2 Samuel 23:11

KJV

And after him [was] Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.

KJV (with Strong's)

And after {H310} him was Shammah {H8048} the son {H1121} of Agee {H89} the Hararite {H2043}. And the Philistines {H6430} were gathered together {H622} into a troop {H2416}, where was a piece {H2513} of ground {H7704} full {H4392} of lentiles {H5742}: and the people {H5971} fled {H5127} from {H6440} the Philistines {H6430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After him was Shammah the son of Age the Harari. The P'lishtim had assembled at Lechi, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the P'lishtim.

Berean Standard Bible

And after him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines had banded together near a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them.

American Standard Version

And after him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 23:11 introduces Shammah, one of David's elite "mighty men," highlighting an extraordinary act of individual courage. While others fled in fear from a Philistine raiding party, Shammah alone stood his ground to defend a field of vital lentil crops, securing a crucial resource for his people through his steadfastness and bravery. This singular act of defiance against overwhelming odds earned him a place among David's most distinguished warriors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a highly significant passage in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words and Mighty Men"), which serves as an appendix to the book of Samuel, detailing the "Last Words of David" (vv. 1-7) and then listing his most valiant warriors (vv. 8-39). Shammah is presented as one of the "Three" most distinguished among David's mighty men (along with Jashobeam and Eleazar), whose extraordinary deeds are recounted to underscore the divine enablement and human courage that characterized David's reign. The narrative flow emphasizes individual acts of heroism that collectively contributed to Israel's security and the establishment of David's kingdom, contrasting the widespread fear of the Philistines with the unwavering resolve of these chosen few. The specific account of Shammah's stand follows the general introduction of the "Three" in [2 Samuel 23:8](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8 - Introduction to David's Mighty Men"), providing a concrete example of the type of valor that defined them.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a persistent and formidable enemy of Israel throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy, constantly vying for control of the fertile lowlands and trade routes. Their military superiority, particularly in iron weaponry, often instilled fear among the Israelites, as evidenced by "the people fled from the Philistines." Raiding parties, or "troops" (Hebrew: _gedud_), were common tactics used by the Philistines to harass Israelite settlements, plunder resources, and assert dominance. A "piece of ground full of lentiles" might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of warfare, but in an agrarian society, staple crops like lentils were essential for survival and represented the very livelihood of the community. Defending such a field was not merely about property; it was about protecting the sustenance and economic stability of the people. Shammah's action reflects the harsh realities of life in ancient Israel, where constant vigilance and courage were required to protect basic necessities from hostile incursions.

* **Key Themes:** Shammah's story powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **individual courage and faithfulness**, where one person's unwavering resolve in the face of overwhelming odds makes a decisive difference. This echoes the spirit of figures like Gideon in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory") or David himself in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"). Another significant theme is the **protection of the vulnerable and the valuing of the seemingly small**. While a lentil field might appear minor, its defense highlights the importance of safeguarding the community's basic needs and resources, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of the people. Furthermore, the account underscores the theme of **distinction in adversity**, revealing how true heroism and character are forged and revealed in moments of widespread fear and crisis. Shammah's steadfastness serves as a testament to the divine enablement that often accompanies such profound acts of human courage, allowing one person to achieve what seems impossible.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shammah (Hebrew, _šammāh'_):** This name, while potentially meaning "astonishment" or "desolation," here signifies the profound impact and fame of his singular act. His deed was so remarkable that it caused astonishment and secured his lasting renown among David's elite.
* **Troop (Hebrew, _gĕdûd'_):** This term refers to a raiding band, a detachment, or a marauding party. It implies a mobile, often smaller, but still highly effective and dangerous group of armed men, typically engaged in plunder or harassment rather than full-scale battle. The use of "troop" emphasizes the predatory nature of the Philistine incursion.
* **Lentiles (Hebrew, _‘ădāšîm'_):** A common, nutritious, and easily stored staple crop in the ancient Near East. Their presence in the field underscores the practical, life-sustaining value of what Shammah defended. It highlights that his fight was not for glory or vast riches, but for the very sustenance of his community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after him [was] Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite":** This clause introduces Shammah, identifying him by his father and his place of origin (Harar, likely a region in Judah). He is presented as the third of the "Three" most prominent mighty men, immediately establishing his high standing and the significance of his subsequent action.
* **"And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop":** This sets the scene of conflict, describing the enemy's formation and intent. The Philistines, a perennial threat, have assembled a raiding party, indicating an imminent threat of plunder and violence against Israelite territory.
* **"where was a piece of ground full of lentiles":** This specifies the location of the confrontation and, crucially, the valuable asset at stake. The "piece of ground full of lentiles" highlights the economic and survival importance of agricultural produce, making the defense of this seemingly humble field a matter of life and death for the community.
* **"and the people fled from the Philistines":** This final clause dramatically emphasizes the widespread fear and abandonment that characterized the situation. The flight of the "people" underscores the overwhelming terror inspired by the Philistines and serves as a powerful contrast to Shammah's solitary and courageous stand, amplifying the magnitude of his heroism.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Shammah employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is perhaps the most prominent, starkly juxtaposing Shammah's singular courage with the widespread fear and flight of "the people." This highlights his exceptional bravery and faithfulness. There is also an element of **understatement** in the object of Shammah's defense—a mere "field of lentiles." This humble object magnifies the heroism, suggesting that true valor is not reserved for grand battles but is found even in the defense of everyday necessities. The passage functions as a **heroic narrative**, focusing on the extraordinary deed of an individual warrior. This focus on a specific, decisive action elevates Shammah to legendary status, serving as an inspiring example within the broader collection of David's mighty men. The concise and direct prose also contributes to the **dramatic effect**, allowing the sheer force of Shammah's action to speak for itself without elaborate embellishment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Shammah's stand for a field of lentiles is a profound theological statement on faithfulness, courage, and the value of what God entrusts to us. It demonstrates that true valor is not merely about physical strength but about unwavering commitment, even when isolated and facing overwhelming odds. The narrative subtly points to the divine enablement that empowers such acts; Shammah's victory, like many in Israel's history, suggests that God can work through one faithful individual to accomplish great things, even when human resources and courage fail. His defense of a humble crop underscores that God cares for the practical sustenance of His people, and that defending the "small" things entrusted to us—be it truth, livelihood, or community well-being—is a noble and divinely honored endeavor.

