2 Samuel 23:32

KJV

Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,

KJV (with Strong's)

Eliahba {H455} the Shaalbonite {H8170}, of the sons {H1121} of Jashen {H3464}, Jonathan {H3083},

Complete Jewish Bible

Elyachba the Sha'alvoni, of the sons of Yashen, Y'honatan,

Berean Standard Bible

Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen,

American Standard Version

Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 23:32 is a concise entry within the esteemed roster of King David's elite warriors, known as "David's Mighty Men." This verse specifically names Eliahba the Shaalbonite and Jonathan, identified as "of the sons of Jashen," acknowledging their inclusion among the most valiant and loyal individuals who served David during his reign. Though no specific exploits are detailed for these two men in this immediate context, their presence on this honor roll underscores their significant contribution to David's military successes and the establishment of his kingdom, highlighting the collective strength and dedication that undergirded his divinely appointed rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial appendix to the books of Samuel, specifically within the list of David's Mighty Men found in [2 Samuel 23:8-39](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8-39 - David's Mighty Men"). This list immediately follows David's "last words" in [2 Samuel 23:1-7](/2_samuel/23-1 "2 Samuel 23:1-7 - David's Last Words"), serving as a testament to the human instruments through whom God fulfilled His promises to David. The list is structured into two main groups: "The Three" (the most elite, [2 Samuel 23:8-12](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8-12 - The Three Mighty Men")) and "The Thirty" (a broader group of distinguished warriors, [2 Samuel 23:24-39](/2_samuel/23-24 "2 Samuel 23:24-39 - The Thirty Mighty Men")). Eliahba and Jonathan are part of "The Thirty," indicating their high standing within David's military hierarchy, even if their individual heroic deeds are not recounted here. The inclusion of these names emphasizes the collective effort and loyalty that sustained David's kingdom, complementing the narrative of David's personal exploits and God's direct intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) was marked by significant military expansion and consolidation of the Israelite kingdom. David's success was not solely due to his own prowess but also to the strength of his professional army and, critically, his loyal personal guard and elite warriors. Lists of prominent individuals, especially those who served a king, were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. These lists served multiple purposes: to honor the individuals, to record historical service, and to legitimize the king's rule by showcasing the caliber of his supporters. Identifying individuals by their hometown (e.g., "the Shaalbonite") or by their lineage ("sons of Jashen") was a standard practice, providing crucial information about their origin, tribal affiliation, or family connections, which were vital for identity and status in ancient Israelite society. These men were more than just soldiers; they were foundational pillars of David's administration and military power.
* **Key Themes:** The list of David's Mighty Men, including the individuals named in [2 Samuel 23:32](/2_samuel/23-32 "2 Samuel 23:32 - Eliahba and Jonathan"), contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Samuel. A primary theme is **Loyalty and Devotion**, as these men exemplified unwavering commitment to David, often risking their lives for him and the nation. Their **Valor and Skill** are celebrated, highlighting the military excellence necessary to establish and defend the kingdom of Israel against its numerous enemies, as seen in David's early victories detailed in [2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David Becomes King and Conquers Jerusalem"). The act of recording their names emphasizes the theme of **Recognition of Service**, ensuring that the contributions of even those whose specific deeds are not elaborated upon are remembered and honored. Crucially, while human bravery is lauded, the broader narrative consistently points to **God's Sovereign Hand** in David's success. These mighty men were instruments in God's plan to establish a secure and lasting kingdom for David, fulfilling the divine covenant promised in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David"). Their collective strength and faithfulness were part of God's provision for David's reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shaalbonite (Hebrew, _sha'albōnī'_):** This term is an ethnic or geographical designation, meaning "from Shaalbim." Shaalbim was a town located in the tribal territory of Dan or Benjamin, mentioned in [Joshua 19:42](/joshua/19-42 "Joshua 19:42 - Shaalbim in Dan's Territory") and [Judges 1:35](/judges/1-35 "Judges 1:35 - Amorites in Shaalbim"). Identifying Eliahba as a Shaalbonite indicates his place of origin, which was a common way of distinguishing individuals in ancient Israel and often carried implications about their tribal affiliation or regional identity. It grounds the individual in a specific geographical and social context.
* **Jashen (Hebrew, _yāšen'_):** This is a proper name, likely referring to the father or ancestor of Jonathan. The phrase "sons of Jashen" (בְּנֵי יָשֵׁן, _bəney yāšen_) is a common Hebrew construct used to denote lineage, clan affiliation, or membership in a particular family group. While Jashen himself is not otherwise known from the biblical record, this designation provides Jonathan with a clear familial identity, underscoring the importance of family and lineage in ancient Israelite society and military organization. It suggests Jonathan's identity was tied to a respected or recognized family line.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Eliahba the Shaalbonite":** This clause introduces the first of the two individuals named in this verse. Eliahba is identified by his name and his place of origin, Shaalbim. This concise identification is typical of lists of this nature, providing just enough information to distinguish the person. His inclusion signifies his status as a recognized member of David's elite fighting force, worthy of being remembered in this esteemed roll call.
* **"of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan":** This clause introduces the second individual, Jonathan, and identifies him through his paternal lineage or clan, "of the sons of Jashen." The grammatical structure places the lineage first, emphasizing the family connection before the individual's name. This highlights the communal aspect of identity in ancient Israel, where an individual's standing was often tied to their family or clan. Jonathan, like Eliahba, is honored by his mere presence on this list, indicating his valor and loyalty to King David.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [2 Samuel 23:32](/2_samuel/23-32 "2 Samuel 23:32 - Eliahba and Jonathan") and the broader passage is **Enumeration** or **Catalog**. This is a detailed list of names, often with brief descriptions or achievements, serving to record and commemorate. In this context, it functions as an **Honorific List**, specifically designed to bestow lasting recognition upon David's most valiant warriors. The very act of naming these individuals ensures their legacy and underscores their vital role in the kingdom's history. The passage also employs **Conciseness**, providing minimal detail for each individual (especially in the case of Eliahba and Jonathan), which serves to emphasize the collective strength of the "Mighty Men" rather than focusing on individual narratives. This brevity allows the sheer number and caliber of David's loyalists to speak volumes about his reign's stability and divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of seemingly minor figures like Eliahba and Jonathan in a sacred text like 2 Samuel highlights a profound theological principle: God values and remembers every faithful contribution, no matter how seemingly small or unheralded by human standards. While the "Three" and "Thirty" are celebrated for their extraordinary feats, the mere presence of these names signifies that their consistent loyalty and service were equally essential to David's success and, by extension, to God's unfolding plan for Israel. This passage underscores the importance of collective faithfulness and the truth that God uses a multitude of individuals, each with their unique background and role, to accomplish His grand purposes. It reminds us that every act of service, every demonstration of loyalty in God's kingdom, is noted and holds eternal significance, even if specific heroic deeds are not recorded.

