2 Samuel 23:35

KJV

Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,

KJV (with Strong's)

Hezrai {H2695} the Carmelite {H3761}, Paarai {H6474} the Arbite {H701},

Complete Jewish Bible

Hetzrai from Karmel, Pa'arai the Arbi,

Berean Standard Bible

Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,

American Standard Version

Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 23:35 is a concise yet significant verse within the esteemed catalog of David's mighty men, a distinguished roster of warriors who served King David with exceptional loyalty and valor. This particular verse names Hezrai the Carmelite and Paarai the Arbite, two individuals whose inclusion in this elite fighting force testifies to their vital, though unelaborated, contributions to the establishment and stability of Israel's kingdom under David. Their presence underscores the diverse origins and collective strength of the men who formed the backbone of David's reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 2 Samuel 23:8-39, a detailed appendix to the book of 2 Samuel that lists the names and, in some cases, the heroic exploits of David's most courageous and faithful warriors. This "roll of honor" immediately follows David's "last words" (2 Samuel 23:1-7), which serve as a theological and prophetic summary of his reign and God's covenant with him. The list of mighty men functions as a testament to the human instruments through whom God fulfilled His promises to David, showcasing the practical outworking of divine blessing through loyal human agency. It precedes the account of David's census and its consequences in 2 Samuel 24, effectively concluding the narrative of David's life and reign by highlighting the steadfast loyalty that characterized his most trusted companions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a king's strength and security were often measured by the loyalty and prowess of his elite guard and fighting force. David's "mighty men" were more than just soldiers; they were a dedicated core of individuals who had been with him through his fugitive years, his rise to power, and the consolidation of his kingdom. Their personal devotion to David was paramount, transcending tribal loyalties in many cases. The geographical designations "Carmelite" and "Arbite" are crucial in this context. They identify the men by their place of origin, a common practice in ancient Israel that not only provided identification but also hinted at the diversity of support David garnered from various regions and tribes across Israel. Carmel was a fertile and prominent region, while Arba is strongly associated with Hebron, an ancient and highly significant city, serving as David's first capital before Jerusalem.

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Hezrai and Paarai, alongside other less detailed entries in this list, contributes significantly to several overarching themes. First, it powerfully emphasizes **Loyalty and Service**, illustrating the profound dedication these men offered to King David and, by extension, to God's chosen king. Their commitment was foundational to David's success and the security of the kingdom, reflecting the principle found in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed King") that God works through chosen leaders and their faithful supporters. Second, the list highlights **Recognition and Remembrance**. Even for those whose specific deeds are not enumerated, their very inclusion in this esteemed list signifies divine and royal recognition of their commitment, ensuring their names are remembered for posterity. This echoes the divine principle of remembering the righteous, as seen in passages like [Psalm 112:6](/psalm/112-6 "Psalm 112:6 - The Righteous Remembered"). Finally, the comprehensive nature of the list underscores **The Importance of Every Member** in a collective endeavor. Victory and stability are not solely due to the leader, but to the collective efforts of many, even those who may seem less prominent than figures like [the chief among the mighty men](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8 - The Chief of the Mighty Men"). These individuals, regardless of their specific fame, played crucial roles in securing and maintaining the kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hezrai (Hebrew, חֶצְרַי, _Ḥeṣray'_):** This personal name is relatively uncommon in the biblical text. Its root might be connected to a word meaning "courtyard" or "enclosure," possibly suggesting someone who is "enclosed" or "protected," or perhaps even "swift." In the context of a warrior, it could imply someone who is a guardian, or perhaps one who moves quickly within a confined space, like a battlefield. The precise meaning remains debated, but its uniqueness underscores the individual identity of this warrior.
* **Paarai (Hebrew, פַּעֲרַי, _Paʿaray'_):** Another rare personal name, Paarai's root could be related to "to open," "to uncover," or "to cleave." For a warrior, this might suggest someone who "opens" a path through enemy lines, "uncovers" hidden dangers, or "cleaves" through opposition. While speculative, such etymological connections often shed light on the perceived characteristics or roles of individuals in ancient naming conventions.
* **Carmelite / Arbite (Hebrew, הַכַּרְמְלִי, _ha-Karmeli'_ / הָאַרְבִּי, _ha-Arbi'_):** These are gentilic adjectives, indicating the geographical origin of the individuals. "Carmelite" refers to someone from Carmel, a region known for its fertile land, natural beauty, and later, its association with prophetic events (e.g., Elijah on Mount Carmel). This suggests Hezrai came from a prosperous and perhaps strategically important area. "Arbite" refers to someone from Arba, which is widely identified with Kiriath-Arba, the ancient name for Hebron. Hebron held immense significance for David, as it was his first capital for seven years (2 Samuel 5:5) and a city with deep patriarchal roots (Genesis 23:2). To have a warrior from Hebron in David's elite guard would have symbolized strong support from a historically crucial region.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hezrai the Carmelite":** This phrase introduces one of David's mighty men, identifying him by his personal name and his geographical origin. The name Hezrai, though its precise meaning is debated, points to a unique individual. His designation as "the Carmelite" places him geographically, indicating his roots in the fertile and prominent region of Carmel. This detail, though brief, highlights the diverse geographical representation within David's loyal fighting force, demonstrating the widespread support for his kingdom across different parts of Israel.
* **"Paarai the Arbite":** Similarly, this clause introduces another warrior, Paarai, and identifies him by his origin from Arba. As discussed, Arba is strongly linked to Hebron, a city of immense historical and personal significance to David. The inclusion of a warrior from such a foundational city underscores the depth and breadth of loyalty David commanded, drawing men from ancient, established centers as well as other regions. The juxtaposition of these two men, with their distinct geographical tags, subtly reinforces the idea of a unified kingdom built upon the diverse contributions of its people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Samuel 23:35, and indeed the entire list of mighty men, is **Catalog** or **List**. This technique is common in ancient Near Eastern literature, serving to record, honor, and legitimize. By systematically listing names, the text creates a roll of honor, preserving the memory of these individuals for posterity and emphasizing their collective contribution to David's reign. The specific identifiers like "the Carmelite" and "the Arbite" function as **Epithets**, descriptive titles that provide additional information about the individual, primarily their origin. These epithets are a form of **Metonymy**, where the place stands in for the person's identity or background. The very act of naming, or **Onomastics**, is significant here; it underscores the importance of individual recognition, even for those whose deeds are not elaborated upon. The inclusion of their names ensures that these men are not forgotten, reflecting a cultural value placed on remembrance and legacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The brief mention of Hezrai and Paarai, alongside others in David's esteemed list, carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's meticulous attention to every individual involved in His redemptive plan. It reveals that divine recognition is not limited to those who perform the most spectacular feats or hold the most prominent positions. Rather, God values the faithful service of all His servants, even those whose contributions might appear modest or go largely unnoticed by human standards. This principle teaches us that every act of loyalty, courage, and dedication in God's kingdom is seen and remembered by Him, regardless of whether it garners human acclaim. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's knowledge and His commitment to honoring those who serve Him and His chosen instruments.