* [Judges 7:2-7](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2-7 - Gideon's Small Army")
* [1 Samuel 17:45-47](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45-47 - David and Goliath")
* [Ephesians 6:13](/ephesians/6-13 "Ephesians 6:13 - Stand Firm in the Evil Day")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Shammah's story serves as a powerful challenge and encouragement for believers today. In a world where it's easy to be swayed by popular opinion, fear, or the path of least resistance, Shammah calls us to consider what we are willing to stand for, even when others retreat. His defense of a "field of lentiles"—a seemingly insignificant resource—reminds us that faithfulness is often demonstrated in the diligent protection of the ordinary, the overlooked, and the essential. This could translate into defending biblical truth in a hostile cultural climate, protecting the vulnerable in our communities, or faithfully stewarding the "small" responsibilities God has given us, knowing that these seemingly minor acts contribute to the greater well-being of God's kingdom. Shammah's solitary stand teaches us that courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to act in spite of it, trusting that God can empower one person to make a significant difference.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lentil fields" – whether spiritual truths, moral principles, or vulnerable people – are you called to defend in your life, even if you feel alone in doing so?**
* **How does Shammah's courage in the face of widespread fear challenge your own willingness to stand firm in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "flee" rather than stand, and what steps can you take to cultivate Shammah-like faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why is a field of lentiles so important that Shammah would risk his life for it?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, lentiles were a vital staple crop, providing essential nutrition and representing a community's livelihood and sustenance. Defending a field of lentiles was not merely about protecting property; it was about safeguarding the very food supply and economic stability of the people. Shammah's willingness to risk his life for this seemingly humble crop underscores its critical importance for the survival and well-being of his community, demonstrating a profound commitment to his people's basic needs. It highlights that true heroism can be found in protecting the fundamental resources that sustain life, even if they are not glamorous or grand. This act parallels the broader theme in the Old Testament of God's care for the daily provisions of His people, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone").

**What does Shammah's action teach about leadership and individual impact?**

Answer: Shammah's action profoundly teaches that leadership isn't solely about formal position or command, but about courageous action, unwavering commitment, and prioritizing the well-being of the community. Even as "the people fled," Shammah's singular stand demonstrates the immense impact one individual can have when driven by faithfulness and courage. His act likely inspired others, showed what was possible through God's strength, and secured a vital resource that the entire community benefited from. It illustrates that true heroism often emerges in moments of crisis when others falter, and that defending "small" but essential things can have far-reaching positive consequences, setting an example for others to follow. This resonates with the principle that God often uses a faithful remnant or a single individual to accomplish His purposes, as seen in the call of Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Shammah's solitary stand against overwhelming odds, defending a vital "field" for his people, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, singular act of Christ. Just as Shammah stood alone when all others fled, Jesus, the true Son of David, stood utterly alone against the forces of sin, death, and hell. On the cross, He faced the full wrath of God for humanity's transgression, with His disciples having scattered and even His closest friends abandoning Him (cf. [Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Disciples Flee")). Christ's "field of lentiles" was the very salvation and eternal sustenance of humanity. He did not defend a physical crop, but the spiritual livelihood of all who would believe, securing eternal life and reconciliation with God through His sacrifice. His victory was not merely over a Philistine troop but over the principalities and powers of darkness (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil")). Shammah's courage, enabled by God, points to the perfect, divine courage of the Lamb of God, who alone was worthy to take away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), securing our spiritual sustenance and future when no one else could or would stand.

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 Chronicles 11:13

He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.

1 Chronicles 11:14

And they set themselves in the midst of [that] parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved [them] by a great deliverance.

1 Chronicles 11:27

Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,

2 Samuel 23:33

Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,