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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 11:37 precisely names Hezro the Carmelite and Naarai the son of Ezbai, adding them to the illustrious roster of King David's "mighty men." This verse, embedded within a larger catalog of valiant warriors, serves to meticulously record the individuals who formed the backbone of David's military and administrative strength, highlighting their diverse geographical and familial origins while underscoring the Chronicler's commitment to preserving the memory of all who contributed to the establishment and security of God's chosen kingdom.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 11:37, as part of the broader chapter, is Catalog or List. The Chronicler meticulously compiles a detailed roster of David's mighty men, which serves multiple crucial functions: it acts as a verifiable historical record, authenticating the individuals who supported David's reign; it powerfully highlights the breadth and depth of loyalty and military prowess that David commanded; and it underscores the Chronicler's profound theological point that every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or unelaborated, is valued, remembered, and integral to God's grand redemptive narrative. Additionally, the specific use of Patronymics ("the son of Ezbai") and Geographical Markers ("the Carmelite") are precise forms of identification within this catalog. These devices serve to accurately locate and identify individuals within the intricate social and geographical fabric of ancient Israel, emphasizing their real-world existence and their specific, remembered place within the nation's divinely guided history.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of Hezro and Naarai in David's prestigious list of mighty men, though brief, carries profound and enduring theological weight. It serves as a powerful reminder that the grand achievements of God's kingdom are not solely built upon the efforts of a few prominent leaders, but are often the cumulative result of the collective faithfulness, diverse contributions, and quiet dedication of many individuals. God values every act of service and loyalty, recognizing those who faithfully serve in their appointed roles, whether on the visible battlefield or in the seemingly mundane aspects of daily life. Their names, meticulously preserved for millennia in sacred scripture, testify to a divine recognition that transcends fleeting human fame or public acclaim, affirming that every person's contribution to God's eternal purposes is seen, remembered, and eternally valued by Him. This profound principle applies universally to believers today, reminding us that our seemingly small acts of obedience, service, and faithfulness are integral and indispensable to the larger tapestry of God's unfolding redemptive plan.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief, yet significant, mention of Hezro and Naarai in this ancient biblical list offers a timeless and deeply encouraging message for believers in every generation. In a contemporary world that frequently celebrates only the visible, the famous, or the overtly powerful, this verse profoundly reminds us that God's economy and values operate on an entirely different principle. It teaches us that faithfulness in our unique calling, however seemingly obscure or lacking in public recognition, contributes meaningfully and indispensably to God's overarching plan and the advancement of His kingdom. Just as David's earthly kingdom was established and maintained by the collective strength, loyalty, and diverse contributions of men like Hezro and Naarai, so too the church, as the living body of Christ, thrives and expands through the dedicated, Spirit-empowered service of all its members, each faithfully using their unique gifts for the common good and the glory of God. We are therefore called to be steadfastly faithful in our individual spheres of influence, knowing with absolute certainty that every act of service, every heartfelt prayer, every word of encouragement, and every quiet act of obedience is seen, valued, and remembered by our Heavenly King. Our names, like theirs, are not merely recorded in a transient human roster of fame, but are eternally inscribed in the Lamb's book of life, serving as an everlasting testament to our belonging and our integral service in God's eternal and victorious kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these lists of names so detailed in the Bible, especially for seemingly minor figures?
Answer: The detailed lists of names, including those of Hezro and Naarai, serve several crucial and multifaceted purposes within the biblical narrative. Firstly, they underscore the Bible's profound commitment to historical accuracy and authenticity, demonstrating that these are real people who lived and played tangible roles within specific historical and geographical contexts. This meticulous record-keeping lends credibility to the narrative. Secondly, they powerfully reflect a divine principle of individual recognition and intrinsic value. God, through the inspired Chronicler, meticulously records each name, emphasizing that every person's contribution, no matter how seemingly small, unelaborated, or uncelebrated by human standards, is seen, remembered, and profoundly valued in His grand, sovereign plan. This stands in stark contrast to human systems that often only remember the famous or powerful. Thirdly, such lists were vital for establishing lineage, tribal connections, and social identity, which were essential for inheritance rights, understanding social standing, and comprehending the intricate socio-political fabric of ancient Israel. For the Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic community, these lists also served to re-establish their vital connection to their glorious past and to underscore the continuity of God's enduring covenant with David, ultimately pointing towards the coming Messiah from David's royal line, as promised in passages like 1 Chronicles 17:11-14.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 11:37 specifically names two of King David's valiant earthly warriors, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment resonates deeply with the nature of the spiritual kingdom of God and the composition of Christ's own "mighty men and women." David's warriors fought with physical strength and military prowess to establish and defend an earthly kingdom, but Jesus, the true Son of David and the promised King of kings, builds a spiritual kingdom that is definitively "not of this world" (John 18:36). His followers are not defined by earthly military might or physical prowess, but by their unwavering faith, their radical loyalty, and their willingness to lay down their lives in sacrificial service to Him (John 15:13). Just as Hezro and Naarai contributed to David's earthly reign, believers today are called to be faithful servants and spiritual "mighty ones" in Christ's spiritual kingdom, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission and advance the gospel to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:18-20). Every member of the body of Christ, regardless of their visible prominence or perceived significance, is a vital "mighty one" in His service, uniquely equipped with diverse spiritual gifts for the building up and edification of the church (Ephesians 4:11-16). Ultimately, our names are not merely recorded in an earthly roster of fleeting fame, but are eternally inscribed in the Lamb's Book of Life, signifying our belonging to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, whose decisive victory over sin, death, and all spiritual principalities is eternally complete and triumphant (Colossians 2:15).