MPV Commentary

10 These are the leaders of David's mighty men who were with him when he was made king and helped him conquer Jerusalem.

11 Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, is listed as one of these leaders. He is also referred to as the son of Zabdiel (1Ch 27:2), making him the grandson of Hachmoni.

12 This leader lifted his spear against three hundred men at once, a feat that is also mentioned in 2Sa 23:8, where it says he killed eight hundred men in one day. Some try to reconcile these two accounts by suggesting that Jashobeam fought eight hundred men on one occasion and three hundred on another, while others propose that he attacked an army of eight hundred and then pursued the remaining three hundred who fled.

13 He was with David at Pas-dammim, where David had been a fugitive in the wilderness. At this time, David was parched from thirst under the scorching sun and longed for the cool waters of his hometown well (2Sa 23:15; 1Ch 11:17). This is an account of Eleazar's bravery, but the details are found only in 2Sa 23:9-11. It appears that when Eleazar was exhausted, Shammah took over and saved the day with his extraordinary prowess.

14 The barley or lentils (2Sa 23:11) were grown at Ephes-dammim, a location between Shocoh and Azekah in the western part of Judahite territory. These feats were accomplished during David's campaigns against the Philistines as Saul's general.

15-19 David expressed his desire for someone to bring him water from the well of Beth-lehem (2Sa 23:15). This act demonstrates the devotion and willingness of David's men to fulfill even his smallest wishes at great personal risk. It is likely that when David made this request, he was unaware of the military presence stationed at Beth-lehem.

20-21 Abishai was one of those who fought their way to the well of Beth-lehem (1Ch 11:20). However, it appears that three different heroes were involved in this endeavor. The Philistine camp was located in the valley of Rephaim, but an outpost was stationed at Beth-lehem.

22 Benaiah, from Kabzeel, a town in southern Judah (Jos 15:21; Ne 11:25), is listed as one of these leaders. He had accomplished many notable feats, including slaying two lion-like men of Moab (2Sa 8:2) and killing a lion in a pit on a snowy day.

23 Benaiah encountered an Egyptian giant who stood about eight feet tall, wearing armor similar to that of Goliath. With only his staff as a weapon, he engaged the giant in battle.

25 David appointed Benaiah as commander over his guard, which consisted of the Cherethites and Pelethites, a small bodyguard serving the king.

26 Asahel was the leader of the third degree of military rank, known as the valiant men of the armies. Few of those listed are historically notable.

27 Shammoth is mentioned between Hebez and Elikah (2Sa 23:25-26), suggesting that Elikah's name has been omitted.

30 Maharai was the chief of a detachment of guards who served the king in the tenth month, which corresponds to January (1Ch 27:13; 2Sa 23:28).

39 Naharai was an armor-bearer for Joab (2Sa 23:37). The absence of Joab's name from these lists is likely due to his position as commander-in-chief.

41 Uriah the Hittite is listed among these leaders, highlighting his bravery and devotion. However, this also underscores David's wrongdoing in taking Uriah's life and honor.