New International Version Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. New Living Translation Next in rank was Shammah son of Agee from Harar. One time the Philistines gathered at Lehi and attacked the Israelites in a field full of lentils. The Israelite army fled, English Standard Version And next to him was Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines gathered together at Lehi, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the men fled from the Philistines. Berean Standard Bible And after him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines had banded together near a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. Berean Literal Bible And after him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines had gathered together into a troop, and there was a portion of the field full of lentils, and the people fled from the Philistines. King James Bible 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. New King James Version And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. So the people fled from the Philistines. New American Standard Bible Now after him was Shammah the son of Agee, a Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered into an army where there was a plot of land full of lentils, and the people fled from the Philistines. NASB 1995 Now after him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered into a troop where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the people fled from the Philistines. NASB 1977 Now after him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered into a troop, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the people fled from the Philistines. Legacy Standard Bible Now after him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered into a troop where there was a portion of the field full of lentils; and the people fled from before the Philistines. Amplified Bible Next to Eleazar was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines were gathered into an army where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the people [of Israel] fled from the Philistines. Berean Annotated Bible And after him was Shammah (desert) son of Agee (I shall increase) the Hararite (mountain dweller). When the Philistines (immigrants) had banded together near (jaw) a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. Christian Standard Bible After him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had assembled in formation where there was a field full of lentils. The troops fled from the Philistines, Holman Christian Standard Bible After him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had assembled in formation where there was a field full of lentils. The troops fled from the Philistines, American Standard Version And after him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines. Contemporary English Version Next was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. One time the Philistines brought their army together to destroy a crop of peas growing in a field near Lehi. The rest of Israel's soldiers ran away from the Philistines, English Revised Version And after him was Shammah the son of Agce a Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines. GOD'S WORD® Translation Next in rank to him was Shammah, the son of Agee from Harar. The Philistines had gathered at Lehi, where there was a field of ripe lentils. When the troops fled from the Philistines, Good News Translation 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, International Standard Version Next was Shammah, Agee the Hararite's son. One time the Philistines assembled to fight in a field where lentils had been growing. Israel's army retreated from the Philistines, NET Bible Next in command was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines assembled at Lehi, where there happened to be an area of a field that was full of lentils, the army retreated before the Philistines. New Heart English Bible After him was Shamma the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines were gathered together at Lehi, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines. Webster's Bible Translation And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were collected into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentils: and the people fled from the Philistines. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd after him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines had banded together near a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. World English Bible After him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd after him [is] Shammah son of Agee the Hararite, and the Philistines are gathered into a company, and there is a portion of the field full of lentils there, and the people have fled from the presence of the Philistines, Berean Literal Bible And after him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines had gathered together into a troop, and there was a portion of the field full of lentils, and the people fled from the Philistines. Young's Literal Translation And after him is Shammah son of Agee the Hararite, and the Philistines are gathered into a company, and there is there a portion of the field full of lentiles, and the people hath fled from the presence of the Philistines, Smith's Literal Translation And after him, Shammah, son of Aga the Hararite. And the rovers will be gathered together to live; and there will be there a portion of the field full of lentiles: and the people fled from the face of the rovers. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd after him was Semma the son of Age of Arari. And the Philistines were gathered together in a troop: for there was a field full of lentils. And when the people were fled from the face of the Philistines, Catholic Public Domain Version And after him, there was Shammah, the son of Agee, from Hara. And the Philistines gathered together at an outpost. For a field full of lentils was in that place. And when the people had fled from the face of the Philistines, New American Bible Next to him was Shammah, son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had assembled at Lehi, where there was a plot of land full of lentils. The people were fleeing before the Philistines, New Revised Standard Version Next to him was Shammah son of Agee, the Hararite. The Philistines gathered together at Lehi, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the army fled from the Philistines. