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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11 verses 10–47
10 ¶ These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.
11 And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain by him at one time.
12 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties.
13 He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.
14 And they set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great deliverance.
15 Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.
16 And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.
17 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!
18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,
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.
20 And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three.
21 Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.
22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.
23 And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.
24 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among the three mighties.
25 Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.
26 Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
28 Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite,
29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,
30 Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite,
31 Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,
32 Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,
33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
34 The sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite,
35 Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur,
36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,
37 Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai,
38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri,
39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armourbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah,
40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,
41 Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,
42 Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,
43 Hanan the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,
44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel the sons of Hothan the Aroerite,
45 Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite,
46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,
47 Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite.
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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–47. Public domain.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:35 meticulously identifies Ahiam, son of Sacar the Hararite, and Eliphal, son of Ur, as two distinguished members of King David's elite corps of "mighty men." This verse, situated within a comprehensive roster of David's most valiant warriors, serves to underscore the Chronicler's dedication to preserving the historical record of those who faithfully served God's chosen king, highlighting the individual contributions that collectively established and defended the burgeoning kingdom of Israel. It profoundly emphasizes the importance of loyal service and the divine orchestration behind David's successful and unified reign.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 11:35, characteristic of the entire chapter, is Cataloging or Listing. This meticulous enumeration of names, lineages, and origins serves to provide a comprehensive and authoritative record of King David's elite warriors. This device is far from a dry historical account; it functions to underscore the breadth of support David commanded and the collective strength that undergirded and built his kingdom. Closely related is the pervasive use of Genealogy, evident in the repeated phrase "the son of," which establishes the identity and familial connections of each individual. This genealogical structure reinforces the historical authenticity of the account and highlights the profound importance of lineage and family identity in ancient Israelite society. Furthermore, the very act of naming each man, rather than simply stating a number or a general group, serves as a powerful form of Emphasis. It elevates the individual contributions of these warriors, transforming them from anonymous soldiers into recognized heroes whose loyalty, valor, and service were deemed worthy of perpetual remembrance in the sacred text. This deliberate act of recording each name underscores the Chronicler's theological point: that God remembers and values the service of every one of His people, no matter their perceived prominence.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of individuals like Ahiam and Eliphal in this esteemed list carries profound theological weight. It powerfully demonstrates that while God sovereignly chooses and anoints leaders like David, the establishment, defense, and success of His kingdom on earth invariably involve the faithful, courageous, and often sacrificial participation of His people. These "mighty men" represent the essential human agency that cooperates with divine will, serving as indispensable instruments in God's unfolding redemptive plan. Their names, preserved for millennia within the sacred Scriptures, testify to the enduring value God places on individual loyalty, skill, and dedicated service to His anointed. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes, is recognized, honored, and intricately woven into God's grand narrative of salvation and kingdom building.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 11:35 might initially appear to be a mere historical record, it offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to deeply consider the significance of our own contributions within the larger body of Christ. Just as Ahiam and Eliphal were integral, indispensable components of David's earthly kingdom, every believer is called to play a vital, unique role in God's ongoing work, whether in prominent leadership positions or in quiet, consistent, and often unseen service. This verse powerfully reminds us that true strength and effectiveness in God's kingdom come not from individual renown, but from unity, mutual support, and unwavering loyalty to Christ and His divine purposes. Our faithfulness, even in seemingly ordinary or mundane tasks, is never overlooked by God; rather, it contributes to a collective testimony that endures through generations, shaping the spiritual landscape and advancing the Gospel. We are part of a grand, eternal narrative, and our dedicated service, no matter its scale, leaves an indelible mark in the eyes of our sovereign God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of names, like the one in 1 Chronicles 11:35?
Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists of names and genealogies in biblical texts serves multiple crucial purposes. Historically, they provided authentic and verifiable records for lineage, tribal affiliation, land inheritance, and social standing in ancient Israel. Theologically, they underscore God's meticulous attention to detail and His divine remembrance of every individual who participates in His unfolding plan. These lists emphasize the profound value God places on human agency and faithful service, ensuring that even those who might seem "minor" or less prominent are remembered for their significant contributions to His kingdom. They also powerfully demonstrate the continuity and faithfulness of God's covenant promises through generations, as seen in the extensive genealogies from Genesis 5 or the comprehensive lists of returnees from exile in Ezra 2.
Do the specific names in 1 Chronicles 11:35, like Ahiam and Eliphal, carry hidden spiritual meanings?
Answer: While some biblical names certainly carry prophetic or symbolic significance (e.g., "Jesus" meaning "Yahweh saves," or "Immanuel" meaning "God with us"), the names Ahiam, Sacar, Hararite, Eliphal, and Ur in 1 Chronicles 11:35 primarily function as precise historical identifiers. "Ahiam" (meaning "my brother is a mother") might suggest a character trait of care or communal connection, and "Hararite" simply denotes a geographical origin ("from the mountain"). Their primary spiritual significance lies not in the specific etymology of the names themselves, but in the profound fact that these individuals were recorded as faithful and valiant servants of God's anointed king, David. Their inclusion in the sacred text highlights the overarching biblical principle that God values and remembers the loyal service of all His people, regardless of their earthly prominence, as evidenced by the comprehensive record of David's mighty men found throughout 1 Chronicles 11.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed list of David's mighty men, including Ahiam and Eliphal, serves as a powerful Old Testament type, richly foreshadowing the ultimate King and His devoted followers. Just as David, God's anointed king, gathered around him a loyal band of warriors who fought valiantly for the establishment and defense of his earthly kingdom, so too does Jesus Christ, the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords, call forth a company of disciples to advance His eternal, spiritual kingdom. These mighty men faced physical battles and earthly adversaries, but Christ's followers are equipped for a far greater spiritual warfare, fighting against sin, death, and the unseen powers of darkness (as vividly described in Ephesians 6:12). Every believer, like Ahiam and Eliphal, is called to be a "mighty one" in Christ, contributing their unique spiritual gifts and unwavering loyalty to the flourishing body of Christ (as beautifully articulated in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27) and to the global spread of the Gospel (as commanded in Matthew 28:19-20). Their names are recorded not for fleeting earthly fame, but for their faithful service to the King, much like the "book of life" where the names of Christ's true followers are eternally inscribed (see Revelation 20:12). Thus, 1 Chronicles 11:35 ultimately points beyond itself to the greater reality of Christ's kingdom, a kingdom built not by human might alone, but by the Spirit-empowered faithfulness and dedicated service of His redeemed people from every tribe, tongue, and nation.