TRV
Translation
King James Version
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:
KJV (with Strong's)
Complete Jewish Bible
After him was El'azar the son of Dodo the son of Achochi, one of the three warriors with David when they put their lives in jeopardy against the P'lishtim who were there assembled for battle, while the men of Isra'el had gone away.
Berean Standard Bible
Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated,
American Standard Version
And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodai the son of an 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.
World English Bible Messianic
After him was Eleazar the son of Dodai the son of an Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines who were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And after him was Eleazar the sonne of Dodo, the sonne of Ahohi, one of the three worthies with Dauid, when they defied the Philistims gathered there to battel, when the men of Israel were gone vp.
Young's Literal Translation
And after him is Eleazar son of Dodo, son of Ahohi, of the three mighty men with David; in their exposing themselves among the Philistines--they have been gathered there to battle, and the men of Israel go up--
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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Richard ChallonerAD 1781
Dodo: In Latin, Patrui ejus, which is the interpretation of the Hebrew name Dodo. The same occurs in ver. 24.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Eleazar, son of Dodo the Ahohite, is introduced in 2 Samuel 23:9 as one of King David's elite "three mighty men," renowned for his extraordinary valor. This verse recounts a pivotal moment when Eleazar displayed unparalleled courage by standing alone against a formidable Philistine gathering, even as the rest of the Israelite army had retreated. His defiant stand underscores a profound commitment to the battle and, by extension, to David and God, highlighting the power of individual faithfulness in the face of overwhelming odds and widespread desertion.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within an appendix to the book of 2 Samuel, specifically the section detailing David's "mighty men" (2 Samuel 23:8-39), which immediately follows David's "last words" (2 Samuel 23:1-7). This list serves not merely as a historical record but as a testament to the loyal and valiant individuals who helped secure David's kingdom and legacy. Eleazar is presented as one of the "three chiefs" or "first three" (2 Samuel 23:8), signifying his exceptional status among these elite warriors. The narrative of Eleazar's specific feat is elaborated in the subsequent verse, 2 Samuel 23:10, which describes the intensity of his solitary combat and the miraculous nature of his victory. This entire section functions to highlight God's hand in David's successes, often working through the extraordinary faithfulness and courage of his devoted warriors.
Historical & Cultural Context: David's reign was characterized by persistent conflict, particularly with the Philistines, a powerful and well-organized military force inhabiting the coastal plain. These Philistine incursions posed a constant threat to Israelite sovereignty and security. Warfare in this era often involved large-scale battles, but also numerous skirmishes and individual acts of heroism that could significantly influence morale and the outcome of engagements. The concept of "mighty men" (Hebrew: gibborim) was culturally significant, representing the epitome of courage, strength, and unwavering loyalty—qualities vital for the stability of a nascent kingdom. Their legendary feats were often perceived not just as military victories but as divinely empowered acts, reinforcing the belief that Yahweh fought on behalf of Israel. Eleazar's defiant stand, especially in the face of the main army's retreat, illustrates a common scenario in ancient warfare where individual fortitude could prevent a rout or even turn the tide of battle, showcasing the profound impact of personal bravery.
Key Themes: The primary themes evinced in 2 Samuel 23:9 include unwavering courage in the face of overwhelming odds, as Eleazar alone stands against the formidable Philistine host. This courage is inextricably linked to loyalty, not only to King David but implicitly to God's covenant purposes for Israel, echoing David's own faith in battle (compare 1 Samuel 17:45). The verse also powerfully illustrates the theme of divine empowerment, as such a singular act of defiance against a numerically superior force is consistently attributed in biblical narratives to God's enabling strength (e.g., Judges 7:2-7). Furthermore, the stark contrast presented by "the men of Israel were gone away" highlights the theme of standing alone or the power of the faithful remnant, emphasizing that God can accomplish great things through one committed individual, even when others falter or flee. This narrative reinforces the value of individual valor and faithfulness within the broader context of God's sovereign plan for His people.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative of Eleazar in 2 Samuel 23:9 employs several potent literary devices to underscore his heroism and the significance of his actions. The most prominent is Contrast, vividly depicted by Eleazar's solitary stand against the Philistines while "the men of Israel were gone away." This stark juxtaposition elevates his courage and commitment, making his actions shine brighter against the backdrop of widespread retreat and desertion. There is also an element of Hyperbole implied, particularly when the subsequent verse (2 Samuel 23:10) describes his hand cleaving to his sword, a vivid and almost fantastical image suggesting superhuman tenacity and endurance in battle. This contributes to the Heroic Narrative style typical of ancient Near Eastern accounts of legendary warriors, presenting Eleazar as a figure whose deeds inspire awe and admiration. Finally, Eleazar's act serves as powerful Symbolism for unwavering faithfulness and the profound impact of a single individual empowered by God, even when abandoned by others. His stand becomes a timeless emblem of steadfastness against overwhelming odds.