2 Samuel 23:8–39

David’s Famous Soldiers

(1 Chr 11:10–41)

8 These are the names of David’s famous soldiers: the first was Josheb Basshebeth from Tachemon, who was the leader of “The Three”;m he fought with his spearn against 800 men and killed them all in one battle.

9 The second of the famous three was Eleazar son of Dodo, of the clan of Ahoh. One day he and David challenged the Philistines who had gathered for battle. The Israelites fell back, 10but he stood his ground and fought the Philistines until his hand was so stiff that he could not let go of his sword. The Lord won a great victory that day. After it was over, the Israelites returned to where Eleazar was and stripped the armour from the dead.

11 The third of the famous three was Shammah son of Agee, from Harar. The Philistines had gathered at Lehi, where there was a field of peas. The Israelites fled from the Philistines, 12but Shammah stood his ground in the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. The Lord won a great victory that day.

13 Near the beginning of harvest timeo three of “The Thirty” went down to the cave of Adullam, where David was, while a band of Philistines was camping in the Valley of Rephaim. 14At that time David was on a fortified hill, and a group of Philistines had occupied Bethlehem. 15David felt homesick and said, “How I wish someone would bring me a drink of water from the well by the gate at Bethlehem!” 16The three famous soldiers forced their way through the Philistine camp, drew some water from the well, and brought it back to David. But he would not drink it; instead he poured it out as an offering to the Lord 17and said, “Lord, I could never drink this! It would be like drinking the blood of these men who risked their lives!” So he refused to drink it.

Those were the brave deeds of the three famous soldiers.

18 Joab’s brother Abishai (their mother was Zeruiah) was the leader of “The Famous Thirty”. He fought with his spear against 300 men and killed them, and became famous among “The Thirty”.p 19He was the most famous of “The Thirty”q and became their leader, but he was not as famous as “The Three”.

20 Benaiah son of Jehoiada, from Kabzeel, was another famous soldier; he did many brave deeds, including killing two great Moabite warriors. He once went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 21He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man who was armed with a spear. Benaiah attacked him with his club, snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with it. 22Those were the brave deeds of Benaiah, who was one of “The Thirty”.r 23He was outstanding among them, but was not as famous as “The Three”. David put him in charge of his bodyguard. 24Other members of “The Thirty” included:

Asahel, Joab’s brother;

Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem;

25 Shammah and Elika from Harod;

26 Helez from Pelet;

Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa;

27 Abiezer from Anathoth;

Mebunnai from Hushah;

28 Zalmon from Ahoh;

Maharai from Netophah;

29 Heleb son of Baanah from Netophah;

Ittai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin;

30 Benaiah from Pirathon;

Hiddai from the valleys near Gaash;

31 Abialbon from Arabah;

Azmaveth from Bahurim;

32 Eliahba from Shaalbon;

The sons of Jashen; Jonathan;

33 Shammah from Harar;

Ahiam son of Sharar from Harar;

34 Eliphelet son of Ahasbai from Maacah;

Eliam son of Ahithophel from Gilo;

35 Hezro from Carmel;

Paarai from Arab;

36 Igal son of Nathan from Zobah;

Bani from Gad;

37 Zelek from Ammon;

Naharai from Beeroth, Joab’s armour bearer;

38 Ira and Gareb from Jattir;

39 Uriah the Hittite.

There were 37 famous soldiers in all.