1 Chronicles 11:46

KJV

Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

KJV (with Strong's)

Eliel {H447} the Mahavite {H4233}, and Jeribai {H3403}, and Joshaviah {H3145}, the sons {H1121} of Elnaam {H493}, and Ithmah {H3495} the Moabite {H4125},

Complete Jewish Bible

Eli'el from Machavim, Yerivai and Yoshavyah the sons of Elna'am, Yitmah the Mo'avi,

Berean Standard Bible

Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite,

American Standard Version

Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:46 concludes a significant section detailing the elite warriors who served King David, known as his "mighty men." This verse, like those preceding it, meticulously records the names of individuals—Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai, Joshaviah (sons of Elnaam), and Ithmah the Moabite—underscoring the breadth of loyal support David commanded. The Chronicler's inclusion of these names serves not merely as a historical record but highlights the diverse origins of David's loyalists and the divine providence that gathered such a formidable and varied group to establish and secure God's chosen king and his kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and detailed enumeration of David's "mighty men" (1 Chronicles 11:10-47), which immediately follows the account of David's anointing as king over all Israel in Hebron and his capture of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 11:1-9). The Chronicler strategically places this list to demonstrate the foundational support and military strength that enabled David to consolidate his kingdom and establish Jerusalem as its capital. It emphasizes that David's success was not solely his own doing but was facilitated by the dedication and valor of these individuals, whom God had raised up for his purposes. The list serves to validate David's reign and underscore the divine blessing upon his leadership, linking his authority to the loyalty of his diverse fighting force.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of meticulously listing the names of loyal retainers, officials, or warriors was common in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. Such registers served as crucial administrative and historical documents, validating a king's power, the extent of his dominion, and the breadth of his support. David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) marked a pivotal period in Israel's history, transforming a loose tribal confederation into a centralized monarchy. The inclusion of geographical or tribal affiliations, such as "Mahavite" and particularly "Moabite," reflects the diverse origins of David's loyalists. This diversity speaks to David's charismatic leadership and his ability to unite various groups, including those from traditionally non-Israelite backgrounds, under his banner, contributing to the strength and stability of his burgeoning kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the larger list of David's mighty men, contributes to several key themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Loyalty and Devotion**, as each name represents an individual committed to David and, by extension, to God's plan for Israel. These men were characterized by their bravery and unwavering commitment to the divinely appointed king. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Support**, illustrating how God raised up and gathered diverse individuals to support His chosen leader, fulfilling His promises concerning David's reign, as seen in the Davidic Covenant in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). Thirdly, the mention of "Ithmah the Moabite" is particularly significant, emphasizing **Inclusivity in Service**. Moabites were traditionally considered outsiders and even enemies of Israel, forbidden from entering the assembly of the Lord for ten generations ([Deuteronomy 23:3](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3 - Exclusion of Moabites")). Yet, Ithmah served among David's most trusted warriors, echoing the story of [Ruth the Moabite](/ruth/1 "The Book of Ruth"), who became an ancestress of David himself. This inclusion foreshadows God's capacity to use people from all backgrounds in His divine purposes, breaking down traditional barriers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eliel (Hebrew, _ʼĔlîʼēl_):** Meaning "God is my God" or "God of God." This is a common theophoric name in the Old Testament, indicating a personal declaration of faith or a dedication to God. Its inclusion here, alongside other names, suggests a community of individuals whose very names reflect a theological understanding of God's sovereignty and their relationship with Him, even as they serve an earthly king.
* **Joshaviah (Hebrew, _Yôšavyāh_):** Likely means "Yahweh saves" or "Yahweh is salvation." Another theophoric name, it points to the divine source of deliverance and strength. In the context of David's mighty men, it subtly highlights the understanding that their prowess and success ultimately derived from the Lord.
* **Moabite (Hebrew, _Môʼāvî_):** Refers to someone from Moab, a nation east of the Dead Sea, historically antagonistic to Israel. The designation "Ithmah the Moabite" is profoundly significant. It immediately signals his non-Israelite origin, making his presence among David's elite a powerful testament to David's broad appeal and, more importantly, to God's broader redemptive plan that transcends ethnic and national boundaries. This inclusion is a remarkable detail in a list primarily composed of Israelites.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Eliel the Mahavite":** This introduces the first individual, Eliel, identified by his clan or geographical origin, "the Mahavite." This detail helps to place him within the tribal or regional structure of Israel, indicating the diverse geographical reach of David's loyal support.
* **"and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam":** This phrase groups Jeribai and Joshaviah as brothers, sons of a man named Elnaam. The mention of a father's name suggests a family unit or lineage known for its loyalty and service to David, perhaps indicating a shared valor or a tradition of military service within that specific family.
* **"and Ithmah the Moabite":** This final clause introduces Ithmah, whose unique designation as "the Moabite" stands out. Unlike the previous names with Israelite or geographically specific Israelite affiliations, Ithmah's ethnic identity as a Moabite is explicitly stated. This detail is crucial, as it highlights the remarkable inclusivity of David's inner circle, drawing individuals even from nations traditionally considered adversaries of Israel, demonstrating a kingdom that transcends conventional boundaries.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 11:46, as with the entire list of David's mighty men, is **Enumeration**. The meticulous listing of names serves to validate David's kingship and the divine support he received by showcasing the extensive and diverse human resources at his disposal. Beyond mere cataloging, this enumeration functions as a testament to the loyalty and valor of individuals. Furthermore, the inclusion of "Ithmah the Moabite" introduces a powerful element of **Inclusivity** and **Juxtaposition**. By juxtaposing a traditional enemy (Moabite) with the loyal Israelite warriors, the Chronicler subtly highlights the expansive nature of God's plan and David's kingdom, which could embrace those from outside the covenant community. This specific detail also carries **Symbolic** weight, pointing towards a future where God's people would be drawn from all nations, breaking down barriers of ethnicity and background.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of names like Ithmah the Moabite in David's elite forces offers a profound theological insight: God's redemptive plan is not confined by human-made boundaries or traditional enmities. Just as Ruth, a Moabite, was providentially brought into the lineage of David and ultimately Christ, Ithmah's presence among the mighty men signifies God's capacity to use anyone, from any background, for His purposes. This challenges us to recognize God's sovereignty in raising up diverse individuals and to embrace a vision of community that transcends ethnic, social, or historical divisions. It underscores that loyalty and devotion to God's chosen leader, and ultimately to God Himself, are the true criteria for inclusion in His work.
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female")
* [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All and in All")
* [Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 11:46, though a mere list of names, carries significant weight for contemporary believers. It reminds us that every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly obscure or unheralded, is valued and remembered in God's grand design. Just as these men were meticulously recorded for their loyalty and service to David, so too is every act of faithfulness, every quiet sacrifice, and every diligent effort seen and honored by God. Furthermore, the striking inclusion of "Ithmah the Moabite" serves as a powerful reminder of God's radical inclusivity. He uses diverse people, from all walks of life, backgrounds, and even those traditionally considered outsiders, to accomplish His will. This challenges us to dismantle our own preconceived notions and prejudices, to look beyond conventional boundaries, and to actively embrace and empower those whom God calls to serve Him, fostering a community that truly reflects the multifaceted body of Christ. Our loyalty should extend not only to God but also to the leaders He has placed over us, supporting them in their God-given tasks, just as these mighty men supported David.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of these names challenge my perception of "insignificant" contributions in God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to exclude or undervalue individuals based on their background, and how can I cultivate a more inclusive mindset in my service to God?**
* **What does "loyalty" mean in the context of Christian service, and how can I demonstrate unwavering faithfulness to God and to the leaders He has placed in my life?**

