David’s Trustworthy Fighters

David owed much to the cadre of brave fighters who rallied to him.

The hand of God was certainly seen in the gathering of these gifted warriors.

Time and time again, these men stood beside David as he faced down enemies.

Many flocked to him while he was evading Saul.

Others came to him once he became king.

All pledged their loyalty, honor, and very lives to his service.

The list of these men is long, and while many have little or nothing noted after their names, all were mighty men of valor. Lists of these men are found in 2 Samuel 23:8–39 and again in 1 Chronicles 11:10–47; 12:1–28. Originally, David singled out thirty men as heroes and grouped them by threes. The list was later expanded.

The first of three to gain honorable mention is Adino the Eznite, commander of David’s first division. In one battle, he single-handedly dispatched eight hundred enemies. Eleazer, son of Dodo the Ahohite, fought the Philistines at Pas-dammim (1 Chronicles 11:13).

He fought with such sustained bravery for so long, that his hand had to be pried from the hilt of his sword. Shammah, son of Agee the Hararite, single-handedly defended a field against Philistines who were foraging during a harvest raid.

The second list of three includes Abishai, brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah. He broke through the Philistine lines to draw water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem.

Although Abishai killed three hundred during this foray, he is still not listed among the top three. Benaiah, commander of David’s third division (1 Chronicles 27:5, 6), accompanied Abishai to retrieve the well water for David. Benaiah commanded David’s bodyguard of Cherethites and Pelethites (2 Samuel 8:18; 20:23).

The third warrior who took part in the water mission is not listed in the second group of three. Second Samuel 23:26–39 is a list of David’s men of valor—sort of a Hall of Fame for warriors. Asahel, commander of the fourth division, who was slain by Abner (2 Samuel 2:22, 23), is mentioned. The last name on the list in 2 Samuel 23 is Uriah the Hittite, and his name also appears on the list in 1 Chronicles 11 (v. 41).

“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6).