1 Chronicles 11:43

KJV

Hanan the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,

KJV (with Strong's)

Hanan {H2605} the son {H1121} of Maachah {H4601}, and Joshaphat {H3146} the Mithnite {H4981},

Complete Jewish Bible

Hanan the son of Ma'akhah, Yoshafat the Mitni,

Berean Standard Bible

Hanan son of Maacah, Joshaphat the Mithnite,

American Standard Version

Hanan the son of Maacah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:43 is a concise but significant entry within the extensive roster of David's mighty men, specifically naming Hanan the son of Maachah and Joshaphat the Mithnite. This verse contributes to a detailed catalog of the elite warriors and loyal supporters who played crucial roles in establishing and defending David's kingdom. Far from a mere historical record, its inclusion underscores the biblical emphasis on the individual contributions of those who served God's purposes, highlighting their dedication and the divine remembrance of their faithfulness, even in seemingly minor roles within a larger narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 11 serves as a pivotal chapter, marking the anointing of David as king over all Israel in Hebron, fulfilling God's promise. Immediately following this momentous event, the chapter transitions into a comprehensive list of David's most valiant warriors, often referred to as "David's mighty men" (or "David's Gibborim"). This catalog, which spans from [1 Chronicles 11:10](/1_chronicles/11-10 "1 Chronicles 11:10 - The Chief of the Mighty Men") to [1 Chronicles 11:47](/1_chronicles/11-47 "1 Chronicles 11:47 - Conclusion of the Mighty Men List"), is presented as a testament to the strength and loyalty that underpinned David's reign. The list is structured, beginning with the "Three" and the "Thirty," and then expanding to include other notable individuals. Verse 43, specifically mentioning Hanan and Joshaphat, is part of the latter portion of this extensive roll call, emphasizing the breadth of support and diverse origins of those who served David faithfully. A parallel, though not identical, list is found in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words and Mighty Men"), indicating the historical importance of these figures to the biblical authors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The era of David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) was a formative period for the Israelite monarchy, transitioning from a tribal confederacy to a unified kingdom with a central capital in Jerusalem. The establishment and maintenance of such a kingdom required a strong military and a core of loyal, skilled warriors. These "mighty men" were not merely soldiers but an elite guard, often serving as personal champions, commanders, and trusted advisors to the king. Their inclusion in a royal list reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of recording the names of those who rendered significant service to the monarch, thereby solidifying their place in the national memory and legitimizing the king's rule through the loyalty of his most capable subjects. The mention of specific origins (like "Mithnite") highlights the diverse geographical and tribal backgrounds from which these loyalists were drawn, underscoring David's ability to unite various factions under his leadership, as seen earlier in [1 Chronicles 11:1-3](/1_chronicles/11-1 "1 Chronicles 11:1-3 - David Anointed King").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the larger list, contributes to several key themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes the **recognition of individuals**; even in a long catalog, each name is meticulously recorded, underscoring the biblical emphasis on the value and contribution of every person, no matter how seemingly minor their role. This reflects God's attention to detail and His remembrance of those who serve His purposes, a theme echoed in passages like [Malachi 3:16](/malachi/3-16 "Malachi 3:16 - Book of Remembrance"). Secondly, it highlights **loyalty and service** to God's anointed king. These individuals were part of the core group that helped David secure his kingdom and implement God's will for Israel. Their inclusion signifies their dedication and active participation in the formative years of the monarchy, serving as examples of faithful commitment to a divinely appointed leader, a principle relevant to all forms of service within God's kingdom. Finally, the list serves as a crucial **historical record**, preserving the memory of those who played a vital role in Israel's history under King David's leadership, ensuring their legacy of faithfulness was not forgotten.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hanan (חָנָן, _ḥānān_):** This Hebrew name means "gracious" or "he has shown favor." It is a common biblical name, appearing in various contexts. In this instance, it may reflect a characteristic of the individual or a hope associated with his birth. The name itself subtly points to the concept of grace or favor, which is foundational to God's dealings with humanity and His selection of individuals for service.
* **Joshaphat (יְהוֹשָׁפָט, _yəhōšāp̄āṭ_):** Meaning "Yahweh has judged" or "the LORD is judge," this name is a theophoric name, incorporating the divine name "Yahweh" (or "Yah"). It signifies a strong theological statement, acknowledging God's sovereignty and role as ultimate arbiter. The most famous bearer of this name is King Jehoshaphat of Judah, but here it refers to one of David's warriors, indicating a common and significant name among the Israelites of that period.
* **Mithnite (מִתְנִי, _mitnî_):** This term is an ethnic or geographical designation, indicating that Joshaphat hailed from a place called "Mithni." While the exact location of Mithni is not definitively known to modern scholars, its inclusion emphasizes the diverse origins of David's loyal followers. The use of such a specific geographical identifier underscores the historical precision and attention to detail characteristic of the Chronicler's work, even for individuals whose broader historical impact might seem limited.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hanan the son of Maachah":** This clause identifies one of David's mighty men by his personal name, Hanan, and his patronymic, "son of Maachah." The patronymic served as a crucial identifier in ancient societies, linking an individual to their family lineage and providing a clear distinction from others who might share the same given name. Maachah here is likely the name of his father, though it can also refer to a geographical region or clan. The inclusion of this detail highlights the importance of family identity and tribal connections within Israelite society and serves to precisely place Hanan within the historical record.
* **"and Joshaphat the Mithnite":** This clause introduces the second individual mentioned in the verse, Joshaphat, and identifies him by his place of origin or tribal affiliation, "the Mithnite." Unlike Hanan, his father's name is not given, but his geographical designation provides a different form of identification. This demonstrates the varied ways individuals were identified in ancient records—sometimes by father, sometimes by place, sometimes by clan. The presence of both types of identifiers within the larger list of mighty men showcases the Chronicler's thoroughness in documenting the diverse backgrounds of those who served King David.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 11:43, and indeed throughout the latter part of the chapter, is **Cataloging** or **List-Making**. This involves the systematic enumeration of names, places, or events, serving not merely as a dry record but as a rhetorical tool to emphasize completeness, authority, and historical continuity. By meticulously listing each warrior, the Chronicler underscores the vast network of support David commanded and the divine blessing upon his reign. Related to this is the use of **Patronymics** ("son of Maachah") and **Ethnonyms/Toponyms** ("the Mithnite"), which are specific forms of identification that root these individuals firmly within their historical and social contexts. These details lend authenticity and weight to the narrative, transforming what might otherwise be a generic account into a precise historical document. Furthermore, the very act of naming, or **Nominalism**, carries theological weight. In biblical thought, to be named and remembered signifies value and purpose, suggesting that God's meticulous record-keeping extends even to those who might appear to play supporting roles in His grand narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of seemingly minor figures like Hanan and Joshaphat in the sacred text of 1 Chronicles 11:43 carries profound theological weight. It underscores a consistent biblical theme: God sees and values every individual's contribution to His purposes, regardless of their prominence. Just as the names of the most famous heroes are recorded, so too are those whose service might have been less celebrated, yet equally vital. This meticulous record-keeping reflects God's own character—He is a God who remembers, who does not overlook the faithful service of His people. Their inclusion serves as a testament to the collective effort required to build God's kingdom, reminding us that every member of the body, no matter their perceived stature, is indispensable. This principle encourages faithfulness in all callings, knowing that true significance is measured not by human applause but by divine recognition.

* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God is not unjust to forget your work and the love you have shown")
* [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - All the days ordained for me were written in your book")
* [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Book of Life and the books of deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed listing of David's mighty men, including figures like Hanan and Joshaphat, might initially seem like a mere historical footnote, yet it offers rich ground for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a powerful reminder that in God's economy, every act of faithfulness, every commitment to service, and every individual contribution matters. We are often tempted to measure our significance by visibility, influence, or public acclaim. However, this verse challenges that perspective, asserting that God's meticulous record-keeping extends to those who operate in supporting roles, behind the scenes, or in seemingly ordinary capacities. It encourages us to embrace our unique callings with diligence and integrity, knowing that our ultimate audience is God Himself, who sees and remembers all. Our faithfulness in the "small" things often undergirds the "great" achievements of God's kingdom, and our names, like Hanan and Joshaphat, are known to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the biblical emphasis on individual names and contributions, even in long lists, challenge my own perception of what constitutes "significant" service?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to undervalue my own contributions or the contributions of others who serve in less visible roles?**
* **What does this verse teach me about God's character and His remembrance of those who faithfully serve Him, regardless of their fame?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of faithfulness in my daily responsibilities, knowing that my service is seen and valued by God?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of names, like those of David's mighty men?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists of names, such as those of David's mighty men in [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Anointed and His Mighty Men") and [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words and Mighty Men"), serves multiple purposes. Historically, these lists authenticate the narrative, providing verifiable records of individuals who played crucial roles in Israel's history. Theologically, they underscore God's meticulous attention to detail and His remembrance of every individual who serves His purposes. They demonstrate that every person, regardless of their perceived prominence, is valuable in God's grand plan and that their faithfulness is not forgotten. Spiritually, they provide examples of loyalty, courage, and dedication, inspiring future generations to similar service.

**Are Hanan and Joshaphat mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, or are they only in this list?**

Answer: Hanan the son of Maachah and Joshaphat the Mithnite are specifically mentioned in this list of David's mighty men in [1 Chronicles 11:43](/1_chronicles/11-43 "1 Chronicles 11:43 - Hanan and Joshaphat"). While the names "Hanan" and "Joshaphat" appear elsewhere in the Bible, referring to different individuals (e.g., King Jehoshaphat, or other people named Hanan), this specific pairing with their patronymic or geographical identifier is unique to this list. This highlights the particularity of the Chronicler's record, focusing on their specific contribution to David's elite corps.

**What is the significance of the "Mithnite" designation for Joshaphat?**

Answer: The "Mithnite" designation for Joshaphat likely refers to his place of origin, "Mithni." While the exact geographical location of Mithni is not definitively known today, its inclusion is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates the diverse geographical and tribal origins of David's loyal supporters, indicating that his kingdom drew strength from various parts of Israel. It also adds to the historical precision of the biblical text, grounding these figures in specific, identifiable (even if now obscure) locations. This detail reinforces the historical reality of these individuals and their contributions to the kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The catalog of David's mighty men, including figures like Hanan and Joshaphat, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament concept of the Church as the body of Christ and the spiritual kingdom He establishes. David, as God's anointed king, foreshadows Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King, whose kingdom is not of this world yet profoundly impacts it (cf. [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Just as David relied on a diverse group of loyal warriors to establish his earthly kingdom, Christ builds His spiritual kingdom through a vast and varied company of believers, each uniquely gifted and called to serve. Every member of Christ's body, from the most prominent apostle to the humblest servant, is known by name and valued by the King of kings (cf. [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")). The meticulous record of David's men points forward to the divine ledger where the names of all who belong to Christ are written in the Book of Life (cf. [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Names in the Book of Life"), [Revelation 3:5](/revelation/3-5 "Revelation 3:5 - Names Not Blotted Out")). In Christ, our service, no matter how seemingly small or unseen by human eyes, is eternally remembered and rewarded by our gracious Lord, who Himself came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (cf. [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")).

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.