2 Samuel 23:8

¶ These [be] the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same [was] Adino the Eznite: [he lift up his spear] against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.

These be the names {H8034} of the mighty men {H1368} whom David {H1732} had: The Tachmonite {H8461} that sat {H3427} in the seat {H7675}{H3429}, chief {H7218} among the captains {H7991}; the same was Adino {H5722} the Eznite {H6112}: he lift up his spear against eight {H8083} hundred {H3967}, whom he slew {H2491} at one {H259} time {H6471}.

Following are the names of David's warrior-heroes: Yoshev-Bashevet the Tach'kmoni, chief of the three, also known as 'Adino the 'Etzni; he is the one who came against 800 men, whom he killed in a single encounter.

These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time.

These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite, against eight hundred slain at one time.

Commentary

2 Samuel 23:8 introduces the first of King David's elite warriors, known for their extraordinary feats of courage and strength. This verse begins a special appendix in the book of 2 Samuel, highlighting the loyal and powerful men who served David during his reign.

Context of David's Mighty Men

This verse is part of a significant passage (2 Samuel 23:8-39) that lists David’s most formidable soldiers, often referred to as "David's mighty men" or "David's Thirty." This list appears near the end of 2 Samuel, following David's final song and preceding accounts of his last days. It serves as a testament to the loyal and courageous individuals who helped establish and secure David's kingdom, showcasing their incredible valor and commitment. A parallel account, with some variations in names and numbers, is found in 1 Chronicles 11:10-47.

The Tachmonite / Adino the Eznite: A Warrior of Unparalleled Strength

The verse identifies the first of these champions as "The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite." This individual is credited with an astounding feat: "he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time." This description paints a picture of a warrior of immense skill and physical prowess, capable of single-handedly overcoming a vast number of enemies in a single engagement. His position as "chief among the captains" underscores his leadership and preeminence within David's fighting force.

Linguistic & Textual Note

There is a notable textual variant concerning this warrior's name and deed when comparing 2 Samuel 23:8 with its parallel in 1 Chronicles 11:11. The KJV here names him "Adino the Eznite" and records 800 slain. In 1 Chronicles 11:11, the warrior is called "Jashobeam, an Hachmonite," and he is said to have "lifted up his spear against three hundred men slain by him at one time." Scholars debate whether these are two different individuals, two different feats by the same person, or a scribal variation. Many modern translations often follow the reading from 1 Chronicles or a reconstructed Hebrew text, naming the first warrior as "Joseb-basshebeth" or "Jashobeam" and attributing the slaying of 800 (or 300) to him. Regardless of the precise identity or number, the intent of both passages is to highlight the extraordinary, almost superhuman, strength and effectiveness of David's leading warrior.

Key Themes

  • Valor and Courage: The verse immediately establishes the theme of exceptional bravery in battle, setting the tone for the entire list of mighty men.
  • Strength and Skill: The ability to slay 800 men at one time points to incredible physical strength, military training, and divine enablement. These men were not merely soldiers but elite warriors.
  • Loyalty to King David: These men were fiercely loyal to David, forming the backbone of his military strength and ensuring the stability of his kingdom. Their dedication is a testament to David's leadership.
  • Divine Favor: While not explicitly stated in this verse, such extraordinary feats often imply God's hand empowering His chosen individuals, as seen in other biblical accounts of miraculous strength (e.g., Samson's exploits).

Practical Application

While we may not face literal battles of this scale, the account of Adino the Eznite (or Jashobeam) can inspire us to pursue excellence and dedication in our own callings. It reminds us that:

  • God uses individuals powerfully: Even one person, empowered by skill and divine strength, can accomplish remarkable things.
  • Commitment yields results: The "mighty men" were recognized for their unwavering commitment to David and his kingdom, demonstrating that steadfast loyalty and effort can lead to significant impact.
  • Recognizing and Honoring Service: David took the time to honor and record the deeds of his loyal servants, a reminder to acknowledge the contributions of those who serve faithfully.

This verse, though brief, powerfully introduces the extraordinary capabilities and dedication of David's most trusted warriors, laying the foundation for understanding the strength and divine favor that characterized his reign.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 11:11 (3 votes)

    And this [is] the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain [by him] at one time.

  • 1 Chronicles 11:47 (3 votes)

    Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite.

  • 1 Chronicles 27:2 (3 votes)

    Over the first course for the first month [was] Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

  • 1 Chronicles 27:32 (2 votes)

    Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni [was] with the king's sons: