and the nature of His spiritual kingdom. Just as David gathered a diverse group of loyal "mighty men" to establish his reign, so too does Christ call and equip a diverse body of believers—His disciples—to advance His eternal kingdom. These men, like Azmaveth and Eliahba, foreshadow the countless individuals from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation who would pledge their allegiance to the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!. The Chronicler's emphasis on the loyalty and collective strength of David's men finds its ultimate fulfillment in the church, the body of Christ, where every member, regardless of their perceived prominence or origin, is vital and uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit for the common good. Christ does not build His kingdom through physical might but through the spiritual devotion and faithful service of those who follow Him, empowered by His grace and united in His mission, just as He commanded His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. Ultimately, the meticulous record of David's loyalists serves as a testament to the divine principle that God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, culminating in the establishment of Christ's everlasting kingdom, where He reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords.