1 Chronicles 11 34

1 Chronicles 11:34 kjv

The sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite,

1 Chronicles 11:34 nkjv

the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shageh the Hararite,

1 Chronicles 11:34 niv

the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite,

1 Chronicles 11:34 esv

Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shagee the Hararite,

1 Chronicles 11:34 nlt

the sons of Jashen from Gizon;
Jonathan son of Shagee from Harar;

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 34 Meaning

1 Chronicles 11:34 identifies two more individuals among David's mighty men: Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, identified as from Maacah, and Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite. This verse continues the detailed enumeration of the warriors who were foundational to David's kingdom, highlighting the diverse origins and lineages of those loyal to him.

1 Chronicles 11 34 Context

1 Chronicles 11:34 is found within a comprehensive list of David's mighty men, who played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining his kingdom (1 Chron 11:10-47). This list follows David's anointing as king over all Israel (1 Chron 11:1-3) and his conquest of Jerusalem, making it his capital (1 Chron 11:4-9). The inclusion of such detailed rosters in the book of Chronicles emphasizes the importance of loyal service, the divine establishment of David's throne, and the significant individuals who supported God's chosen king. The Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic audience, uses these lists to reaffirm Israel's identity, history, and the foundational legitimacy of the Davidic line, reminding them of God's faithfulness and the kind of steadfast dedication required from His people.

1 Chronicles 11 34 Word analysis

• Eliphelet (Hebrew: אֱלִיפֶלֶט, 'Ělīpheleṭ): Meaning "My God is deliverance" or "God is rescue." The name signifies trust in God's saving power. While other men named Eliphelet exist (e.g., one of David's sons in 1 Chron 3:6), this individual is distinct and notable for his inclusion among the mighty men.
• the son of Ahasbai (Hebrew: אֲחַסְבַּי, 'Ahasbay): This lineage provides a specific identifier. The name's precise meaning is uncertain, possibly "my brother has sheltered" or "resting." In 2 Samuel 23:34, the parallel passage, this individual is called "Ur" (אוּר), suggesting a textual variant or abbreviation. The Chronicler might have used a more complete or alternative tradition.
• the son of the Maachathite (Hebrew: מַעֲכָתִי, Ma'akhaṯī): This indicates Eliphelet's origin from Maacah, a small Aramean kingdom situated to the east of the Jordan River. Its inclusion here signifies the diverse backgrounds of David's loyal followers, demonstrating the wide influence of David and God's work extending beyond pure Israelite lineage. This highlights an openness to including valiant individuals from different places in God's plan for David's kingdom.
• Eliam (Hebrew: אֱלִיעָם, 'Ělī'ām): Meaning "My God is kinsman" or "God of the people." This name carries profound significance when considered with his father's identity. Eliam is known from 2 Samuel 11:3 as the father of Bathsheba, the woman with whom David committed adultery, a pivotal event in David's life and reign.
• the son of Ahithophel (Hebrew: אֲחִיתֹפֶל, 'Aḥîṯōp̄el): Meaning "My brother is folly" or "brother of foolishness." Ahithophel was one of David's most trusted and highly regarded counselors (2 Sam 15:12) before he tragically joined Absalom's rebellion against David, subsequently hanging himself when his counsel was rejected (2 Sam 17:23). The presence of his son, Eliam, among David's loyal mighty men is a striking detail. It serves as a subtle reminder of the intertwined destinies, loyalty, and betrayal that marked David's kingdom. Eliam remained faithful despite his father's ultimate act of disloyalty.
• the Gilonite (Hebrew: גִּלֹנִי, Gîlōnî): This refers to Ahithophel's hometown, Giloh, a city in the hill country of Judah (Josh 15:51). This detail further solidifies the historical context and the individual's geographic origin.

Words-group analysis:

• "Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite": This phrase establishes a complete identity for Eliphelet, noting his father and his unique ethnic background. It highlights the wide appeal of David's leadership and the diverse loyal support he commanded, demonstrating a unified purpose in service to the King.
• "Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite": This grouping carries deep prophetic irony and dramatic tension for the biblical reader familiar with the larger narrative. The listing of Eliam, a faithful warrior, is overshadowed by the mention of his father, Ahithophel, the notorious betrayer. This juxtaposition subtly weaves in elements of divine sovereignty and the complexity of human loyalty and relationships within the unfolding plan of God for David's dynasty.

1 Chronicles 11 34 Bonus section

The Chronicler's record of David's mighty men often slightly varies from the parallel list in 2 Samuel 23, both in number and in specific names. This difference (e.g., "Ahasbai" here vs. "Ur" in 2 Samuel 23:34 for Eliphelet's father) reflects different textual traditions, scribal variations over centuries, or the Chronicler's access to additional sources. It underscores the careful compilation and historical methodology employed by ancient writers, even as their ultimate purpose remained theological: to convey God's working through history and His people. The inclusion of Ahithophel's son in this loyal list, knowing Ahithophel's ultimate fate, adds a layer of depth about David's kingdom being made up of complex individuals and relationships, where divine purposes prevail despite human sin and choices. This illustrates that God works through real, often flawed, human agents to fulfill His perfect plans, and that service and loyalty are individually accountable, regardless of the actions of others within one's family or community.

1 Chronicles 11 34 Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:34 continues the essential registry of David's formidable warriors, solidifying the breadth of support for his divinely appointed rule. The inclusion of figures like Eliphelet, possibly a non-Israelite, emphasizes that loyalty and valor for the true King transcend conventional boundaries, welcoming all who serve faithfully. More profoundly, the verse introduces Eliam, son of Ahithophel. This specific lineage acts as a powerful undercurrent, subtly alluding to Ahithophel's future, profound betrayal of David, an event well-known to the Chronicler's audience from the books of Samuel. Yet, Eliam remained a steadfast "mighty man." This highlights the Chronicler's detailed historical account and underscores the theme that individual allegiance (Eliam's loyalty to David) can stand apart from familial ties (Ahithophel's disloyalty). It serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the overarching sovereign plan of God that continues to unfold despite personal failures and betrayals within its framework. Just as individuals like Eliam serve an earthly king, so too are believers called to undivided loyalty and service to Christ, our true King, amidst varying circumstances.