### FAQ

**Why are these seemingly obscure names listed in such detail in the Bible?**

Answer: The detailed enumeration of names like those in [1 Chronicles 11:46](/1_chronicles/11-46 "1 Chronicles 11:46 - David's Mighty Men") serves several crucial purposes for the Chronicler. Firstly, it validates David's reign by showcasing the extensive and diverse loyal support he commanded, demonstrating that his kingdom was established not just by divine decree but also through the dedicated service of many. Secondly, it acts as a historical record, preserving the memory and contributions of those who played a vital role in Israel's formative years under David. Finally, and most importantly for the Chronicler's theological agenda, these lists highlight God's hand in gathering and empowering individuals from various backgrounds to fulfill His purposes through His chosen king, emphasizing the divine providence at work in Israel's history.

**What is the significance of "Ithmah the Moabite" being included among David's mighty men?**

Answer: The inclusion of "Ithmah the Moabite" is highly significant because Moabites were traditionally considered enemies of Israel, even explicitly excluded from the assembly of the Lord for ten generations ([Deuteronomy 23:3](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3 - Exclusion of Moabites")). Ithmah's presence among David's elite warriors powerfully illustrates God's inclusive nature and David's unique ability to unite diverse peoples under his leadership. It foreshadows the breaking down of ethnic and national barriers in God's redemptive plan, echoing the story of [Ruth](/ruth/1 "The Book of Ruth"), another Moabite who became an ancestress of David himself. This detail points to a broader vision of God's kingdom, one that embraces individuals from all nations, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament with the inclusion of Gentiles into the church ([Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The list of David's mighty men, culminating in verses like [1 Chronicles 11:46](/1_chronicles/11-46 "1 Chronicles 11:46 - David's Mighty Men"), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the universal kingdom of God established by Jesus Christ. Just as David gathered loyal and diverse warriors to establish his earthly kingdom, Christ, the greater Son of David, gathers His "mighty men and women" from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")) to build His eternal kingdom. The striking inclusion of Ithmah the Moabite foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the gospel, where the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile is broken down by Christ's sacrifice ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). In Christ, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for all are one in Him ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female")). His disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), demonstrating that the true King's reign extends to all who believe, regardless of their background, united in their loyalty and devotion to Him.

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.