Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Lists of his Heroes, and of Their Exploits

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Topical Encyclopedia

David, the second king of Israel, is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible. His life and reign are detailed in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. Known for his deep faith, military prowess, and poetic contributions to the Psalms, David's legacy is marked by his leadership and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

Lists of His Heroes

David's reign was supported by a group of mighty warriors, often referred to as "David's Mighty Men" or "David's Heroes." These men were renowned for their bravery and loyalty, playing crucial roles in securing David's kingdom. The primary lists of these heroes are found in 2 Samuel 23:8-39 and 1 Chronicles 11:10-47.

1. The Three: The most elite group among David's warriors.
· Josheb-Basshebeth: Also known as Jashobeam, he was chief of the captains. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time (2 Samuel 23:8).
· Eleazar son of Dodo: He stood his ground and struck down the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day (2 Samuel 23:9-10).
· Shammah son of Agee: He defended a field of lentils from the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory (2 Samuel 23:11-12).

2. The Thirty: A distinguished group of warriors who supported David.
· Abishai: Brother of Joab, he was chief of the Thirty and wielded his spear against three hundred men, winning a name among the Three (2 Samuel 23:18).
· Benaiah son of Jehoiada: A valiant fighter who performed great exploits, including killing two Moabite warriors, a lion in a pit on a snowy day, and an Egyptian giant (2 Samuel 23:20-21).

Exploits of David's Heroes

The exploits of David's mighty men are legendary, showcasing their courage and skill in battle. These acts not only highlight their individual prowess but also their unwavering loyalty to David.

· The Water from Bethlehem: Three of the Thirty broke through the Philistine camp to draw water from the well of Bethlehem for David. However, David refused to drink it, pouring it out as an offering to the LORD, recognizing the risk they took (2 Samuel 23:15-17).

· Defending the Harvest: Eleazar and Shammah's defense of the fields against the Philistines ensured the Israelites' sustenance and demonstrated their strategic importance in protecting the nation's resources.

· Benaiah's Feats: Benaiah's victories over formidable foes, including a lion and an Egyptian, exemplify the extraordinary bravery and strength of David's men. His actions earned him a place of honor and leadership over David's bodyguard (1 Chronicles 11:22-25).

These accounts of heroism and loyalty are integral to understanding the strength and success of David's reign. The mighty men of David not only secured his kingdom but also left a lasting legacy of valor and faithfulness in the history of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 23:1
Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,
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1 Chronicles 11:1
Then all Israel gathered themselves to David to Hebron, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.
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1 Chronicles 12:23-40
And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.
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Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Philistines and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the ... had a secret errand
to the king, who thereupon ... outpost of the children of Israel: these families ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... 60,000 in the time of that king; all others ... The political constitutions of Judah
and Israel were, on the ... principal personages at the court of David are handed ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... This was the period when David established his empire; there ... his attributes, and,
like Yahveh of Israel or Chemosh ... The king was not allowed to change his dress ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers
... What was there but one man in the days of David? ... bidding, such service being already
due to "another king, one Jesus ... least fitted to be a judge in Israel; but oh ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/hearken and look or encouragement.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... As we read through the lists, faint resemblances in sound ... or directing the actions
of the king himself; the ... task of rewriting the history of Israel, which, as ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... MAZDA BESTOWING THE TOKENS OF ROYALTY ON AN IRANIAN KING]. ... of the universe, now presided
under his guidance over ... All these inferior deities, heroes, and genii ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm