2 Samuel 23:19

Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the [first] three.

Was he not most honourable {H3513} of three {H7969}? therefore he was their captain {H8269}: howbeit he attained {H935} not unto the first three {H7969}.

He had the most honor of these three and was therefore made their leader; however, he did not achieve the status of the first three

Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.

Was he not most honorable of the three? therefore he was made their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.

Commentary

This verse, 2 Samuel 23:19, focuses on the remarkable warrior Abishai, the brother of Joab and nephew of King David. It highlights his exceptional standing among David's elite fighting force, particularly the "thirty" mighty men, while also clarifying his position relative to the very top tier.

Context

This verse is part of a significant passage in 2 Samuel 23 (verses 8-39), which provides a detailed list and brief accounts of the most valiant warriors in King David's army. These men were instrumental in David's military successes and the establishment of his kingdom. The list is generally divided into two main groups: the "three mighties" (Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah, described in verses 8-12) and the "thirty" (or "thirty-seven" including the three and Joab), a larger group of distinguished warriors. Abishai, a prominent figure throughout David's reign, is here assessed within this hierarchical structure of military honor.

Key Themes

  • Excellence and Hierarchy: The verse clearly states Abishai was "most honourable of three" (referring to his preeminence among the larger group of the thirty), signifying his extraordinary valor and leadership. Yet, it also notes he "attained not unto the [first] three," indicating that even among the most elite, there were distinct levels of recognition and achievement. This highlights a natural hierarchy based on unparalleled feats of bravery and skill.
  • Leadership and Service: As "their captain," Abishai held a significant leadership role over the thirty. This position was not merely honorary but came with immense responsibility, requiring strategic prowess and the ability to command respect. His long and faithful service to David is evident throughout the books of Samuel, including instances where he personally protected the king.
  • Distinction within Distinction: Abishai's status illustrates that even within an already highly distinguished group (the "thirty"), certain individuals stood out. His deeds, such as killing 300 men with his spear, were exceptional, earning him a unique place of honor just below the absolute top tier.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's use of "[first]" in brackets for "the [first] three" indicates that the word "first" is implied for clarity but not explicitly present in the original Hebrew text. The Hebrew simply refers to "the three," which was a well-understood and distinct group of paramount warriors. The phrase "most honourable of three" (referring to the thirty) emphasizes Abishai's exceptional standing *within his own company*, underscoring his outstanding valor and leadership among his peers, even if he didn't reach the unique status of Jashobeam, Eleazar, or Shammah.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable insights for modern life:

  • Recognizing Different Levels of Contribution: Not everyone can be "number one," but every level of excellence and faithful service is valuable. Abishai's story teaches us to appreciate the contributions of those who excel and lead, even if they are not in the absolute top position.
  • Striving for Excellence: Abishai's diligence and valor set him apart. His example encourages us to pursue excellence in our own callings, whether in professional life, community service, or personal endeavors.
  • Leadership by Example: As a captain, Abishai led his men through his own courageous actions. True leadership often involves being at the forefront, demonstrating the qualities one expects from others.
  • Humility in Achievement: Despite his immense honor, Abishai's inability to attain the status of the "first three" serves as a subtle reminder that there is always a higher standard or a greater achievement possible. This perspective can foster humility even in the face of significant accomplishments.
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 13:8 (3 votes)

    But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

  • Matthew 13:23 (3 votes)

    But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

  • 2 Samuel 23:9 (2 votes)

    And after him [was] Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, [one] of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines [that] were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:

  • 2 Samuel 23:16 (2 votes)

    And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that [was] by the gate, and took [it], and brought [it] to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:41 (2 votes)

    [There is] one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for [one] star differeth from [another] star in glory.

  • 1 Chronicles 11:25 (2 votes)

    Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the [first] three: and David set him over his guard.

  • 2 Samuel 23:13 (2 votes)

    And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.