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Eleazar's solitary defiance in the face of a superior Philistine force, while the rest of Israel retreated, is a powerful theological statement about the nature of divine empowerment and individual faithfulness. His stand is not merely an act of physical courage but a demonstration of profound trust in God's presence and power, even when human support vanishes. This narrative underscores that God can achieve His purposes through a faithful remnant or even a single individual, transforming apparent weakness into formidable strength. It challenges the common human tendency to rely on numbers or external support, redirecting focus to the unwavering commitment of the heart and the enabling grace of God. Eleazar's example serves as a timeless reminder that true victory often comes not from overwhelming might, but from steadfastness rooted in divine reliance, proving that God fights for those who stand for Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eleazar's story in 2 Samuel 23:9 offers a profound and challenging lesson for believers today. In a world where moral and spiritual battles are increasingly complex, and where the prevailing culture often encourages retreat from difficult stands, Eleazar's unwavering courage serves as a powerful archetype. We are called to stand firm in our faith, convictions, and commitment to God's truth, even when it feels as though we are isolated or abandoned by those who should stand with us. This requires a deep reliance not on our own strength or the approval of others, but on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Eleazar's tenacity reminds us that one person, fully committed and divinely enabled, can make a significant and lasting difference, turning the tide in seemingly insurmountable situations. His narrative encourages us to cultivate a spirit of steadfastness, loyalty to God's call, and an unshakeable trust that God fights for those who stand for Him, regardless of the odds.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who were "the three mighty men" mentioned in this verse?
Answer: Eleazar was one of the "three mighty men" (or "chiefs") of King David's elite warriors, alongside Josheb-basshebeth (also known as Ish-Bosheth or Adino the Eznite) and Shammah. These three were the most distinguished and valiant of David's entire fighting force, renowned for their extraordinary feats of courage and loyalty to David and to God's kingdom. Their exploits are detailed in 2 Samuel 23:8-39 and 1 Chronicles 11:10-47.
What is the significance of "the men of Israel were gone away" in this verse?
Answer: This phrase is crucial because it highlights the extreme peril and isolation of Eleazar's stand. It means that the main Israelite army had retreated or fled from the Philistines, leaving Eleazar (and presumably David and the other two chiefs, though Eleazar is singled out for this specific feat) to face the enemy alone. This emphasizes Eleazar's exceptional courage and commitment, demonstrating his willingness to stand firm even when all human support had vanished. It sets the stage for the miraculous nature of his subsequent victory, implying divine intervention in the face of overwhelming odds (as described in 2 Samuel 23:10).
What specific feat is Eleazar known for, according to this passage?
Answer: While 2 Samuel 23:9 sets up the scene, Eleazar's most famous feat is detailed in the following verse, 2 Samuel 23:10. It describes how he "arose and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword." He fought so fiercely and relentlessly that his hand became stuck to his weapon, and he single-handedly achieved a great victory, with the Lord working a great deliverance. This act of sustained, solitary combat against an entire Philistine army, resulting in a rout, is what solidified his legendary status and demonstrated profound divine empowerment.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Eleazar's solitary, defiant stand against a numerous Philistine army, even as the men of Israel retreated, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, singular stand of Jesus Christ. Just as Eleazar faced overwhelming odds and the desertion of his own people, Christ, the true and ultimate Warrior, faced the full onslaught of sin, death, and the powers of darkness, often in profound solitude. In Gethsemane, His disciples slept while He wrestled with the unbearable weight of the world's sin (Matthew 26:36-46), and at the cross, He was utterly abandoned, even by God the Father, as He bore the sin of humanity (Matthew 27:46). Eleazar's hand cleaving to his sword, fighting until victory, paints a vivid picture of Christ's unyielding commitment to His mission, even unto death on the cross, where He declared, "It is finished!" He, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, accomplished salvation not by human might, but by divine power and perfect obedience. Eleazar's victory was a physical deliverance for Israel; Christ's victory on the cross and resurrection secured an eternal deliverance from sin and death for all who believe, demonstrating the ultimate triumph of one faithful individual empowered by God (1 Corinthians 15:57). His solitary stand was for the salvation of all, making Him the supreme hero who never retreated, never faltered, and perfectly fulfilled God's redemptive purpose.