2 Samuel 23:27

KJV

Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,

KJV (with Strong's)

Abiezer {H44} the Anethothite {H6069}, Mebunnai {H4012} the Hushathite {H2843},

Complete Jewish Bible

Avi'ezer from 'Anatot, M'vunai the Hushati,

Berean Standard Bible

Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,

American Standard Version

Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 23:27 is a concise entry within the esteemed roster of David's mighty men, specifically naming Abiezer the Anethothite and Mebunnai the Hushathite. These individuals are presented as distinguished warriors whose valor and unwavering loyalty were integral to the establishment and security of King David's reign, serving as exemplars of dedicated service within the kingdom of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding chapter of 2 Samuel, specifically as part of the detailed appendix (2 Samuel 21-24) that follows the main narrative of David's reign. More precisely, it belongs to the second list of David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:24-39), which serves as a testament to the loyal and courageous individuals who formed the backbone of his military and administrative strength. This catalog, introduced by a poetic "last words of David" (2 Samuel 23:1-7), functions as a final tribute, highlighting the human instruments God used to establish David's kingdom. The inclusion of these names underscores the profound personal relationships and collective effort that characterized David's ascent and consolidation of power, providing a counterpoint to the earlier narratives of sin and struggle by emphasizing God's faithfulness through His chosen servants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) was a formative era for the Israelite monarchy, transitioning from a loose tribal confederacy to a centralized kingdom. David's military successes were paramount in securing Israel's borders and expanding its influence, and these achievements were largely dependent on a professional fighting force. The concept of "mighty men" (גִּבֹּרִים, _gibborim_) reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of kings maintaining elite personal guards and military commanders, whose prowess and loyalty were highly valued. Their identification by their hometowns (e.g., Anathoth, Hushah) was a common cultural practice, emphasizing their tribal or regional identity within the broader Israelite framework and highlighting the diverse origins of those who rallied to David's cause. Anathoth, notably, was a Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin, later known as the hometown of the prophet [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - Jeremiah's Hometown") (cf. [Jeremiah 1:1](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - Jeremiah's Call and Origin")), suggesting a potential priestly or scholarly background for Abiezer, even as he served as a warrior.
* **Key Themes:** The listing of David's mighty men, including Abiezer and Mebunnai, powerfully articulates several core themes. Foremost is the theme of **Loyalty and Service**, demonstrating the unwavering commitment of these warriors to King David and, by extension, to the divinely ordained kingdom. Their willingness to risk their lives for the king and the nation exemplifies a profound dedication that was foundational to Israel's stability. Another prominent theme is the **Recognition of Individual Contribution**. Even within a long roster, each name is meticulously recorded, underscoring the biblical emphasis on the value of every person's faithful service, regardless of their specific role. This highlights that God remembers and honors those who serve diligently, often behind the scenes. Finally, the very existence of such a formidable and devoted group speaks to the **Strength and Charisma of David's Leadership**. David's ability to inspire such loyalty and gather diverse individuals into a cohesive fighting force, as seen when he was a fugitive in [1 Samuel 22:2](/1_samuel/22-2 "1 Samuel 22:2 - David's Followers at Adullam"), is a testament to his character as a king "after God's own heart," capable of uniting Israel under his banner and leading them to victory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anethothite (Hebrew, עֲנָתֹתִי, _‘Anathoti'_):** This gentilic noun signifies a person from Anathoth. Anathoth (עֲנָתֹת, _‘Anathot_) was a Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin, approximately 3 miles northeast of Jerusalem. Its identification as a Levitical city (cf. [Joshua 21:18](/joshua/21-18 "Joshua 21:18 - Anathoth as a Levitical City")) suggests that Abiezer may have come from a family with priestly connections, adding a layer of intrigue to his role as a warrior. The most famous resident of Anathoth was the prophet [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - Jeremiah's Origin"), who faced opposition from his own townsmen (cf. [Jeremiah 11:21](/jeremiah/11-21 "Jeremiah 11:21 - Plot Against Jeremiah in Anathoth")). Abiezer's origin from such a place underscores the diverse backgrounds of David's loyal followers.
* **Hushathite (Hebrew, חוּשָׁתִי, _Chushathi'_):** This term denotes a person from Hushah. While Hushah is not as extensively documented as Anathoth in biblical texts, it is generally believed to be a town in Judah. The fact that Mebunnai is identified by his place of origin, like many others in the list, emphasizes the importance of geographical and tribal identity in ancient Israel. This consistent naming convention across the list of mighty men reinforces their individual identities while simultaneously binding them to specific communities within the broader Israelite confederation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Abiezer the Anethothite":** This phrase introduces Abiezer, identifying him by his place of origin, Anathoth. Abiezer is a known figure, also mentioned in [1 Chronicles 27:12](/1_chronicles/27-12 "1 Chronicles 27:12 - Abiezer's Role as Captain"), where he is listed as the captain of the ninth division of David's army, serving in the ninth month. This additional detail from Chronicles confirms his high rank and significant leadership role within David's military structure, indicating that he was not merely a warrior but a commander.
* **"Mebunnai the Hushathite":** This clause introduces Mebunnai, identifying him as hailing from Hushah. Interestingly, the parallel list in [1 Chronicles 11:29](/1_chronicles/11-29 "1 Chronicles 11:29 - Sibbecai the Hushathite") lists "Sibbecai the Hushathite" instead of Mebunnai. Most scholars believe "Mebunnai" is a scribal error or corruption of "Sibbecai," or perhaps a variant name for the same individual. Sibbecai is credited with killing the Philistine giant Saph (or Sippai) in [2 Samuel 21:18](/2_samuel/21-18 "2 Samuel 21:18 - Sibbecai Kills Saph"), highlighting his prowess and contribution to David's victories. This discrepancy underscores the challenges of textual transmission but ultimately points to the recognition of a valiant warrior from Hushah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, as part of the larger list of David's mighty men, primarily employs a **Catalog** or **Roster** as its overarching literary device. This systematic listing serves to commemorate and honor the individuals who contributed significantly to David's kingdom, acting as a historical record and a testament to their valor. The use of **Gentilic Nouns** (e.g., "Anethothite," "Hushathite") is a specific form of identification that grounds these figures in their geographical and tribal contexts, emphasizing their Israelite identity and diverse origins. Furthermore, the consistent structure of naming the warrior followed by their place of origin creates a subtle **Repetition** and **Parallelism** throughout the entire list, reinforcing the collective nature of their service while acknowledging each individual's unique contribution. This structured enumeration elevates the status of these men, ensuring their deeds are remembered for generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of Abiezer and Mebunnai in this distinguished list carries significant theological weight. It underscores the biblical principle that God uses and honors individuals, often from diverse backgrounds, to accomplish His purposes. David's mighty men were not just soldiers; they were instruments in establishing God's chosen king and kingdom. Their loyalty and service reflect a broader theological theme of faithfulness to God's anointed leader, which is a form of faithfulness to God Himself. The meticulous recording of each name, even in a long list, speaks to God's attention to detail and His remembrance of every act of service, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes. This divine recognition encourages believers to serve diligently in their own spheres, trusting that their contributions are seen and valued by God.

* [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - Those Who Honor Me I Will Honor")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Remembers Your Work and Love")
* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we may not be literal warriors wielding swords in an earthly army, the spirit of Abiezer and Mebunnai's service offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Their inclusion in David's esteemed roster reminds us that faithful service, unwavering loyalty, and courageous commitment are highly valued, not just by earthly leaders, but by God Himself. We are called to identify our unique gifts and callings and to deploy them with diligence and integrity in the service of God's kingdom, whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or churches. This verse encourages us to recognize and affirm the contributions of others, especially those who serve faithfully in less visible roles, understanding that every member of the body of Christ is essential and contributes to the greater purpose. It challenges us to live lives worthy of being "counted" among those who faithfully uphold righteous causes and support godly leadership, just as these mighty men supported King David and the nation of Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate unwavering loyalty and faithful service?**
* **How does the biblical emphasis on remembering individual contributions encourage you in your own service, especially in roles that might seem "behind the scenes"?**
* **What qualities of leadership, as exemplified by David and his mighty men, can you cultivate or support in your own sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of identifying these men by their hometowns?**

Answer: Identifying individuals by their hometowns (e.g., "Anethothite," "Hushathite") was a common practice in ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near East. This practice served several purposes. First, it provided a clear geographical and tribal identity, rooting the individual within the complex social and political landscape of Israel. It showed where their family or clan originated. Second, it could imply certain characteristics or associations with that region. For instance, Anathoth being a Levitical city (cf. [Joshua 21:18](/joshua/21-18 "Joshua 21:18 - Anathoth as a Levitical City")) adds a layer of interest to Abiezer's background. Third, it highlights the diverse origins of David's supporters, demonstrating his ability to unite people from various parts of Israel under his leadership, forging a cohesive kingdom from disparate tribal elements. This practice underscores the historical authenticity of the list and the specific identities of these valiant men.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 23:27 directly celebrates the human valor and loyalty of David's earthly warriors, it subtly points to the ultimate "Mighty Man" and the nature of His spiritual kingdom. David, as king, foreshadows Christ, the true King of Kings, who gathers His own "mighty men" and women—believers from every tribe and tongue—to serve in His spiritual army (cf. [Revelation 5:9](/rev/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe and Tongue")). Just as Abiezer and Mebunnai were loyal to David and instrumental in establishing his earthly kingdom, so too are believers called to unwavering loyalty and faithful service to Christ in the advancement of His eternal kingdom. Our "battles" are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces (cf. [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")), and our strength comes not from physical prowess but from the power of the Holy Spirit (cf. [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). The recognition of individual contributions in David's list finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who knows each of His sheep by name (cf. [John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep by Name")) and promises to reward every faithful act of service (cf. [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - Reward for a Cup of Cold Water")). Thus, these ancient warriors serve as a tangible reminder of the dedicated service required in building any kingdom, ultimately directing our gaze to the perfect Servant-King, Jesus, and the spiritual warfare and service of His church.

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.