1 Chronicles 11:42

Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,

Adina {H5721} the son {H1121} of Shiza {H7877} the Reubenite {H7206}, a captain {H7218} of the Reubenites {H7206}, and thirty {H7970} with him,

'Adina the son of Shiza the Re'uveni, a leader among the Re'uveni, and thirty with him,

Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him,

Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,

Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:42 introduces Adina, son of Shiza, a prominent Reubenite and captain who served King David. This verse is part of a detailed roster of David's valiant warriors, often referred to as his "mighty men," who played crucial roles in establishing and securing his kingdom.

Context

This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles chapter 11, which begins by recounting David's anointing as king over all Israel and his capture of Jerusalem (Zion). The subsequent verses, starting from 1 Chronicles 11:10, list the names and notable deeds of his elite fighting force. These lists are significant in the book of Chronicles, emphasizing the legitimacy of David's reign, the broad support he received from various tribes, and the strength of his military. A parallel, though not identical, list can be found in 2 Samuel 23:8-39.

Key Themes

  • Recognition of Loyalty and Valor: The inclusion of Adina and his thirty men in this distinguished list highlights David's practice of acknowledging and honoring those who faithfully served him. These records underscore the importance of individual contribution to the collective success of the nation.
  • Tribal Representation: Adina is specifically identified as a "Reubenite," emphasizing that David's support base extended across the tribes of Israel, including the Transjordanian tribes like Reuben. This unity was vital for the strength of the kingdom.
  • Leadership and Influence: Adina was not merely a soldier but a "captain," indicating a position of authority and responsibility over a company of thirty men. This suggests his significant influence and leadership capacity within the Reubenite contingent and David's army.

Linguistic Insights

The name Adina (ืขึฒื“ึดื™ื ึธื, 'Adina) can mean "ornament" or "delicate," which might seem ironic for a military captain, possibly suggesting a unique characteristic or a name given at birth that contrasted with his later martial prowess. The term "captain" (ืฉื‚ึทืจ, sar) denotes a chief, prince, or military commander, signifying a high-ranking position of authority.

Practical Application

This verse, though brief, reminds us that even seemingly minor figures in biblical narratives played crucial roles in God's unfolding plan. It encourages us to appreciate the contributions of individuals, known and unknown, who faithfully serve in their capacities. It also speaks to the importance of strong, loyal leadership and the value of recognizing those who commit themselves to a worthy cause, whether in a family, community, or spiritual endeavor. God, like the biblical chronicler, notices and records every act of faithfulness.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.