Who were the mighty men of David?

Answer

Second Samuel 23:8–39 and 1 Chronicles 11:10–47 enumerate a group of individuals recognized as mighty men of David or David’s mighty men. They are also known as the “thirty chiefs” «Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim. », (1 Chronicles 11:15) and simply as “the Thirty” «and Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite, », (1 Chronicles 12:4). These valiant men of David were a cohort of David’s most resilient military fighters who were acclaimed for their courageous deeds, such as Josheb-basshebeth, who slew 800 men in a single battle with a spear «These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: the Tachmonite who sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lifted up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. », (2 Samuel 23:8).

Further remarkable actions recounted include the exploits of a man named Eleazar, who remained on the battlefield while other warriors fled and fought Philistines until his hand became stuck around his sword (2 Samuel 23:9-10); and the feats of Abishai, the head of the mighty men, who slew 300 men with a spear 23:18.

Benaiah was renowned for entering a pit on a snowy day and killing a lion, as well as for slaying a formidable Egyptian with the man’s own spear (2 Samuel 23:20-21). He also served as a leader.

David had 23 bodyguards.

Among David’s mighty men, three individuals stood out: Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah. Although their specific roles are not clearly defined, they were recognized as exceptional members of David’s elite group.

While referred to as “the Thirty,” the list actually includes 37 men, indicating that not all of them served simultaneously. Some, like Uriah, perished in battle during David’s rule. Alternatively, the term “Thirty” may represent an approximate number rather than an exact count of David’s elite warriors.

These mighty men possessed great military prowess and were believed to have God’s favor. They played a crucial role in safeguarding the king and defending the land of Israel.

The comprehensive roster of David’s mighty men can be found in 2 Samuel 23, featuring individuals such as:

1. Josheb-basshebeth, a Tahchemonite

2. Eleazar, the son of Dodo

3. Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite

4. Abishai

5. Benaiah

6. Asahel

7. Elhanan

8. Shammah of Harod

9. Elika of Harod

10. Helez the Paltite

11. Ira, the son of Ikkesh of Tekoa

12. Abiezer of Anthoth

13. Mebunnai the Hushathite

14. Zalmon the Ahohite

15. Maharai of Netophah

16. Heleb, the son of Baanah of Netophah

17. Ittai, the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the people of Benjamin

18. Benaiah of Pirathon

19. Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash

20. Abi-albon the Arbathite

21. Azmaveth of Bahurim

22. Eliahba the Shaalbonite

23. The sons of Jashen

24. Jonathan

25. Shammah the Hararite

26. Ahiam, the son of Sharar the Hararite

27. Eliphelet, the son of Ahasbai of Maacha

28. Eliam, the son of Ahithophel of Gilo

29. Hezro of Carmel

30. Paarai the Arbite

31. Igal, the son of Natha

31. Abiel the Arbathite

32. Bani from Gad

33. Zelek of Ammon

34. Naharai from Beeroth

35. Ira of Ithra

36. Gareb from Ithra

37. Uriah the Hittite