1 Chronicles 11:44

KJV

Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel the sons of Hothan the Aroerite,

KJV (with Strong's)

Uzzia {H5814} the Ashterathite {H6254}, Shama {H8091} and Jehiel {H3273} the sons {H1121} of Hothan {H2369} the Aroerite {H6200},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Uziyah the 'Asht'rati Shama and Ye'i'el the sons of Hotam the 'Aro'eri,

Berean Standard Bible

Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite,

American Standard Version

Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:44 is a concise but significant verse within the extensive catalog of King David's elite warriors, known as his "mighty men." It specifically names Uzzia the Ashterathite, and Shama and Jehiel, the sons of Hothan the Aroerite, as members of this distinguished group. This inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record, highlighting the value placed on individual loyalty and service within the Davidic kingdom, even for those whose specific deeds are not elaborated upon elsewhere.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 11 serves as a pivotal chapter, transitioning from David's anointing as king over all Israel in Hebron to the detailed enumeration of his most valiant military leaders. Following the capture of Jerusalem and its establishment as the capital, the narrative immediately shifts to celebrating the individuals who solidified David's reign. The list begins with the "three" most prominent warriors, then expands to the "thirty" (or "thirty-seven" including the chief three), a larger, distinguished company. Verse 44 falls within this extended roster (1 Chronicles 11:26-47), which meticulously records the names and, occasionally, the origins of these loyal men. This detailed catalog emphasizes the collective strength and diverse support that underpinned David's kingdom, showcasing the human instruments through whom God worked to establish and secure His chosen king. The sheer length of the list, including seemingly obscure names, highlights the Chronicler's intent to provide a comprehensive record of the foundational figures of David's reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) was a formative era for ancient Israel, marked by the consolidation of the monarchy, military expansion, and the establishment of Jerusalem as both political and religious center. David's "mighty men" were not merely soldiers but a highly trained, loyal, and often elite fighting force crucial for maintaining internal order and defending against external threats. Their loyalty was paramount in a time when tribal allegiances were still strong and the nascent kingdom needed unification. The mention of geographical identifiers like "Ashterathite" and "Aroerite" is significant. It indicates that David's army drew its strength from diverse regions, including areas east of the Jordan River, which were often on the fringes of Israelite control or inhabited by non-Israelite peoples. This reflects David's ability to forge a broad coalition and command loyalty across various tribal and regional boundaries, unifying the nation under his leadership. Such detailed lists were common in ancient Near Eastern records, serving as a testament to a ruler's power, the extent of his dominion, and the valor of his subjects.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the larger list, contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. One prominent theme is the **Divine Record and Remembrance**. The Chronicler's meticulous preservation of names, even those without extensive narratives, underscores God's comprehensive knowledge and remembrance of all who serve His purposes. This resonates with the idea that no act of faithfulness, however seemingly small or obscure, goes unnoticed by God, a principle found in passages like [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Remembers Our Work"). Another key theme is **Loyalty and Service**. The inclusion of these warriors highlights the paramount value placed on unwavering dedication to the king and, by extension, to God's kingdom. Their service was foundational to the stability and success of David's reign, mirroring the importance of faithful service in God's broader plan for His people. Finally, the **Diversity of Origins** among David's mighty men, indicated by their geographical epithets, points to the inclusive nature of God's work. David's kingdom was strengthened by individuals from various backgrounds, foreshadowing the universal scope of God's redemptive plan to gather people from "every nation, tribe, people and language" as seen in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashterathite (הָעַשְׁתְּרָתִי, _hā‘Ashtərātî_):** This ethnonym indicates origin from Ashteroth, a city in Bashan, east of the Jordan River. Ashteroth was historically associated with the pagan goddess Ashtoreth (Astarte), a prominent Canaanite deity. The fact that a warrior from such a place was part of David's elite corps speaks to David's ability to integrate individuals from diverse, and potentially religiously complex, backgrounds into his loyal service. It may also subtly highlight a shift in allegiance from local deities to Yahweh, the God of Israel, under David's unifying leadership.
* **Aroerite (הָעֲרוֹעֵרִי, _hā‘Ărô‘ērî_):** This term denotes origin from Aroer. There were several towns named Aroer, most notably one in Moabite territory (modern-day Jordan) and another in Ammonite territory, both east of the Jordan. The inclusion of individuals from Aroer further emphasizes the geographical breadth from which David drew his loyal support, extending beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel proper. It signifies the widespread influence and reach of David's kingdom and his capacity to command loyalty from various regions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Uzzia the Ashterathite":** This clause introduces one individual, Uzzia, whose name means "My strength is Yahweh." The appended "the Ashterathite" immediately identifies his place of origin as Ashteroth. The inclusion of his name, despite no further details of his deeds, signifies his recognized status as a "mighty man" and his contribution to David's military strength. His origin from a place with pagan associations highlights the diverse composition of David's loyalists and the unifying power of David's leadership under Yahweh.
* **"Shama and Jehiel the sons of Hothan the Aroerite":** This clause lists two more individuals, Shama and Jehiel, explicitly identifying them as brothers and sons of Hothan, who hailed from Aroer. The mention of "sons of Hothan" emphasizes a familial or generational aspect of their service, suggesting that loyalty and military prowess might have been inherited or cultivated within certain families. Their origin as "Aroerite" further reinforces the theme of David's widespread support base, drawing loyal warriors from territories east of the Jordan, expanding the reach and influence of his kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 11:44 and the surrounding verses is **Cataloging** or **Listing**. The Chronicler meticulously compiles a detailed roster of David's mighty men, emphasizing the breadth and depth of his loyal support. This device serves to legitimize David's reign by showcasing the formidable military force at his command, while also honoring the individuals who contributed to the kingdom's success. Furthermore, the use of **Geographical Markers** (e.g., "Ashterathite," "Aroerite") is a key feature, providing specific origins for these warriors. This not only adds historical verisimilitude but also subtly highlights the diverse geographical and tribal reach of David's influence, unifying disparate elements under his leadership. While not deeply symbolic, the **Onomastics** (the study of names) of "Uzzia" ("My strength is Yahweh") can be seen as a subtle theological undertone, suggesting that even the strength of these warriors ultimately derived from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 11:44, as part of the comprehensive list of David's mighty men, offers profound theological insights beyond its historical detail. It underscores the divine principle that every individual, regardless of their perceived prominence or the extent of their recorded deeds, plays a vital role in God's overarching plan. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping reflects God's own nature as one who sees, remembers, and values every act of faithfulness and service performed for His kingdom. These warriors, though many remain obscure to us, were instrumental in establishing the Davidic monarchy, which itself was a crucial step in God's redemptive history, pointing towards the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Their loyalty to David foreshadows the call to unwavering allegiance to the King of Kings, reminding believers that their service, no matter how humble, is eternally significant in the building of God's spiritual kingdom.

