1 Chronicles 11 26

1 Chronicles 11:26 kjv

Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

1 Chronicles 11:26 nkjv

Also the mighty warriors were Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

1 Chronicles 11:26 niv

The mighty warriors were: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem,

1 Chronicles 11:26 esv

The mighty men were Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

1 Chronicles 11:26 nlt

David's mighty warriors also included: Asahel, Joab's brother;
Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem;

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 26 Meaning

This verse initiates a detailed listing of King David's elite warriors, specifically focusing on men described as "mighty men of the armies." It names Asahel, Joab's brother, and Elhanan, son of Dodo, from Bethlehem, as two prominent individuals among them, highlighting their status and contribution to David's kingdom.

1 Chronicles 11 26 Context

1 Chronicles 11 details David's anointing as king over all Israel in Hebron, his conquest of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, and his establishment of it as the capital, the City of David. Following these foundational acts, the chapter transitions to identify David's most dedicated and powerful warriors. Verses 11-25 introduce "the Three" and "the Thirty" (or the core of his elite), highlighting their most heroic exploits. Verse 26, the start of a further list, acts as a continuation, listing an additional set of elite individuals beyond the core "Thirty," further detailing the composition of David's loyal and formidable fighting force crucial to establishing and maintaining his kingdom. This detailed roster underscores the strength, loyalty, and divine favor that characterized David's reign.

1 Chronicles 11 26 Word analysis

• And: A conjunction linking this new section of "mighty men" to the previous enumeration, indicating a continuation of the same thematic emphasis on David's key warriors.
• the mighty men (הַגִּבֹּרִים / ha-gibborim): Refers to powerful, strong, and valiant individuals, heroes of war. This term is used throughout the Bible to denote exceptional strength or courage, particularly in a military context. It signifies these were not ordinary soldiers but the elite, proven in battle.
• of the armies (הַחַיִל / ha-chayil): Specifies their role within the organized military force. Chayil encompasses strength, valor, and army. It highlights their standing as the elite component within David's military establishment.
• were: Identifies the individuals named as belonging to the group of "mighty men of the armies."
• Asahel (עֲשָׂהאֵל / ‘Asa’el): Means "God has made" or "Creature of God." He was known for his extraordinary speed. His inclusion here emphasizes his recognized valor and place among the elite, despite his untimely death, as recorded in 2 Samuel 2.
• the brother of Joab: This familial connection is highly significant. Joab was David's primary military commander, a powerful and influential figure. Listing Asahel by his relation to Joab immediately indicates his elevated status within the military and political structure of David's reign, signaling a lineage of proven military leadership.
• Elhanan (אֶלְחָנָן / ’Elchanan): Meaning "God has been gracious" or "God has shown grace." He is celebrated for his valiant deed of slaying a giant (1 Chr 20:5, 2 Sam 21:19), placing him among the most distinguished warriors capable of extraordinary feats.
• the son of Dodo: Patronymic, identifying Elhanan through his father. Dodo, a Bethlehemite, is himself referenced in lists of mighty men (e.g., 2 Sam 23:9 mentions "Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite"). This highlights a tradition of martial excellence within families linked to David.
• of Bethlehem (בֵּית לָחֶם / Bet Lechem): "House of Bread." David's hometown and ancestral city. This detail underscores the deep personal and geographical ties many of David's key supporters and elite warriors had with him, indicating a core of loyalty and shared heritage originating from his humble beginnings in Bethlehem. It also subtly connects to the future Messianic lineage, as the Messiah was also prophesied to come from Bethlehem.

1 Chronicles 11 26 Bonus section

• The meticulous cataloging of these individuals in Chronicles serves to legitimate David's reign, showing the breadth and strength of the support he commanded from key regions and families, reinforcing the divine choice of David.
• The chronicler's inclusion of detailed lists, beyond mere narrative, reflects an emphasis on genealogical and structural foundations of Israel, underscoring continuity and the hand of God in history.
• The presence of "the brother of Joab" in this list demonstrates the intertwined nature of military leadership and familial networks in ancient Israelite society, where blood ties often cemented allegiances and hierarchies.
• Elhanan's connection to Bethlehem not only links him to David's origin but subtly foreshadows Bethlehem's significance in redemptive history as the birthplace of the Messiah.

1 Chronicles 11 26 Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:26 opens the expanded roster of David's mighty men, showcasing the depth of valor and loyalty within his military ranks. These individuals were not merely soldiers but proven warriors whose strength and dedication were foundational to David's kingdom. Their inclusion, especially individuals like Asahel whose life was cut short but whose renown persisted, emphasizes David's ability to attract and unify formidable characters. The connections to prominent families like Joab's, and the geographical roots like Bethlehem, highlight both inherited valor and personal allegiance. This passage subtly demonstrates God's favor upon David's reign by providing him with such capable and devoted men, enabling him to fulfill God's purposes for Israel. It signifies that great leadership is often supported by an exemplary team, embodying spiritual principles of co-laboring for God's kingdom.For practical usage: Just as David was surrounded by loyal and capable individuals, God's work in any era often depends on devoted people committed to His purpose, each playing their unique, valorous part. This encourages appreciation for diverse gifts within the community of faith, essential for collective impact.