* [Hebrews 11:32-34](/hebrews/11-32 "Hebrews 11:32-34 - The Faith Hall of Fame")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - A Cup of Cold Water")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The list of David's Mighty Men, even in its brief mention of figures like Eliahba and Jonathan, offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the value of faithful, consistent service, even when our contributions may not be publicly celebrated or detailed. Just as David's kingdom relied on the collective strength and loyalty of many individuals, so too does the advancement of God's kingdom today depend on the dedicated service of every believer. We are called to be faithful in our sphere of influence, whether it's a prominent role or a seemingly hidden one, understanding that our loyalty to Christ and our commitment to His purposes are deeply valued by God. This passage encourages us to appreciate the "unsung heroes" in our communities and churches, those who faithfully serve behind the scenes, knowing that their contributions are indispensable and eternally recognized by the Lord. It fosters a spirit of humility and mutual appreciation within the body of Christ, reminding us that every member plays a vital part in the larger narrative of God's redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of seemingly "minor" figures in David's list challenge our modern tendency to value only prominent or celebrated achievements?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals, demonstrate consistent loyalty and faithful service in our daily lives, even when our efforts might go unnoticed by others?**
* **How can we better recognize and appreciate the "Eliahbas" and "Jonathans" in our own communities and churches, those who faithfully contribute without seeking the spotlight?**

### FAQ
**Why are some of David's Mighty Men listed without specific heroic deeds?**

Answer: The purpose of the list in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words and Mighty Men") is not solely to recount individual heroic exploits, though some are certainly highlighted (e.g., [2 Samuel 23:8-12](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8-12 - The Three Mighty Men")). Rather, it serves as a comprehensive honor roll, acknowledging the collective body of elite warriors who formed the backbone of David's military and kingdom. The mere inclusion of a name on this esteemed list signifies that the individual was a person of proven valor, loyalty, and significant contribution to David's reign. Even without specific anecdotes, their presence confirms their high standing and crucial role in the establishment and defense of Israel. It emphasizes that the strength of David's kingdom lay not just in a few extraordinary individuals, but in the faithful service of many.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The roster of David's Mighty Men, including Eliahba and Jonathan, beautifully foreshadows the nature of Christ's kingdom and the calling of His followers. Just as David, the earthly king, was surrounded by a loyal band of warriors who fought for his kingdom, so too is Christ, the ultimate King, served by a vast company of believers who are called to be His "mighty men and women" in the spiritual battle. David's men were characterized by their unwavering loyalty, valor, and willingness to sacrifice for their king and his vision. In the New Covenant, believers are called to an even greater loyalty to Jesus Christ, who has conquered sin and death (as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). We are not called to wield physical swords, but to engage in spiritual warfare, putting on the full armor of God ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")). The "unnamed" heroes like Eliahba and Jonathan remind us that every faithful servant in Christ's kingdom, regardless of their public recognition, plays a vital role in advancing His purposes. Our ultimate King, Jesus, does not forget even the smallest act of service done in His name ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")). We are all part of His glorious company, serving the One who is truly the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah")).

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.