2 Samuel 23:18-28

18 Abishai son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, was the leader of the Thirty. He once used his spear to kill 300 enemy warriors in a single battle. It was by such feats that he became as famous as the Three.

19 Abishai was the most famous of the Thirty and was their commander, though he was not one of the Three.

20 There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel. He did many heroic deeds, which included killing two champions of Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it.

21 Once, armed only with a club, he killed an imposing Egyptian warrior who was armed with a spear. Benaiah wrenched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with it.

22 Deeds like these made Benaiah as famous as the Three mightiest warriors.

23 He was more honored than the other members of the Thirty, though he was not one of the Three. And David made him captain of his bodyguard.

24 Other members of the Thirty included: Asahel, Joab’s brother; Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem;

25 Shammah from Harod; Elika from Harod;

26 Helez from Pelon ; Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa;

27 Abiezer from Anathoth; Sibbecai from Hushah;

28 Zalmon from Ahoah; Maharai from Netophah;

2 Samuel 23:18-28 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 23

In this chapter are recorded the last words of David under a divine inspiration, 2Sa 23:1-7; and an account is given of his great men, famous for warlike exploits, particularly of three mighty men who did very marvellous things, 2Sa 23:8-17; and of two others next unto them, which belonged to another class of three, 2Sa 23:18-23; and then of thirty one more, 2Sa 23:24-39; who are all mentioned by name.

Footnotes

• [a]. As in a few Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac version; most Hebrew manuscripts read the Three.
• [b]. As in Syriac version; Hebrew reads the Three.
• [c]. Or son of Jehoiada, son of Ish-hai.
• [d]. Hebrew two of Ariel.
• [e]. As in parallel text at 1 Chr 11:27 (see also 1 Chr 27:10 ); Hebrew reads from Palti.
• [f]. As in some Greek manuscripts (see also 1 Chr 11:29 ); Hebrew reads Mebunnai.