* [Psalm 139:16](/psalms/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Knowledge of Our Days")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly obscure names in 1 Chronicles 11:44 offer a powerful reminder of God's meticulous attention to detail and His valuation of every individual's contribution to His purposes. In a world that often celebrates only the highly visible and publicly acclaimed, this verse quietly affirms the worth of faithfulness in obscurity. Just as Uzzia, Shama, and Jehiel played their part in securing David's kingdom, every believer is called to serve in the body of Christ, often in roles that may not garner widespread recognition. Our faithfulness in these "unseen" ministries—whether in prayer, quiet service, consistent witness, or humble obedience—is profoundly significant to God. This passage encourages us to embrace our unique calling with diligence and devotion, trusting that our labor in the Lord is never in vain, and that God remembers and rewards every act of love and service, regardless of whether it is chronicled in human history. It challenges us to find contentment and purpose in simply being counted among God's faithful, contributing to His kingdom in the specific ways He has ordained for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of seemingly obscure names like Uzzia, Shama, and Jehiel challenge our modern tendency to value only public recognition and visible achievements?**
* **In what "unseen" or humble ways might you be called to serve God's kingdom, and how can this verse encourage your faithfulness in those areas?**
* **How does the diversity of origins among David's mighty men speak to the inclusive nature of God's kingdom today?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific names listed in the Bible if their deeds aren't elaborated upon?**

Answer: The inclusion of these specific names, even without detailed accounts of their individual exploits, serves several important purposes. First, it underscores the Chronicler's meticulous historical record-keeping, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of David's loyal support. Second, it highlights the value God places on every individual's contribution to His purposes, regardless of their public prominence. It suggests that even seemingly "minor" figures played a crucial role in establishing and securing the Davidic kingdom, which was central to God's redemptive plan. Their inclusion ensures that their loyalty and service are remembered and honored in the divine record, reflecting God's own attention to detail and His remembrance of all who serve Him faithfully, as noted in [Malachi 3:16](/malachi/3-16 "Malachi 3:16 - Book of Remembrance").

**What is the significance of the geographical identifiers like "Ashterathite" and "Aroerite"?**

Answer: The geographical identifiers "Ashterathite" and "Aroerite" are highly significant as they indicate the diverse origins of David's loyal warriors. Ashteroth was a city in Bashan, east of the Jordan, with historical ties to pagan worship, while Aroer was also a city east of the Jordan, likely in Moabite or Ammonite territory. Their inclusion demonstrates David's ability to command loyalty and forge a unified kingdom from a wide array of regions and potentially diverse backgrounds, extending beyond the traditional Israelite tribal territories. This illustrates the unifying power of David's leadership and foreshadows the universal scope of God's kingdom, which gathers people from "every tribe and language and people and nation," as envisioned in [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 11:44 is a historical record of David's earthly kingdom, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. David, as the anointed king, foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate King and Messiah, whose kingdom is eternal and spiritual. Just as David's reign was established and maintained by the loyal service of his "mighty men," Christ's spiritual kingdom is built upon the faithful devotion of His followers, the church. The inclusion of individuals from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds among David's warriors, such as the Ashterathite and Aroerite, prefigures the universal call of the Gospel, which extends to "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for "you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). Furthermore, the meticulous biblical record of seemingly obscure individuals highlights God's divine remembrance and valuation of every single person who serves His purposes. This resonates deeply with Christ's teaching that even the smallest act of service or faith is seen and rewarded by the Father ([Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - A Cup of Cold Water")). Ultimately, these "mighty men" served an earthly king; believers today are called to serve the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, whose power is not in military might but in redemptive love, and whose kingdom will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")).

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.