1 Chronicles 11:33

KJV

Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,

KJV (with Strong's)

Azmaveth {H5820} the Baharumite {H978}, Eliahba {H455} the Shaalbonite {H8170},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Azmavet the Bacharumi Elyachba the Sha'alvoni,

Berean Standard Bible

Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,

American Standard Version

Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,

Commentary

### 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](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David's Mighty Men"). 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](/1_chronicles/11-1 "1 Chronicles 11:1-3 - David Anointed King") and captures Jerusalem, making it his capital in [1 Chronicles 11:4-9](/1_chronicles/11-4 "1 Chronicles 11:4-9 - David Captures Jerusalem"). 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](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8-39 - David's Mighty Men"), 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.

* **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.

* **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 ([1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - The Davidic Covenant")). 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.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Azmaveth (Hebrew, _‘Azmāwet'_):** This proper noun literally means "strength of death" or "strong one of death." While it's a name and not necessarily descriptive of the individual's character, the 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.
* **Baharumite (Hebrew, _Baḥarûmî'_):** This geographical identifier 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.
* **Shaalbonite (Hebrew, _Sha‘albônî'_):** This identifier 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.

#### 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.
* **"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.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 11:33, and indeed throughout [1 Chronicles 11:10-47](/1_chronicles/11-10 "1 Chronicles 11:10-47 - David's Mighty Men List"), is **Enumeration**. This meticulous listing of names and origins serves to provide a comprehensive and authoritative record of David's loyal supporters. 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. 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.

### 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.

* [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 Church's Growth")
* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You Are the Body of Christ")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed listing of David's mighty men, including less prominent figures, challenge our modern notions of leadership and contribution?**
* **In what ways do we sometimes overlook or undervalue the "behind-the-scenes" contributions of individuals in our communities or churches?**
* **How can we better foster a sense of unity and collective purpose, recognizing and celebrating the diverse gifts within our spiritual body?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of names, like Azmaveth and Eliahba?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists of names, such as Azmaveth the Baharumite and Eliahba the Shaalbonite in [1 Chronicles 11:33](/1_chronicles/11-33 "1 Chronicles 11:33 - Azmaveth and Eliahba"), 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. 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.

### 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). 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](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4 - Diversity of Gifts"). 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](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). 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](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings").

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.