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd next to him was Shammah, the son of Agee, from the king's mountain. When the Philistines were gathered together to plunder cattle where there was a piece of ground full of lentils and the people fled from the Philistines, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated After him Shema, son of Aga, from Tur Malka, arose when the Philistines were assembled to plunder the cattle and there was there one yoke of land where lentils were sown, and the people fled from before the Philistines OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And after him was Shammah the son of Age the Ararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines. Brenton Septuagint Translation And after him Samaia the son of Asa the Arachite: and the Philistines were gathered to Theria; and there was there a portion of ground full of lentiles; and the people fled before the Philistines. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context David's Mighty Men…10but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. 11And after him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines had banded together near a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. 12But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field, defended it, and struck down the Philistines. So the LORD brought about a great victory.… Cross References And after him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. 1 Chronicles 11:27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, 1 Chronicles 12:1-2 Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the mighty men who helped him in battle; / they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin): 1 Chronicles 12:8 Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: When the Philistines had banded together near a field full of lentils, 1 Chronicles 11:13-14 He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. / But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory. 2 Samuel 5:17-18 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 1 Chronicles 14:8-12 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went out to face them. / Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.” … Israel’s troops fled from them. 1 Samuel 31:1-2 Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. 1 Chronicles 10:1-2 Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. 1 Samuel 13:5-7 Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven. / Seeing that they were in danger because their troops were hard-pressed, the men of Israel hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in cellars and cisterns. / Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul, however, remained at Gilgal, and all his troops were quaking in fear. 1 Chronicles 11:12-14 Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. / He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. / But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory. Judges 3:31 After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath. And he too saved Israel, striking down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. Judges 5:6-8 In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were deserted and the travelers took the byways. / Life in the villages ceased; it ended in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel. / When they chose new gods, then war came to their gates. Not a shield or spear was found among forty thousand in Israel. Judges 6:33-35 Then all the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east gathered together, crossed over the Jordan, and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. / So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, who blew the ram’s horn and rallied the Abiezrites behind him. / Calling them to arms, Gideon sent messengers throughout Manasseh, as well as Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, so that they came up to meet him. Judges 7:12-22 Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore. / And as Gideon arrived, a man was telling his friend about a dream. “Behold, I had a dream,” he said, “and I saw a loaf of barley bread come tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent so hard that the tent overturned and collapsed.” / His friend replied: “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has delivered Midian and the whole camp into his hand.” … 1 Samuel 14:6-14 Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” / “Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them. … 1 Samuel 17:8-10 And Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me. / If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and work for us.” / Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!” Treasury of Scripture 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 lentils: and the people fled from the Philistines. Shammah 1 Chronicles 11:27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, Shammoth the Harorite 1 Chronicles 11:13,14 He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines… into a troop. Jump to Previous Age Ararite Banded Bit Collected Company Ela Field Fled Full Gathered Ground Hararite Har'arite Israel's Lentils Philistines Piece Plot Presence Seed Shammah Together Troop TroopsJump to Next Age Ararite Banded Bit Collected Company Ela Field Fled Full Gathered Ground Hararite Har'arite Israel's Lentils Philistines Piece Plot Presence Seed Shammah Together Troop Troops2 Samuel 23 1. David, in his last words, professes his faith in God's promises6. The different state of the wicked 8. A catalogue of David's mighty men And after him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. Shammah, whose name means “astonishment” or “desolation,” was one of David’s mighty men, the proven warriors who helped secure and defend Israel during David’s reign. He followed Eleazar in the record of these men. His identification as the son of Agee and a Hararite distinguishes him from others bearing the same name and reflects the varied origins of those who served under David. 1Ch 11:27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, When the Philistines had banded together near a field full of lentils, The Philistines had assembled for a raid or battle in cultivated land, where seizing crops would harm Israel’s food supply and livelihood. Their repeated incursions into Israel’s territory were part of the continuing conflict between the two nations. 