2 Samuel 23:10

KJV

He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

KJV (with Strong's)

He arose {H6965}, and smote {H5221} the Philistines {H6430} until {H3588} his hand {H3027} was weary {H3021}, and his hand {H3027} clave {H1692} unto the sword {H2719}: and the LORD {H3068} wrought {H6213} a great {H1419} victory {H8668} that day {H3117}; and the people {H5971} returned {H7725} after {H310} him only to spoil {H6584}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He stood firm and attacked the P'lishtim until his hand went into spasm, so that he couldn't let go of his sword. ADONAI accomplished a great victory that day; but the people didn't return until he had finished, and then only to plunder the bodies of the dead.

Berean Standard Bible

but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead.

American Standard Version

He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword; and Jehovah wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to take spoil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 23:10 vividly portrays the extraordinary valor of Eleazar, one of David's mighty men, during a fierce battle against the Philistines. The verse highlights his singular devotion to the fight, battling relentlessly until his hand literally fused to his sword from exhaustion, even as his comrades retreated. Crucially, it then attributes the decisive victory not to Eleazar's superhuman effort alone, but to the Lord, underscoring the divine hand in Israel's triumphs and the principle that God works through faithful, though imperfect, human instruments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a distinct section in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words and Mighty Men"), immediately following David's "last words" (verses 1-7). Verses 8-39 provide a detailed roster and account of the heroic deeds of David's elite warriors, known as the "mighty men." Eleazar, son of Dodai the Ahohite, is introduced as one of the "Three" (alongside Josheb-basshebeth and Shammah), the most distinguished among these champions. The narrative here serves to illustrate the caliber of men who surrounded David, embodying the strength, loyalty, and divine favor that characterized his reign, even in its twilight. The specific account of Eleazar's battle is presented as a testament to his individual courage and the Lord's intervention, setting the stage for similar heroic narratives that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were Israel's perennial adversaries, a formidable seafaring people who had settled on the coastal plain and frequently clashed with the Israelites for control of the land, particularly during the periods of the Judges and early Monarchy. Their military superiority, especially in iron weaponry, often put Israel at a disadvantage. Battles like the one described here were common, reflecting the ongoing struggle for national security and territorial integrity. The concept of "mighty men" was prevalent in ancient Near Eastern warfare, where elite warriors often turned the tide of battle. Loyalty to a king and exceptional bravery were highly prized virtues. The detail of soldiers returning "only to spoil" is also culturally significant, as plunder was a standard component of ancient warfare, serving as a reward for victory and a source of wealth.
* **Key Themes:** The account of Eleazar encapsulates several overarching themes present throughout [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David") and the broader Old Testament narrative. **Heroic Perseverance** is paramount, as Eleazar fights beyond human limits, demonstrating unwavering commitment despite overwhelming odds and the desertion of his peers. This theme resonates with the call to steadfastness in the face of adversity, as seen in the endurance of figures like [Job](/job/1 "Job 1 - Satan Tests Job"). Closely linked is **Individual Courage**, highlighting how one person's extraordinary dedication can shift the tide of a collective struggle. Most significantly, the verse powerfully conveys **Divine Empowerment and Sovereignty**. While Eleazar's effort is immense, the ultimate victory is explicitly attributed to "the LORD," reinforcing the theological truth that God is the true deliverer and the source of all triumph, a principle echoed in [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for You") and [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Clave (Hebrew, _dāḇaq'_):** This word, often translated as "cleave" or "adhere," means to cling, stick, or be joined firmly. In this context, it vividly describes Eleazar's hand becoming so physically bound to his sword due to extreme exertion, sweat, and perhaps blood, that it could not be separated. It signifies an almost involuntary, yet resolute, attachment, illustrating a warrior pushed to the absolute limits of human endurance, utterly consumed by the battle. This is not merely poetic flourish but a powerful depiction of a man who refused to let go, physically embodying his unwavering resolve.
* **Wrought (Hebrew, _pāʿal'_):** Meaning to do, make, or accomplish, this verb emphasizes the active and effective nature of the Lord's intervention. When applied to God, it often denotes a powerful and decisive act, indicating that the victory was not merely a fortunate outcome but a direct, intentional, and sovereign work of God. It highlights divine agency as the ultimate cause of the triumph, distinguishing it from Eleazar's human effort.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He arose, and smote the Philistines":** This opening phrase establishes Eleazar's immediate and decisive action. "Arose" suggests a determined readiness for battle, a proactive engagement with the enemy. The "Philistines" are identified as the specific adversaries, setting the scene for a direct and intense conflict.
* **"until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword":** This clause vividly portrays the extreme physical toll of Eleazar's prolonged combat. "Weary" indicates profound fatigue, while "clave unto the sword" is a powerful hyperbole or literal description of his hand becoming stuck to the hilt, signifying an unyielding grip born of relentless effort and an unwillingness to cease fighting. It underscores his extraordinary endurance and singular commitment to the battle, even as others might have faltered.
* **"and the LORD wrought a great victory that day":** This is the pivotal statement, shifting the focus from Eleazar's human effort to divine intervention. Despite the warrior's immense contribution, the ultimate success is explicitly attributed to God. "Wrought" emphasizes God's active role, and "great victory" highlights the magnitude of the triumph, implying it was beyond what human strength alone could achieve. This asserts God's sovereignty over the outcome of battles.
* **"and the people returned after him only to spoil":** This concluding phrase provides a stark contrast to Eleazar's solitary valor. "The people" refers to the rest of the Israelite army who had evidently retreated or abandoned the fight. Their return "only to spoil" reveals their opportunistic nature, re-engaging only after the hard-won victory had been secured by Eleazar and the Lord, highlighting Eleazar's unique and isolated heroism.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in "his hand clave unto the sword," which, while possibly a literal description of extreme physical adhesion, also serves to exaggerate Eleazar's unwavering grip and relentless effort, emphasizing his extraordinary endurance beyond normal human limits. **Contrast** is powerfully used between Eleazar's solitary, tenacious fight and the rest of "the people" who "returned after him only to spoil," highlighting his singular courage against the backdrop of common opportunism. This also creates a stark **Juxtaposition** between human weakness/self-interest and individual heroism. Finally, the narrative employs **Divine Attribution**, explicitly stating "the LORD wrought a great victory," which functions as a theological device to ensure that the ultimate glory for the triumph is given to God, despite the human agent's remarkable bravery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of Eleazar's battle is a profound illustration of divine sovereignty working through human fidelity. It teaches that while God calls for our utmost effort and perseverance, the ultimate outcome and true victory belong to Him. Eleazar's unwavering commitment, even to the point of physical fusion with his weapon, demonstrates a type of dedicated service that God honors and empowers. His story serves as a powerful reminder that God often uses the seemingly impossible efforts of a few faithful individuals to achieve great things, revealing His power most clearly when human strength is pushed to its limits or even fails. The contrast with the retreating army further emphasizes that true victory is not about numbers or conventional might, but about God's presence and power activated through courageous obedience.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for You")
* [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's")
* [Psalm 44:6](/psalms/44-6 "Psalm 44:6 - Not by My Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eleazar's story provides a compelling model for believers facing their own battles, whether spiritual, professional, or personal. It challenges us to persevere with unwavering commitment, even when weary, alone, or when others have given up. The image of his hand "claving unto the sword" is a powerful metaphor for clinging to our calling, our faith, or our responsibilities with tenacious resolve, refusing to let go until the work is done or the battle is won. Yet, crucially, the verse reminds us that our human effort, however heroic, is always secondary to God's sovereign power. We are called to give our all, to fight the good fight, but to trust that the ultimate victory and the glory for it belong to the Lord. This frees us from the burden of self-reliance, allowing us to pour out our strength knowing that God will complete what we begin and bring about His purposes through our faithfulness. It encourages us to remain steadfast, knowing that even in our weariness, God can "wrought a great victory" through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "weary" or tempted to "let go" of the sword?**
* **How does Eleazar's example challenge your understanding of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds or isolation?**
* **How can you better acknowledge and trust in the Lord's power to "wrought a great victory" in your current struggles, even as you give your utmost effort?**

### FAQ
**What does "his hand clave unto the sword" literally mean?**

Answer: While it may sound like hyperbole, it's very likely a literal description of extreme physical adhesion. "Clave" (from "cleave") means to stick or cling firmly. In the context of intense, prolonged combat, Eleazar's hand could have become so swollen, cramped, and covered in sweat, dirt, and blood that his grip on the sword hilt became physically locked. This detail emphasizes the sheer, brutal exhaustion and unwavering determination with which he fought, pushing his body beyond normal limits until his hand was inextricably bound to his weapon. It paints a vivid picture of a warrior utterly consumed by the fight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Eleazar's singular valor and the divine intervention that secured the victory beautifully foreshadow the ultimate Warrior and Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Just as Eleazar fought relentlessly against the Philistines, Jesus engaged in the ultimate spiritual battle against sin, death, and the powers of darkness. His "hand clave unto the sword" can be seen in His unwavering commitment to the Father's will, even to the point of Gethsemane's agony and the cross's suffering, where He "set his face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). While Eleazar's victory was physical and temporary, Christ's victory on the cross was eternal and cosmic, securing salvation for all who believe. The Lord "wrought a great victory" through Eleazar, but the greatest victory was "wrought" through Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death, triumphing over the grave and offering new life ([1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Our Lord Jesus Christ")). Unlike the people who returned "only to spoil," Christ's victory invites us not to plunder, but to participate in His triumph through faith, becoming co-heirs of His eternal kingdom ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). His finished work is the true and lasting "great victory" that makes all other human efforts meaningful within God's redemptive plan.

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.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 19:5

For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest [it], and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

1 Samuel 11:13

And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Ephesians 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Joshua 10:10

And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.

2 Corinthians 4:5

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

Judges 15:14

[And] when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that [were] upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.