1 Chronicles 11:47

KJV

Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite.

KJV (with Strong's)

Eliel {H447}, and Obed {H5744}, and Jasiel {H3300} the Mesobaite {H4677}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Eli'el, 'Oved, and Ya'asi'el from M'tzovayah.

Berean Standard Bible

Eliel, Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

American Standard Version

Eliel, and Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:47 concludes the comprehensive register of King David's elite warriors, known as his "mighty men," by specifically naming Eliel, Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite. This verse, as part of the broader catalog, transcends mere historical record-keeping, serving as a profound theological affirmation of David's divinely ordained leadership. It powerfully showcases the extensive loyalty and diverse support he commanded, underscoring the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail and highlighting that every individual's contribution, regardless of their prominence in wider narratives, is profoundly valued and meticulously recorded within God's overarching plan for His chosen king and the establishment of His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 11:47 stands as the culminating verse in a lengthy and highly significant enumeration of David's "mighty men," a list that commences in [1 Chronicles 11:10](/1_chronicles/11-10 "1 Chronicles 11:10 - David's Mighty Men and Their Exploits"). This chapter immediately follows the pivotal events of David's anointing as king over all Israel and his strategic capture of Jerusalem, which he subsequently established as his capital, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 11:1-9](/1_chronicles/11-1-9 "1 Chronicles 11:1-9 - David Becomes King and Captures Jerusalem"). The Chronicler's deliberate inclusion of such an exhaustive roster, notably more expansive than its parallel in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words and His Mighty Men"), serves to underscore the undeniable legitimacy and formidable strength of David's reign. It meticulously illustrates the widespread support David garnered from various tribes and geographical regions, portraying him as a divinely chosen leader whose success was powerfully bolstered by a loyal and exceptionally capable fighting force—a foundational element in the establishment of the unified monarchy. The conclusion of this detailed list in verse 47 marks a transition, setting the stage for subsequent narratives detailing further aspects of David's reign.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical period encapsulated by 1 Chronicles 11 corresponds to the early phase of David's reign, a critical era characterized by the consolidation of power and the establishment of a centralized kingdom in Israel. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, a monarch's strength and stability were often directly correlated with the loyalty, prowess, and numerical strength of his military elite. These "mighty men" were far more than mere soldiers; they functioned as personal bodyguards, trusted advisors, and key commanders, forming the indispensable backbone of David's military campaigns and administrative structure. Their names, frequently accompanied by epithets such as "the Mesobaite," provided vital clues regarding their tribal or geographical origins, vividly illustrating the diverse backgrounds from which David drew his unwavering support. This inherent diversity was paramount for successfully unifying the disparate Israelite tribes under a single, cohesive monarchy. The Chronicler, addressing a post-exilic audience, strategically employs these historical details to powerfully reinforce the enduring continuity of God's covenant with David, thereby instilling hope and encouraging faithfulness among a people striving to rebuild their identity and nation.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous inclusion of Eliel, Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite within this extensive and revered list contributes significantly to several overarching themes central to the Chronicler's narrative. Firstly, it profoundly reinforces the theme of **unwavering loyalty and faithfulness** to God's chosen leader. These individuals, by virtue of their presence on this esteemed roster, are implicitly affirmed as dedicated servants of King David, thereby indirectly serving God's overarching purposes through their allegiance. Secondly, the sheer volume of names, even those without accompanying narratives of specific exploits, powerfully highlights the **meticulous nature of divine record-keeping and recognition**. This suggests a profound theological truth: every individual contribution, no matter how seemingly minor or uncelebrated by human metrics, is meticulously noted and profoundly valued by God. This resonates deeply with the broader biblical principle that God observes and rewards all acts of faithfulness and love shown for His name, as affirmed in [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Remembers Our Work and Love"). Thirdly, the diverse origins implied by designations like "the Mesobaite" powerfully reinforce the theme of **comprehensive support and unity** under David's divinely appointed leadership, illustrating how God sovereignly brought together people from various backgrounds to establish His kingdom. This inclusivity subtly foreshadows the expansive and inclusive nature of God's future covenant community, extending far beyond narrow tribal lines, as envisioned in [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eliel (Hebrew, _ʾĔlîʾêl_):** This is a common and deeply significant theophoric name in ancient Israel, meaning "God of (his) God." Theophoric names, which incorporate a divine element (like "El" for God), were pervasive and often reflected the religious devotion, theological understanding, or even a parental prayer at the time of a child's birth. While the biblical text provides no further details about this specific Eliel's deeds, his name itself stands as a quiet yet powerful testimony to the pervasive presence of faith in Israelite society and the personal identification with God that characterized the era.
* **Obed (Hebrew, _ʻÔwbêḏ_):** Derived from the Hebrew verb meaning "to serve," this name translates directly to "serving." Like Eliel, Obed is a relatively common name found elsewhere in the biblical narrative (e.g., Obed, the father of Jesse and grandfather of King David, mentioned in [Ruth 4:17](/ruth/4-17 "Ruth 4:17 - Obed, Grandfather of David")). The inherent meaning of the name itself suggests a character marked by service or devotion, a fitting attribute for a loyal warrior serving in David's formidable army.
* **Jasiel (Hebrew, _Yaʻăsîyʼêl_):** This name is composed of two Hebrew elements: "asah" (to make or do) and "El" (God), thus meaning "made of God." This profound meaning suggests a divine origin or purpose for the individual, implying that Jasiel's very existence or perhaps his capabilities were seen as a direct work or gift from God. As the final named "mighty man" on this extensive list, his name carries a subtle theological weight, suggesting that even at the list's conclusion, God's hand is evident.
* **Mesobaite (Hebrew, _Mᵉtsôbâyâh_):** While the Strong's data for H4677 refers to a place "Metsobajah" meaning "found of Jah," the term "Mesobaite" in the verse functions as an ethnic or geographical designation. It indicates that Jasiel hailed from a specific place or clan called Mesoba. Such designations were critically important in ancient societies for identifying individuals' origins, tribal affiliations, and sometimes even specific skills or characteristics associated with their region. The inclusion of such a specific, albeit obscure, epithet underscores the Chronicler's unwavering commitment to historical detail and highlights the remarkably diverse geographical reach of David's loyal support base.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Eliel":** The first name presented in this concluding triad of David's mighty men. Its inclusion signifies an individual whose unwavering loyalty and dedicated service were deemed worthy of perpetual record by the Chronicler, even in the absence of specific heroic deeds attributed to him within the narrative.
* **"and Obed":** The second individual meticulously listed, further emphasizing the collective and formidable nature of David's support system. The simple conjunction "and" seamlessly links these men together, presenting them as an integral part of a continuous stream of faithful and capable warriors who profoundly contributed to David's unparalleled success and the enduring stability of his burgeoning kingdom.
* **"and Jasiel the Mesobaite":** The final name on the entire, extensive list of David's mighty men. The precise addition of "the Mesobaite" provides a specific and unique identifier, marking Jasiel's distinct origin or clan. This meticulous detail, even for a figure otherwise unelaborated upon, powerfully reinforces the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and highlights the remarkably diverse backgrounds of those who enthusiastically rallied to David's cause, thereby contributing to the comprehensive and divinely blessed picture of his reign.

