TRV
Translation
King James Version
Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,
Complete Jewish Bible
'Adina the son of Shiza the Re'uveni, a leader among the Re'uveni, and thirty with him,
Berean Standard Bible
Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him,
American Standard Version
Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,
World English Bible Messianic
Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Adina the sonne of Shiza the Reubenite, a captaine of the Reubenites, and thirtie with him,
Young's Literal Translation
Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, head of the Reubenites, and by him thirty,
Study This Verse
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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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:42 introduces Adina, son of Shiza, a prominent Reubenite and a captain who commanded a unit of thirty men among King David's elite warriors. This verse is part of a meticulously compiled roster of David's "mighty men," serving to underscore the breadth of tribal support for his reign, the formidable strength of his military, and the Chronicler's overarching purpose in highlighting the foundational figures who contributed to the establishment and security of the Davidic kingdom, thereby legitimizing David's rule and demonstrating divine favor.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler's presentation of 1 Chronicles 11:42, within the broader list of David's mighty men, employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the Catalog or List, which serves to systematically enumerate the individuals who contributed to David's success. This detailed listing not only provides historical record but also functions as an honor roll, emphasizing the collective strength and loyalty that underpinned David's reign. The Repetition of names, tribal affiliations, and military achievements throughout the chapter creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, reinforcing the magnitude and diversity of David's support. Through this meticulous naming, the Chronicler employs Emphasis, highlighting the importance of each individual's contribution, no matter how brief their mention. This technique serves to legitimize David's kingship by demonstrating the broad and diverse support he commanded. Furthermore, the very act of naming and recording these figures can be seen as a form of Idealization, portraying David's kingdom as a unified and divinely favored entity, built upon the valor and faithfulness of its people, serving as a model for future generations.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of Adina, a captain of thirty Reubenites, in the esteemed list of David's mighty men, speaks volumes about God's meticulous care for His people and His work through human agents. It highlights that God's grand redemptive plan often unfolds not just through the actions of prominent leaders, but through the faithful, though sometimes seemingly small, contributions of many individuals. Adina's recognition, even in a brief verse, underscores the biblical principle that every act of loyalty, service, and leadership, performed in accordance with God's will, is noted and valued in His divine economy. It reminds us that God is not just concerned with the "superstars" of faith, but with every faithful servant who plays their part in the larger narrative of His kingdom. This divine recognition encourages all believers to serve diligently in their respective callings, knowing that their faithfulness, no matter how obscure to human eyes, is significant in God's eyes and contributes to His eternal purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Adina's brief mention in 1 Chronicles 11:42 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. His inclusion, alongside more famous warriors and chieftains, reminds us that true significance in God's kingdom is not measured by earthly fame, the size of one's platform, or the number of followers, but by faithfulness and loyalty in one's assigned role. Like Adina, who faithfully led his thirty men, we are called to exercise leadership and service within our own spheres of influence, whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or churches. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping encourages us that every act of service, every demonstration of loyalty, and every contribution to the collective good of God's people is seen and valued by our heavenly Father. This should inspire us to serve with diligence, humility, and unwavering commitment, knowing that our faithfulness, even in seemingly small or unnoticed capacities, contributes directly to God's larger redemptive purposes and will certainly not go unrewarded by Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this list of "mighty men" so important to the Chronicler?
Answer: The Chronicler's list of David's mighty men, including figures like Adina, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it serves to legitimize David's reign, demonstrating the widespread and diverse support he received from all tribes of Israel, including those from Transjordan like the Reubenites. This unity was foundational for the stability and strength of the kingdom. Secondly, it highlights the divine favor upon David, as God provided him with valiant and loyal men to establish and secure his kingdom, emphasizing that David's success was divinely orchestrated. For the post-exilic audience, this emphasis on a unified, divinely-blessed kingdom under a righteous king like David offered a powerful message of hope and a model for national restoration, reminding them of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. It also underscores the importance of individual faithfulness and contribution to the collective well-being of God's people.
Is Adina the son of Shiza mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?
Answer: No, Adina the son of Shiza, the Reubenite, is only mentioned in 1 Chronicles 11:42. While parallel lists of David's mighty men exist in 2 Samuel 23, Adina is a unique inclusion by the Chronicler. This highlights the Chronicler's distinct historical and theological agenda, often providing additional details or names that were important for his specific audience and purpose. His sole mention underscores the Chronicler's meticulous effort to record even those individuals who might not have appeared in other historical accounts but were nevertheless significant to the establishment of David's kingdom and the demonstration of broad tribal support.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Adina, a loyal captain serving King David, foreshadows the countless faithful individuals who serve the greater King, Jesus Christ. Just as David's earthly kingdom was established and maintained by the dedication of his mighty men, so too is the eternal kingdom of God built and advanced through the faithful service of believers from every tribe and nation, united under Christ's headship. Adina's role as a "captain" leading "thirty with him" reflects the call to leadership and discipleship within Christ's body, where every member, regardless of their perceived prominence, contributes to the whole, enabling the body to grow and build itself up in love (Ephesians 4:16). Jesus Himself taught that true greatness in His kingdom comes through humble service, not earthly power (Matthew 20:26-28), and He promised that even a cup of cold water given in His name would not lose its reward (Matthew 10:42). Adina's inclusion in David's honor roll reminds us that Christ, our perfect King, sees and values every act of faithfulness, every sacrifice, and every contribution made by His followers, ensuring that their labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Ultimately, the unity and strength of David's army, exemplified by men like Adina, point to the spiritual unity and power of the Church, Christ's body, called to advance His kingdom until He returns in glory, gathering a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language (Revelation 7:9-10).