1Ch 11:13-14 He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines… Israel’s troops fled from them. The Israelite soldiers withdrew before the Philistine force, leaving the field exposed. Shammah’s stand in the lentil field, described in the following account, showed the courage that marked David’s mighty men and brought deliverance from the enemy. 1Sa 31:1-2 Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and many fell… Persons / Places / Events 1. ShammahOne of David's mighty warriors, known for his bravery and faithfulness. His name means "astonishment" or "desolation" in Hebrew, reflecting his formidable presence in battle. 2. Agee the Hararite Shammah's father, indicating Shammah's lineage and possibly his tribal affiliation. The term "Hararite" suggests a connection to the region or clan of Harar. 3. Philistines A perennial enemy of Israel, representing opposition and spiritual warfare. They were known for their military prowess and frequent conflicts with the Israelites. 4. Plot of Ground Full of Lentils A seemingly insignificant piece of land that becomes the focal point of a significant battle. Lentils were a common crop, symbolizing sustenance and provision. 5. The People Fled The Israelites' initial reaction to the Philistine threat, highlighting fear and retreat in the face of adversity. Teaching Points Courage in the Face of AdversityShammah's stand against the Philistines teaches us the importance of courage and faith when facing overwhelming odds. We are called to stand firm in our convictions, even when others flee. Significance of the Seemingly Insignificant The battle over a field of lentils reminds us that God values faithfulness in small things. Our everyday actions and decisions can have significant spiritual implications. Faith Over Fear The Israelites' initial retreat contrasts with Shammah's faith-driven stand. We are encouraged to choose faith over fear, trusting in God's strength rather than our own. Spiritual Warfare This passage is a reminder of the spiritual battles we face. Like Shammah, we must be prepared to stand our ground, equipped with the armor of God. Legacy of Faithfulness Shammah's account is preserved as a testament to his faithfulness. Our actions today can leave a lasting legacy of faith for future generations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 23:11?2. How does 2 Samuel 23:11 inspire courage in facing overwhelming challenges today? 3. What can we learn from Shammah's faithfulness when others "retreated from the Philistines"? 4. How does Shammah's stand connect with Ephesians 6:13 on spiritual warfare? 5. In what ways can we apply Shammah's example of steadfastness in our lives? 6. How does Shammah's story encourage us to trust God in difficult circumstances? 7. What is the significance of Shammah's stand in 2 Samuel 23:11 for Christian courage today? 8. How does 2 Samuel 23:11 reflect God's power in seemingly hopeless situations? 9. Why is Shammah's defense of a field important in understanding biblical heroism? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 23? (11) Into a troop.--Josephus, using different vowels, read "to Lehi," the scene of Samson's exploit (Judges 15:9; Judges 15:19); but as the same word recurs in 2Samuel 23:13, clearly in the sense of "troop," the English reading should be retained. Lentiles.--Chronicles has "barley." The two words might easily be confounded in the Hebrew, and it is quite immaterial which is correct; the point is that the Philistines had made a foray to gather the ripe crops, the Israelites were terrified and fled, while Shammah, by his courage and valour, turned the tide of battle, and won a great victory. Verse 11. - Into a troop. Josephus renders it "to Lehi," the scene of Samson's exploit. The word is rare, but occurs again in ver. 13, where, however, we find in Chronicles the ordinary name for a host substituted for it. The Revisers have retained in the margin, "or, for foraging:" but its occurrence in Psalm 68:10, where it is tendered "thy congregation," and in the margin of the Revised Version," troop" makes it probable that" troop" is the right rendering here. Lentiles. In 1 Chronicles 11:13, "barley." The difference is probably caused by a transposition of letters. The Philistines seem to have made this incursion in order to carry off or destroy the crops of the Israelites. 2 Samuel 23:11 introduces Shammah, a lone warrior who steps up when everyone else steps back. His lineage is noted so we remember God values individual faithfulness. The Philistines’ united front magnifies the threat, yet the setting—a simple lentil field—shows God’s concern for everyday needs. Israel’s retreat contrasts sharply with Shammah’s courage, preparing us for the victory God will grant through one resolute believer. The verse reminds us that when others flee, God can still secure His people’s provision and honor His name through a single obedient heart.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And after himוְאַחֲרָ֛יו (wə·’a·ḥă·rāw) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 310: The hind or following part was Shammah שַׁמָּ֥א (šam·mā) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8037: Shamma -- an Asherite son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Agee אָגֵ֖א (’ā·ḡê) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 89: Agee -- the father of one of David's heroes the Hararite. הָרָרִ֑י (hā·rā·rî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2043: Hararite -- 'mountain dweller', descriptive of two of David's heroes When the Philistines פְלִשְׁתִּ֜ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia had banded together וַיֵּאָסְפ֨וּ (way·yê·’ā·sə·p̄ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove near לַחַיָּ֗ה (la·ḥay·yāh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life a field חֶלְקַ֤ת (ḥel·qaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 2513: Smoothness, flattery, an allotment full of מְלֵאָ֣ה (mə·lê·’āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 4395: Something fulfilled, abundance lentils, עֲדָשִׁ֔ים (‘ă·ḏā·šîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5742: A lentil [Israel's] troops וְהָעָ֥ם (wə·hā·‘ām) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock fled נָ֖ס (nās) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away from מִפְּנֵ֥י (mip·pə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face [them]. פְלִשְׁתִּֽים׃ (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia Additonal Resources 2 Samuel 23:11 Blue Letter Bible2 Samuel 23:11 Bible Gateway 2 Samuel 23:11 Bible.com 2 Samuel 23:11 NIV |
    |