1 Chronicles 11:34

KJV

The sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite,

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Hashem {H2044} the Gizonite {H1493}, Jonathan {H3129} the son {H1121} of Shage {H7681} the Hararite {H2043},

Complete Jewish Bible

the sons of Hashem the Gizoni, Y'honatan the son of Shageh the Harari,

Berean Standard Bible

the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite,

American Standard Version

the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shagee the Hararite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:34 is a concise entry within the comprehensive roster of King David's elite warriors, often termed his "mighty men." This verse specifically names "The sons of Hashem the Gizonite" and "Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite," highlighting individuals whose loyalty and service, though not detailed with specific heroic deeds in this particular verse, were foundational to the establishment and security of David's divinely appointed kingdom. Their inclusion underscores the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping and the theological emphasis on the collective effort supporting God's chosen leader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant section of 1 Chronicles 11, specifically verses 10-47, which provides a detailed and extensive list of David's most valiant and loyal soldiers. This roster immediately follows the account of David being anointed king over all Israel in Hebron and his capture of Jerusalem, establishing it as his capital. The Chronicler's inclusion of such a comprehensive list serves to emphasize the strength and divine backing of David's reign, showcasing the caliber of men who rallied to his cause. It serves as a testament to the collective effort and unwavering dedication that underpinned David's successful consolidation of power and the establishment of his kingdom. This list finds a significant parallel in [2 Samuel 23:8-39](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8-39 - David's Mighty Men"), though with some minor variations typical of ancient textual transmission, reinforcing its historical significance and the importance attributed to these warriors.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, military rosters and records of loyal retainers were crucial for legitimizing a king's rule and demonstrating his power and support base. David's "mighty men" were not merely soldiers but an elite corps, often acting as his personal guard and key military commanders. Their loyalty was paramount, especially given David's tumultuous rise from fugitive to king. The designations "Gizonite" and "Hararite" are gentilics, indicating the geographical origin or tribal affiliation of Hashem and Shage, respectively. This practice of identifying individuals by their place of origin was common in ancient Israel, providing a cultural marker of identity and often implying a specific regional or tribal allegiance. While the precise locations of Gizo or Harar are not extensively detailed elsewhere in biblical or extra-biblical sources, their inclusion adds to the historical verisimilitude and meticulous nature of the Chronicler's account, grounding these figures in the specific socio-geographical landscape of ancient Israel.

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of 1 Chronicles 11:34 within the list of David's mighty men contributes to several overarching themes present in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogy and David's Reign") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Recognition and Honor**, demonstrating that God, through the biblical record, remembers and values the service of all who contribute to His purposes, even those whose specific heroic deeds are not individually elaborated upon. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Loyalty and Service**, as these men exemplified unwavering dedication to King David, serving faithfully through his struggles and triumphs, which was crucial for the stability and defense of the divinely appointed kingdom. Finally, the meticulous record of these individuals points to **Divine Providence**, illustrating God's hand in raising up and equipping a diverse array of individuals to serve His chosen leader and fulfill His larger plan for the Davidic dynasty, which ultimately points towards the Messiah. The collective strength and faithfulness of these men were instrumental in the unfolding of God's redemptive history, as seen in passages like [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hashem (Hebrew, _ḥāšēm_):** This is a proper noun, a personal name, not the common Hebrew word for "name." In the context of this list, the significance of "Hashem" (and "Shage") lies not in the etymology of the name itself, but in the fact that it is *recorded*. The act of listing these names, even without accompanying heroic narratives, confers honor and remembrance. It signifies that these individuals were known and valued within David's elite circle, and their contribution, though perhaps less dramatic than others, was deemed worthy of inclusion in the sacred historical record.
* **Gizonite (Hebrew, _gîzônî_):** This is a gentilic designation, indicating a person's origin from a place called Gizo. Similarly, "Hararite" (Hebrew, _hārārî_) indicates origin from Harar. While the precise locations of Gizo and Harar are obscure in modern scholarship, their inclusion serves to ground these individuals in a specific geographical and tribal context. In ancient societies, such epithets were vital for identification, lineage, and social standing. Their presence here lends historical precision to the Chronicler's account, authenticating the individuals as real figures from specific regions who contributed to David's kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Hashem the Gizonite":** This phrase introduces a group of individuals identified by their paternal lineage and geographical origin. The plural "sons" (בְּנֵי, _bĕnê_) indicates that more than one descendant of Hashem served among David's mighty men, or perhaps that Hashem himself was a prominent figure whose family was recognized for its collective service. This highlights the importance of family and lineage in ancient Israelite society and the continuity of loyalty across generations. Their association with "Gizon" further specifies their identity and perhaps their regional influence or fighting style.
* **"Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite":** This clause introduces another individual, Jonathan, identified by his father, Shage, and their geographical origin, Harar. The singular "Jonathan" suggests a specific individual being named, distinct from a collective "sons." This structure of "Name the son of Name the Place-ite" is a common biblical genealogical and biographical formula, emphasizing paternal lineage as a primary identifier. Jonathan's inclusion here, like Hashem's sons, signifies his personal valor and loyalty, even if his specific deeds are not recounted in this particular verse.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 11:34, and indeed the entire list of David's mighty men, is **Cataloging** or **Roster**. This is a common ancient Near Eastern literary technique used to document and legitimize power structures, military strength, and the extent of a ruler's support. The meticulous listing of names, even obscure ones, serves to underscore the breadth and depth of David's loyal following, emphasizing the collective strength that enabled his reign. Another subtle device is **Emphasis by Inclusion**. By simply listing these names, the Chronicler implicitly highlights their importance and the value placed on their service, even without recounting specific heroic deeds. Their mere presence in this sacred record is an act of honor and remembrance. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the "son of" (בֶּן, _ben_) formula throughout the list reinforces the patriarchal and lineage-based nature of Israelite society and the continuity of service within families.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of seemingly minor figures like those in 1 Chronicles 11:34 carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous attention to detail and His remembrance of all who serve His purposes, regardless of their public prominence. Just as David's kingdom was built not only on the exploits of its most famous heroes but also on the steadfast loyalty of countless unsung individuals, so too is God's kingdom advanced by the faithful, often quiet, service of every believer. This verse reminds us that every contribution, every act of faithfulness, no matter how small or unheralded, is seen and valued by God. It underscores the principle that divine success is often a collective endeavor, where diverse gifts and varying levels of prominence coalesce under God's sovereign hand to achieve His will.

* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Remembers Your Work and Love")
* [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - Reward for a Cup of Cold Water")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 11:34, though a simple list of names, offers a powerful spiritual lesson for contemporary believers. It challenges us to reconsider our definition of "significance" in God's kingdom. In a world that often celebrates only the highly visible and the overtly heroic, this verse quietly affirms the eternal value of faithful, consistent, and often unseen service. It encourages us to embrace our roles, however humble they may seem, within the larger body of Christ, trusting that God sees and remembers every act of devotion. Our quiet faithfulness in our families, workplaces, and local communities contributes to the ongoing work of God's kingdom just as surely as the grand exploits of biblical heroes. It reminds us that God's work is a collective enterprise, requiring the unique contributions of every member, and that true honor comes not from human applause but from divine recognition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of seemingly "minor" figures like Hashem and Jonathan challenge my perception of what constitutes valuable service in God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways might I be serving faithfully in areas that are unseen or unheralded by others, and how can I find encouragement in God's promise to remember all labor of love?**
* **How can I better appreciate and affirm the contributions of others in my church or community whose service might not be widely recognized?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific names listed without any accompanying heroic deeds?**

Answer: The Chronicler's purpose in listing these names, even without specific heroic deeds, is multifaceted. Firstly, it serves as a historical record, authenticating the vast network of loyal supporters David had, which was crucial for his legitimate reign. Secondly, it underscores a theological point: God values and remembers all who serve His purposes, not just the most prominent. The mere act of inclusion in this sacred text confers honor and signifies that their loyalty and presence were vital to David's success and, by extension, to God's plan for the Davidic dynasty. It emphasizes the collective effort required to build and sustain God's kingdom, where every member's contribution is significant, as seen in the broader context of [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David's Mighty Men").

**Are the lists of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles and 2 Samuel identical?**

Answer: No, while there is significant overlap between the list in [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David's Mighty Men") and its parallel in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words and Mighty Men"), they are not entirely identical. There are minor differences in names, spellings, and the order of some individuals. Such variations are common in ancient textual traditions and do not undermine the historical authenticity of the accounts. They may reflect different sources used by the biblical authors, different periods of compilation, or simply variations in transcription. Both lists, however, serve the same primary purpose: to honor David's elite warriors and emphasize the strength and loyalty that supported his divinely appointed kingship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 11:34 lists the loyal warriors of an earthly king, it foreshadows the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, and the nature of His eternal kingdom. Just as David's reign was established and maintained by the collective faithfulness of his mighty men, Christ's spiritual kingdom is built upon the diverse and dedicated service of His followers, the Church. Every name in David's roster, whether celebrated or obscure, contributed to the stability of his earthly throne. Similarly, in the new covenant, every believer, regardless of their perceived prominence, is a vital member of Christ's body, contributing to the advancement of His kingdom (see [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You Are the Body of Christ")). The divine remembrance of Hashem's sons and Jonathan in this ancient list prefigures God's perfect knowledge and valuing of every single one of His children, whose names are eternally inscribed in the Lamb's Book of Life ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Book of Life")). Christ, as the true and greater David, gathers to Himself not just mighty warriors, but all who believe, empowering them by His Spirit to participate in His redemptive mission, demonstrating that even the "least" among us are precious and indispensable in His eyes ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Whatever You Did for One of the Least")). The loyalty these men showed David finds its ultimate expression in the unwavering devotion believers are called to offer to their Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, who is King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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.