#### Literary Devices
The predominant literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 11:47, and indeed throughout the entire chapter from verse 10 onward, is the **Catalog** or **List**. This extensive enumeration of names serves a multifaceted purpose. Firstly, it powerfully lends **Authority and Legitimacy** to David's reign by showcasing the sheer volume, diverse origins, and unwavering loyalty of his supporters, thereby implying profound divine favor and widespread acceptance across Israel. Secondly, it functions as a potent form of **Emphasis through Accumulation**, where the repetitive listing of names, even without detailed exploits for each, profoundly underscores the immense strength and broad foundation of David's military and administrative apparatus. The inclusion of specific epithets like "the Mesobaite" adds a crucial layer of **Realism and Historical Detail**, firmly grounding the narrative in concrete specifics and enhancing its verisimilitude. Furthermore, the overarching act of meticulously recording these names, particularly those of the less prominent figures, conveys a profound theological message about **Divine Record-Keeping** and the inherent value God places on every individual's contribution to His sovereign purposes, irrespective of their worldly fame or perceived significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The deliberate inclusion of names such as Eliel, Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite within the esteemed and extensive list of David's mighty men carries profound theological weight. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous and loving attention to every individual, affirming the timeless truth that all faithful service, no matter how seemingly small, obscure, or unheralded by human standards, is profoundly seen, valued, and remembered in His divine economy. This concept directly challenges our human tendency to focus exclusively on prominent figures or grand, celebrated achievements, serving as a vital reminder that the enduring strength of God's kingdom is meticulously built upon the collective, often unseen, loyalty, dedication, and sacrificial service of countless individuals. Just as these men contributed their unique strengths to the earthly kingdom of David, so too are believers today called to contribute their distinct gifts, talents, and service to the spiritual kingdom of God, resting in the assurance that their diligent efforts are never forgotten by their Heavenly Father.

* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - The Body of Christ")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "God Remembers Our Work and Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 11:47, though appearing as a mere list of names, offers remarkably profound insights and timeless truths for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful and deeply encouraging reminder that every individual's contribution to God's kingdom is inherently significant and profoundly valued, even if their specific deeds are not widely celebrated or meticulously recorded in human history. Just as Eliel, Obed, and Jasiel were integral components of a larger, vital force supporting God's chosen king, so too are we, as cherished members of the body of Christ, unequivocally called to faithful service in our unique capacities and spheres of influence. This verse profoundly encourages us to embrace our roles, however humble or seemingly insignificant they may appear, with unwavering diligence, steadfast loyalty, and joyful obedience, knowing with absolute certainty that God sees our hearts, our intentions, and our every effort. It fosters a deep sense of belonging, purpose, and divine affirmation, assuring us that our faithfulness, even in the quietest and most unseen corners of life, contributes immeasurably to the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan and will be eternally remembered and rewarded by Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of seemingly obscure names like Eliel, Obed, and Jasiel profoundly challenge our preconceived notions of what truly constitutes "significant" service in God's kingdom?**
* **What specific, tangible ways can we actively demonstrate unwavering faithfulness and deep loyalty in our current spheres of influence, internalizing the truth that every contribution, no matter how small, is profoundly valued by God?**
* **In what particular areas of your life might you currently feel unseen, unappreciated, or overlooked, and how can the profound truth that God meticulously records and remembers every act of service bring you profound encouragement and renewed purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler include such extensive lists of names, especially those without detailed narratives of their deeds?**

Answer: The Chronicler's purpose in including extensive lists, such as that of David's mighty men in [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King and His Mighty Men"), is multifaceted and deeply theological. Firstly, it serves to powerfully legitimize and glorify David's reign, meticulously demonstrating the widespread and diverse support he garnered, which was absolutely crucial for establishing a unified and stable kingdom. Secondly, for the post-exilic audience to whom the Chronicler wrote, these lists provided a vital sense of continuity with their rich historical past, highlighting the enduring faithfulness of God's people and the unwavering nature of His covenant promises. Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, the meticulous recording of even seemingly minor or unheralded figures emphasizes a core theological truth: God sees and profoundly values every individual's contribution to His sovereign purposes. It powerfully underscores divine record-keeping and the timeless principle that no act of loyalty, service, or faithfulness, however small, goes unnoticed by God, even if it is not accompanied by a grand narrative of heroic deeds.

**Are the "mighty men" lists in 1 Chronicles 11 and 2 Samuel 23 identical, or are there differences?**

Answer: While there is significant and substantial overlap between the list of David's mighty men in [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King and His Mighty Men") and the parallel account found in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words and His Mighty Men"), they are definitively not identical. The list presented in 1 Chronicles is generally more extensive and comprehensive, often including additional names (such as Eliel, Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite from this verse) and occasionally featuring different spellings or variations in the order of names. These variations strongly suggest that the Chronicler may have had access to different or perhaps more comprehensive source material, or that he had a specific theological agenda in presenting a more expansive roster. The Chronicler's version frequently emphasizes the full breadth of David's loyalists and the comprehensive, divinely blessed nature of his kingdom, aligning with his broader theological purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous recording of David's mighty men, culminating in the names of Eliel, Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ. David, as an earthly king, served as a profound type and foreshadowing of the greater, eternal King, Jesus, whose kingdom is not of this world and whose subjects are drawn from every tribe, language, people, and nation, as beautifully depicted in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude Worshipping God"). Just as David's reign was established, maintained, and expanded by the unwavering loyalty and diverse service of his devoted warriors, so too is Christ's spiritual kingdom built upon the faithfulness, unique gifts, and dedicated service of all believers, each a vital and indispensable member of His living body, growing and building itself up in love, as articulated in [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body Built Up in Love"). The Chronicler's emphasis on God's careful remembrance of every individual's contribution to David's earthly reign powerfully points forward to the perfect knowledge and unwavering remembrance of Christ, who assures His followers that even the smallest act of kindness, such as giving a cup of cold water in His name, will assuredly not lose its eternal reward, as promised in [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - Reward for Helping Disciples"). In Christ, we encounter the ultimate "Eliel" (God of His God), the sovereign Lord over all creation, and the perfect "Obed" (Servant), who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many, as He Himself declared in [Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). Through Him, all who serve faithfully, whether prominently or obscurely, are eternally recognized, profoundly valued, and participate in a glorious, everlasting kingdom that shall never be destroyed, as prophesied in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion").

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.