2 Samuel Chapter 23

David’s Last Psalm (2 Samuel 23:1–4)

“Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; Thus says the man raised up on high, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel: The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue. The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, Like the tender grass springing out of the earth, By clear shining after rain.’”

This passage represents the final inspired song of David, the man after God’s own heart. These were not necessarily his dying words, but his last recorded psalm, the culmination of a life marked by triumphs, failures, repentance, and unwavering faith in God. It stands as a poetic summary of his calling, his kingship, and his insight into the nature of divine leadership.

David begins with a fourfold description of himself that summarizes his journey under the providence of God. He calls himself “the son of Jesse,” emphasizing his humble beginnings. Jesse was a simple farmer from Bethlehem, and David never forgot his lowly origin. He then declares that he was “the man raised up on high,” acknowledging that his exaltation came from God, not human striving. God took the shepherd boy from the pasture and placed him on Israel’s throne. He further identifies himself as “the anointed of the God of Jacob,” signifying divine selection and empowerment. The phrase “God of Jacob” reminds us that David’s God was the covenant-keeping God who chooses and blesses by grace, not human merit. Finally, he is “the sweet psalmist of Israel,” a title that honors his poetic gift and spiritual sensitivity. Through his psalms, David gave voice to the deepest emotions of faith—joy, repentance, sorrow, and worship—that still instruct believers today.

When David said, “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue,” he acknowledged the divine inspiration behind his words. The Spirit of God used David’s experiences, emotions, and language to communicate eternal truth. This verse affirms the inspiration of Scripture—David’s psalms were not mere reflections of human thought, but divine revelation spoken through a yielded vessel. The apostle Peter would later echo this principle when he wrote, “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). David, therefore, recognized his psalms as Spirit-breathed, confirming his role as both king and prophet.

David then declares what the God of Israel—the Rock of Israel—had said to him: “He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” This statement encapsulates the divine standard for leadership. Earthly rulers are accountable to the ultimate Ruler, and their authority must be exercised with righteousness and reverence. David, having experienced the burden and responsibility of leadership, understood that justice cannot exist apart from the fear of God. When rulers govern with the awareness that they themselves will answer to a higher Judge, they lead with integrity, mercy, and humility. The absence of this fear leads to corruption, tyranny, and moral decay, as history repeatedly shows.

David continues by describing the character and influence of a righteous ruler: “He shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain.” The imagery conveys beauty, freshness, and life-giving clarity. A godly ruler brings illumination to his people, dispelling darkness and confusion. His just rule nurtures growth and renewal, much like sunlight and rain nourish the earth. This imagery also points forward prophetically to the reign of the Messiah, the ultimate just King, whose rule will bring perfect righteousness and peace. The prophet Malachi later wrote, “But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings” (Malachi 4:2). The comparison is unmistakable—David’s ideal ruler is ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

From a human perspective, David’s reign had moments of moral failure, rebellion, and tragedy. He faced scandals, insurrections, and national crises. Yet Scripture consistently honors his reign because of his heart toward God. The Lord Himself said, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all My will” (Acts 13:22). Despite his imperfections, David’s relationship with God remained steadfast. He repented when confronted, worshiped in times of sorrow, and continually sought the presence of God above all else. In contrast, Solomon’s reign, though outwardly more prosperous, lacked that same spiritual depth. Solomon pursued wisdom, wealth, and pleasure, but drifted from wholehearted devotion to God in his later years (1 Kings 11:4–8). David endured to the end with faith intact, while Solomon faltered amid abundance.

The testimony of Scripture consistently favors David’s reign as the model of godly kingship. The Psalms, the Prophets, and even the New Testament uphold David as a type of the coming Messiah. Psalm 89:20 declares, “I have found David My servant; with My holy oil have I anointed him.” Isaiah 55:3–4 speaks of God’s covenant with David as an everlasting witness. The apostle Paul affirms that Jesus Christ is “of the seed of David according to the flesh” (Romans 1:3), and the Lord Himself declares in Revelation 22:16, “I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”

Thus, David’s last psalm reflects both the heart of a seasoned king and the prophetic vision of a redeemed man. He looked back on his reign and recognized that true greatness is not measured by conquest, prosperity, or fame, but by ruling in the fear of God and walking in covenant fellowship with Him. His psalm closes the book on a life that began in obscurity, rose to prominence, stumbled in sin, but finished with humility and faith—pointing forward to the perfect King who would reign in righteousness forever.

David’s Trust in God’s Covenant (2 Samuel 23:5–7)

“Although my house is not so with God, Yet He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, Ordered in all things, and sure: For this is all my salvation, and all my desire, Although He make it not to grow. But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands: But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.”

As David reflected upon the character of the perfect King and the justice that should mark His reign, he was reminded of his own shortcomings. “Although my house is not so with God,” reveals his awareness that his family and kingdom had not fully reflected the righteousness of God’s rule. His own failings as a father and leader, together with the sins of his children, had produced grief and division. Yet, despite the imperfections of his house, David found his confidence not in himself but in the faithfulness of God’s covenant.

David then declared, “Yet He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure.” This everlasting covenant was first announced through Nathan the prophet in 2 Samuel 7:12–16, when God promised David that his throne and kingdom would be established forever. The covenant was unconditional, founded not upon David’s righteousness but upon God’s sovereign grace. The phrase “ordered in all things, and sure” reveals David’s confidence in the divine structure and stability of God’s promises. Every aspect of the covenant was established with perfect wisdom, forethought, and faithfulness. David knew that God’s plan for his dynasty, culminating in the Messiah, could not fail.

This certainty led David to say, “For this is all my salvation, and all my desire.” His salvation rested entirely on the reliability of God’s covenant. He understood that human obedience, while necessary for fellowship, could never be the foundation of eternal security. His joy and hope were rooted in the steadfast love of the LORD, who had chosen him by grace and sealed His word with divine promise. Even though his personal and national life had moments of collapse, the covenant of grace remained unbroken. It was this assurance that sustained David’s faith even in old age.

In acknowledging his own failures, David still rejoiced that God’s purposes prevail over human weakness. God’s grace had overruled his sin. Although David had fallen deeply, he had also repented sincerely, and God restored him. This same principle governs the believer’s life today—though our walk may falter, God’s covenant faithfulness remains firm. As the apostle Paul would later write, “If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

David also looked beyond himself to the destiny of the ungodly. He said, “But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands.” The “sons of Belial” refer to the rebellious and wicked—those who resist the rule of God. Just as thorns are useless and harmful, so the ungodly are spiritually barren and destructive. They cannot be grasped or handled easily, for their nature wounds those who come near them. The image conveys both danger and futility in dealing with rebellion.

He continued, “But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.” The picture is that of a careful reaper, unable to handle thorns with bare hands, but using tools of iron and wood to remove them and cast them into the fire. This illustrates the judgment of God upon the wicked. In the end, the rebellious will be consumed by divine justice, while the righteous will rejoice in the security of God’s covenant.

This contrast between the covenant people and the sons of rebellion highlights two eternal destinies. The covenant, grounded in grace, brings salvation, security, and everlasting joy. Rebellion, grounded in pride and sin, ends in destruction. David’s words here echo the imagery of Psalm 1:4–6, which says, “The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment… For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

The reflection closes with profound assurance. Though David confessed his unworthiness, his confidence was unshaken: God had made an everlasting covenant. It was this covenant that shaped his final praise and gave him peace at life’s end. From this covenant line would come the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the true and perfect King, in whom the promise would find its ultimate fulfillment. As Matthew begins his Gospel, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). David’s trust was not misplaced. The everlasting covenant was fulfilled in Christ, whose reign is eternal, whose kingdom shall never be moved, and whose mercy endures forever.

David’s Mighty Men (2 Samuel 23:8–12)

“These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. 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: He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil. And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.”

David’s mighty men were the backbone of his kingdom’s military strength and an enduring testimony to loyalty, courage, and divine enablement. These men were not only skilled warriors but men of deep devotion, drawn to David when he was still an outcast and considered a fugitive by Saul’s government. The record begins with David’s top three—Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah—whose bravery and faith stand as spiritual examples to believers today.

David could not have achieved what he did without these faithful men. The text opens, “These be the names of the mighty men whom David had,” reminding us that while David was an extraordinary leader, even the greatest leaders depend upon loyal and courageous followers. When David fled from Saul, Scripture says, “And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men” (1 Samuel 22:2). These very men, once broken and rejected by society, were transformed under David’s leadership into Israel’s mightiest warriors. It is a picture of what God does through grace—taking the lowly, the outcast, and the humbled, and shaping them into instruments of victory.

Spurgeon noted that these men came to David when his fortunes were at their lowest point, when loyalty to him meant danger and rejection from the world. He observed, “Happy are they who can follow a good cause in its worst estate, for theirs is true glory.” The same principle applies spiritually. Christ’s followers are called to faithfulness not because the cause appears triumphant in the eyes of the world, but because it is true. The victory of the Church universal depends on the personal victories of individual believers who stand firm in their faith, just as these men did beside David.

The first among them was Adino the Eznite, chief among the captains. He was renowned because “he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.” This incredible feat of valor was not merely a display of physical might but of divine empowerment. Chronicles records that the number may have been three hundred (1 Chronicles 11:11), which could indicate separate occasions or differences in record. Regardless, his courage stands as a monument of faith and endurance. Adino faced impossible odds and prevailed, reminding believers that in the Lord’s strength, one person can overcome a multitude when they fight in righteousness.

The second was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, who stood beside David in battle when others fled. The text says, “He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day.” Eleazar’s hand literally fused to his weapon from exhaustion, yet he did not yield. His perseverance illustrates the believer’s calling to cling to the Sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—even in weariness. Many retreat when the battle grows long, but the faithful soldier endures, knowing that the victory belongs to the LORD. Spurgeon drew a lesson from Eleazar’s solitary stand, urging Christians to dare to stand firm even if alone: “Dare to be an Eleazar, and go forth and smite the Philistines alone; you will soon find that there are others in the house who have concealed their sentiments, but when they see you coming forward, they will be openly on the Lord’s side.” True courage often awakens others to rise and fight.

The third of these heroes was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered to seize a piece of ground full of lentils, and as the people fled, Shammah stood alone. “He stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.” To others, the field of lentils might have seemed insignificant, but to Shammah it was part of Israel’s inheritance—land given by God and worth defending. His courage in protecting what seemed small teaches that faithfulness in small things honors God. When the world retreats and abandons ground, God honors the man who stands firm for His truth, however small the battle may appear.

These men teach that victories are not achieved by numbers or circumstance but by steadfast faith and divine power. The text repeatedly declares, “and the LORD wrought a great victory,” making it clear that every triumph ultimately came from Him. Their courage, loyalty, and faith in battle mirror the Christian’s call to spiritual warfare. Like Adino, believers face overwhelming odds; like Eleazar, they must cling to the sword when weary; and like Shammah, they must stand their ground when others flee. The same LORD who granted them victory still grants it to those who fight under His banner today.

A Daring Exploit from David’s Days at Adullam (2 Samuel 23:13–17)

“And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim. And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.”

This passage records one of the most moving incidents in the chronicles of David’s mighty men, an act of devotion so daring that it stands as a timeless example of loyalty, courage, and reverence for God. The scene takes place “at the cave of Adullam,” a place that had once been David’s refuge when he fled from Saul (1 Samuel 22:1–2). It was in that same cave that the men who were distressed, indebted, and discontented gathered to him and were transformed into a formidable force. Now, in a time of renewed conflict with the Philistines, David found himself again at Adullam, surrounded by those who had become his most faithful warriors.

At this time, “the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim,” and a garrison occupied Bethlehem, David’s hometown. The situation was deeply symbolic—Bethlehem, the city of David’s youth and the site of God’s promises, was under enemy control. The Philistines’ presence there would have been a personal insult and a spiritual burden for David. In this tense environment, David uttered what seemed a simple, wistful remark: “Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” It was not a command nor even a request, but a nostalgic expression of longing. The well by the gate of Bethlehem likely reminded him of childhood days, of purity and peace before the chaos of battle and betrayal. It represented something sacred and familiar amid the hardships of war.

Hearing this, “the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines,” risking their lives to fulfill David’s unspoken desire. Their love for him was so great that they did not hesitate to face overwhelming odds. They broke through enemy lines, reached the well, drew the water, and carried it back to David through hostile territory. It was a reckless yet noble act of devotion. What made their deed extraordinary was not the water itself, but the heart behind it—a willingness to sacrifice everything for the one they loved and served. This is the same spirit that characterizes those who follow the Lord wholeheartedly, willing to face danger and hardship out of pure devotion to Him.

When the three returned and presented the water, David’s reaction revealed the depth of his reverence for both God and his men. “Nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.” David recognized that the water was no longer an ordinary refreshment; it had become sacred by the blood-risk it represented. To drink it would have been to trivialize their sacrifice. Instead, David offered it to the LORD as a drink offering, symbolizing that all honor and gratitude belong to God alone. By pouring it out, he acknowledged that such devotion deserved to be consecrated to God, not consumed for personal pleasure.

David’s words capture the solemnity of the moment: “Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?” He recognized that this water was a symbol of their very lives, and therefore sacred. In offering it to the LORD, David both honored the men who risked everything for him and exalted God as the ultimate recipient of such sacrifice. It was as if David said, “This level of devotion belongs to God alone.”

The spiritual application of this account is profound. True loyalty to God’s anointed is inseparable from loyalty to God Himself. The courage and devotion of these men reflected their faith in the divine calling upon David’s life. Likewise, David’s reverence in refusing the gift teaches that all acts of devotion and sacrifice ultimately belong to the Lord. It reminds believers that when they serve one another or labor for the cause of Christ, the true recipient of that offering is God.

Furthermore, David’s act of pouring the water out before the LORD foreshadows the principle of sacrifice found in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all” (Philippians 2:17). Like David, Paul saw service and sacrifice as an offering to God. Both recognized that the life poured out in devotion to the Lord is the highest form of worship.

Thus, this brief episode stands as a shining example of valor and consecration. It demonstrates how genuine devotion transforms even the simplest acts—fetching a drink of water—into sacred worship. These three mighty men risked everything for the love of their king, and David in turn honored them by dedicating their sacrifice to God. Together, they revealed what true greatness looks like: courage that acts in love, humility that deflects glory to God, and reverence that recognizes all blessing and victory as belonging to Him alone.

Two More Notable Men Among the Mighty Men (2 Samuel 23:18–23)

“And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three. Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three. And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and slew him with his own spear. These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men. He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.”

The passage continues the account of David’s mighty men by highlighting two extraordinary warriors—Abishai and Benaiah—whose courage and achievements placed them just below the first three in rank and honor. Though they did not attain the same distinction as Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah, their exploits reveal character, loyalty, and faith that made them indispensable to David’s kingdom.

Abishai the brother of Joab is introduced first. As the son of Zeruiah, David’s sister, Abishai was David’s nephew and the brother of Joab and Asahel. Scripture describes him as “chief among three,” meaning he led a secondary trio of champions beneath the first. Abishai’s valor was proven when he “lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them.” This act of courage earned him a distinguished reputation among the mighty men. He was known not only for his physical prowess but also for his fierce loyalty to David.

Throughout David’s life, Abishai appeared in key moments of danger and decision. He accompanied David into Saul’s camp in 1 Samuel 26:6–9, when David spared Saul’s life; he took part in the battle against Abner’s forces in 2 Samuel 2; and he commanded troops during Absalom’s rebellion in 2 Samuel 10:10–14. Though often impulsive and hot-tempered, Abishai’s zeal for David’s safety never wavered. He was the kind of man whose courage sometimes needed restraint, but whose loyalty was unquestionable. His motto could be summarized as bold faith in action—ready to fight for the Lord’s anointed at any cost.

The text emphasizes that though Abishai was “most honourable of three” and was appointed their captain, “he attained not unto the first three.” This shows a clear hierarchy among David’s warriors. Even among great men, God acknowledges order and degrees of honor. It is a reminder that not all are called to the same level of glory, but all who serve faithfully share in the same divine approval.

Next, the narrative turns to Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, another extraordinary warrior whose exploits became legendary. He was “the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts,” indicating that courage ran in his family. Benaiah’s record of heroism demonstrates not only bravery but also resourcefulness and faith.

First, he “slew two lionlike men of Moab.” The phrase “lionlike” describes men of immense strength and ferocity—warriors who inspired fear by their very presence. Benaiah’s victory over them proved his superior skill and boldness. Second, he “went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow.” This remarkable act shows courage in both unfavorable conditions and great personal risk. It was one thing to fight a lion on open ground, but quite another to face it in a confined pit, where escape was impossible. Doing so “in time of snow” further implies that the ground was slippery and conditions harsh. Yet Benaiah prevailed. Spiritually, this act illustrates the believer’s courage to face overwhelming trials head-on, even when conditions seem impossible. Faith thrives in adversity when it depends on the strength of God.

Third, Benaiah’s valor is seen when “he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man,” described as a “spectacular” or imposing figure. The Egyptian carried a spear, but Benaiah approached him with only a staff. He then wrested the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own weapon. This act of ingenuity and fearlessness demonstrates his quick thinking and confidence in the LORD’s power rather than human advantage. It is reminiscent of David’s own encounter with Goliath, where trust in God triumphed over superior armament.

Because of these exploits, Benaiah “had the name among three mighty men.” He was recognized as more honorable than the thirty, though not equal to the first three. David, discerning both his courage and reliability, appointed him “over his guard.” This means Benaiah was placed in command of David’s personal bodyguard, a role requiring absolute trust and loyalty. Later, Benaiah’s integrity and faithfulness would elevate him even further—he would remain loyal to Solomon and serve as commander of the army after Joab’s death (1 Kings 2:35).

The examples of Abishai and Benaiah reveal that God honors both courage and faithfulness. Abishai’s story teaches the value of bold loyalty, even when imperfect, while Benaiah’s deeds illustrate faith in action under impossible odds. Both men remind us that valor in the Lord’s service is not confined to great numbers or grand stages; it is proven in personal battles fought by faith. Their courage foreshadows the spiritual warfare of believers who, armed with the Word of God and the power of the Spirit, overcome enemies far greater than themselves.

A List of David’s Mighty Men (2 Samuel 23:24–39)

“Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite, Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash, Abi-Albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite, Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.”

This closing section provides a list of the thirty-seven mighty men who served under David, representing the elite warriors who stood with him through every stage of his rise and reign. While the earlier verses described their remarkable exploits, this portion serves as both a memorial and a record of honor. It reminds us that David’s greatness was not accomplished alone but was forged in fellowship with faithful men whom God raised up to stand beside him.

Among these names are individuals known for their bravery, skill, and loyalty. Asahel, the brother of Joab, was one of the earliest to serve David. He was renowned for his swiftness of foot, “as light of foot as a wild roe” (2 Samuel 2:18), and he died in pursuit of Abner during the civil conflict that followed Saul’s death. His inclusion here honors his courage and dedication even though his life was cut short. Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem is another notable warrior, likely the same who later slew a relative of Goliath (2 Samuel 21:19).

The list continues with many names otherwise unrecorded in Scripture—ordinary men whose faithfulness in service earned them immortal mention in God’s Word. It is significant that Scripture records these names without detailed exploits for most of them. The Holy Spirit here reminds us that in God’s kingdom, the faithful, though unseen by men, are fully known and remembered by Him.

Two names, however, stand out for their striking connections to one of David’s darkest chapters—Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite and Uriah the Hittite. Scripture reveals that Eliam was the father of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3), making Ahithophel her grandfather. Thus, when David committed adultery with Bathsheba and conspired to murder Uriah, he sinned not only against God but against two of his most loyal men and the family of one of his most trusted counselors. Knowing this, David should have been doubly restrained from such an act, yet sin blinds the heart. The presence of these names among the mighty men underscores the depth of David’s failure—and the measure of divine grace that restored him.

Uriah the Hittite is remembered as a man of steadfast integrity and loyalty. Though a Gentile by birth, he was fully devoted to Israel’s God and kingdom. His faithfulness contrasts sharply with David’s treachery in sending him to his death. Yet God ensured that Uriah’s name would be forever inscribed among Israel’s heroes, while David’s repentance and restoration would bear witness to the mercy of the LORD.

The verse concludes with the note, “thirty and seven in all.” This total likely includes the chief among the thirty, as well as the top three champions and possibly Joab, who though not listed, functioned as commander-in-chief over them. The number itself may have varied slightly over time due to deaths in battle and the addition of replacements, but the symbolic list of thirty-seven stands as a complete record of David’s inner circle of warriors.

The unity, courage, and faithfulness of these men were the true strength behind David’s throne. They came to him during his exile—men who were “in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented” (1 Samuel 22:2)—and under his leadership became mighty. God transformed broken, desperate men into instruments of victory. Their transformation is a powerful picture of what divine grace accomplishes when faith, loyalty, and purpose are joined under God’s anointed king.

As one commentator observed, “More than all his victories against outside foes, the influence of his life and character on the men nearest to him testify to his essential greatness.” David’s mighty men were the fruit of his example. They mirrored his courage, shared his faith, and stood firm beside him in adversity. In this, David’s leadership prefigured Christ, the greater Son of David, who gathers around Himself those once weak, broken, and discontented and transforms them into mighty servants for His kingdom.