* [Hebrews 11:32-38](/hebrews/11-32 "Hebrews 11:32-38 - The Faith Hall of Fame")
* [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - Reward for a Cup of Cold Water")
* [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Book of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The inclusion of Hezrai the Carmelite and Paarai the Arbite in David's esteemed list, despite the absence of detailed heroic narratives for them, offers a powerful and comforting lesson for contemporary believers. It reminds us that faithful service, no matter how seemingly small, obscure, or unrecognized by human standards, is profoundly significant in God's eyes. Our diligence in our roles, whether prominent or behind the scenes, contributes to a greater, divine purpose. This verse encourages us to value the diverse contributions of individuals within any community or organization, especially within the church. Just as these men served David, we are called to serve Christ with unwavering loyalty, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. It fosters a sense of dignity and purpose for every believer, affirming that God often uses ordinary people from various backgrounds to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, building His kingdom through their collective and individual efforts. We are invited to serve faithfully, trusting that our names, and indeed our every act of service, are known and cherished by our King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the biblical emphasis on remembering individuals, even those with brief mentions, challenge our modern notions of success and significance?**
* **In what ways might we be "Hezrais" or "Paarais" in our own communities or churches, faithfully serving in roles that may not receive widespread recognition?**
* **What comfort or encouragement can we draw from the knowledge that God sees and remembers every act of faithful service, even those unseen by others?**

### FAQ
**Why are some of David's mighty men given so little detail compared to others?**

Answer: The varying levels of detail for David's mighty men reflect the primary purpose of the list, which is to serve as an honor roll and a testament to the collective strength and loyalty that supported David's reign, rather than a comprehensive biographical account of each individual. While some, like the "Three" or the "Thirty," had specific heroic deeds highlighted to illustrate their extraordinary valor (e.g., [2 Samuel 23:9-12](/2_samuel/23-9 "2 Samuel 23:9-12 - Eleazar and Shammah's Exploits")), others, like Hezrai and Paarai, are simply named and identified by their origin. Their inclusion, even without detailed exploits, signifies their vital membership in this elite group and their contribution to the kingdom. It underscores the principle that not every valuable contribution needs a dramatic narrative; simply being counted among the faithful is an honor. This also subtly points to God's comprehensive knowledge, where every individual's service is known, even if not fully elaborated in human records.

**What is the significance of their geographical designations ("Carmelite," "Arbite")?**

Answer: The geographical designations "Carmelite" and "Arbite" are significant for several reasons. First, they serve as common ancient Near Eastern identifiers, specifying the individual's place of origin in a time when family and regional ties were paramount. Second, these designations highlight the diverse geographical reach of David's support. Hezrai, "the Carmelite," came from the fertile and prominent region of Carmel, known for its natural beauty and strategic importance. Paarai, "the Arbite," likely hailed from Arba, the ancient name for Hebron. Hebron was a city of immense historical and personal significance to David, serving as his first capital for seven years (as noted in [2 Samuel 5:5](/2_samuel/5-5 "2 Samuel 5:5 - David's Reign in Hebron")). The presence of warriors from such varied and significant regions underscores the broad-based loyalty and national unity that David managed to forge, drawing strength from across the tribes and territories of Israel. It shows that his kingdom was built on the collective efforts of men from all corners of the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 23:35 explicitly details men serving an earthly king, it powerfully foreshadows the nature of faithful service in the eternal kingdom of Christ. David's mighty men, diverse in origin and varying in renown, collectively supported the king chosen by God. In the New Testament, we see that Christ's kingdom is similarly built by a diverse company of believers—His disciples, apostles, and countless unnamed followers—who serve Him with unwavering loyalty. Just as Hezrai and Paarai contributed to David's reign, every believer, regardless of their perceived prominence or the scale of their public ministry, is a vital member of the body of Christ ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")). The Lord Jesus, the ultimate King, sees and values every act of service, every cup of cold water given in His name ([Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - Reward for a Cup of Cold Water")), and every quiet act of faithfulness. The "mighty men" of Christ's kingdom are those who faithfully follow Him, whether their names are widely known or recorded only in the Lamb's Book of Life ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Only Those in the Book of Life Enter Heaven")). Their loyalty is not to an earthly monarch, but to the King of Kings, whose kingdom is eternal and whose reward for faithful service is everlasting life ([Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34-40 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Thus, these brief mentions in 2 Samuel resonate with the profound truth that in God's economy, every faithful servant is remembered and honored by the King of all creation.

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 11:37

Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai,

Joshua 15:55

Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,