2 Samuel 23:34

Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,

Eliphelet {H467} the son {H1121} of Ahasbai {H308}, the son {H1121} of the Maachathite {H4602}, Eliam {H463} the son {H1121} of Ahithophel {H302} the Gilonite {H1526},

Elifelet the son of Achasbai the son of the Ma'akhati, Eli'am the son of Achitofel from Giloh, thirty-seven in all.

Eliphelet son of Ahasbai the Maacathite, Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,

Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,

Commentary

2 Samuel 23:34 lists two more individuals among King David's elite warriors, known as his mighty men. These brief mentions, often overlooked, provide valuable insights into the composition of David's loyal inner circle and the complex relationships surrounding his reign.

Context

This verse is part of a longer passage (2 Samuel 23:8-39) that catalogues the names and, in some cases, the heroic deeds of the most distinguished soldiers who served David. This list serves as a testament to the loyalty and prowess of the men who helped establish and maintain David's kingdom. It's a roll call of honor, ensuring their contributions were remembered for generations.

Key Figures and Connections

  • Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite: Eliphelet is named with his lineage, indicating his family and regional origin (Maachah was a small Aramean kingdom to the east of the Jordan River). While specific deeds of Eliphelet are not recorded, his inclusion in this prestigious list signifies his significant role and loyalty to David.
  • Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite: This mention is particularly significant due to Eliam's father, Ahithophel, who was David's trusted counselor but later famously betrayed him by joining Absalom's rebellion.
    • Intriguingly, Eliam is also identified in 2 Samuel 11:3 as the father of Bathsheba, the woman with whom David committed adultery. This means Ahithophel was Bathsheba's grandfather.
    • Eliam's presence among David's mighty men highlights the complex web of relationships and loyalties within David's court. Despite his father's future treachery and the devastating impact of David's sin involving his daughter, Eliam remained a faithful warrior in David's service. This detail underscores the personal loyalty some men had to David, even when their families were deeply affected by his actions or later turned against him.

Significance and Application

2 Samuel 23:34, though brief, offers several insights:

  • The Value of Loyalty: The very existence of this list emphasizes the importance of faithful service and unwavering loyalty to leadership, especially during times of conflict and kingdom building.
  • Complex Human Relationships: The inclusion of Eliam, with his familial ties to both Bathsheba and the treacherous Ahithophel, serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate and often conflicted nature of human relationships, even within the closest circles. It illustrates that personal allegiance could transcend family grievances or future betrayals.
  • God's Sovereignty: Even amidst human failings, betrayals, and complex family dynamics, God worked through diverse individuals to establish and sustain David's kingdom, showcasing His overarching plan.
  • Honoring the Unsung: These verses ensure that the contributions of many individuals, whose stories are not extensively detailed elsewhere, are recognized and remembered.

Reflection

This verse encourages us to consider the often-hidden loyalties and the personal sacrifices made by those who serve. It also reminds us that even within the most celebrated figures of faith, like David, there are intricate personal histories and complex relationships that shape their journey and the narratives around them. Understanding these details enriches our appreciation for the human element within God's divine plan.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 11:3 (5 votes)

    And David sent and enquired after the woman. And [one] said, [Is] not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

  • 2 Samuel 15:12 (3 votes)

    And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, [even] from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

  • 2 Samuel 15:31 (2 votes)

    ¶ And [one] told David, saying, Ahithophel [is] among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

  • 2 Samuel 10:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.

  • 1 Chronicles 27:33 (2 votes)

    And Ahithophel [was] the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite [was] the king's companion:

  • 1 Chronicles 27:34 (2 votes)

    And after Ahithophel [was] Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army [was] Joab.

  • 2 Samuel 10:8 (2 votes)

    And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, [were] by themselves in the field.