1 Chronicles 11 36

1 Chronicles 11:36 kjv

Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,

1 Chronicles 11:36 nkjv

Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,

1 Chronicles 11:36 niv

Hepher the Mekerathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,

1 Chronicles 11:36 esv

Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,

1 Chronicles 11:36 nlt

Hepher from Mekerah;
Ahijah from Pelon;

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 36 Meaning

1 Chronicles 11:36 lists two specific individuals from among David's elite warriors: Hezrai the Carmelite and Naarai, the son of Ezbai. This verse highlights their personal identity and lineage, emphasizing their inclusion in the esteemed ranks of David's mighty men, an elite group critical to his reign and the establishment of his kingdom. Their presence signifies their valor, loyalty, and vital contribution to David's success and God's plan for Israel.

1 Chronicles 11 36 Context

First Chronicles chapter 11 opens with the tribes of Israel anointing David as king over all Israel in Hebron, acknowledging him as the shepherd chosen by God. Following this, David captures the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem, making it the capital city and calling it the City of David. The remainder of the chapter, where verse 36 is located, provides an extensive list of David's mighty men – an elite military contingent crucial to his success. These men are recorded for their extraordinary bravery, loyalty, and vital contributions to David's kingdom, particularly in battle and conquest. Historically, this period marked the consolidation of Israel as a unified kingdom under a divinely appointed leader, characterized by military expansion and the securing of Israel's borders. The inclusion of these individual names highlights the personal commitment and collective strength that undergirded David's divinely sanctioned reign.

1 Chronicles 11 36 Word analysis

• Hezrai (חֶצְרַי, Ḥeṣray): This name is unique to 1 Chronicles 11:36 in biblical text. Its meaning is uncertain but could relate to 'enclosed' or 'village' (from חָצֵר, ḥaṣer). The very rarity of his name underscores the meticulous record-keeping for individuals, regardless of broader fame. His presence in this list signifies his individual valor and indispensable contribution to David's military successes.
• the Carmelite (הַכַּרְמְלִי, ha-Karm'lī): This descriptor indicates his origin from Carmel (כַּרְמֶל, Karmel), a well-known fertile mountain range in central Israel, famed for its lush vineyards and association with the prophet Elijah. The geographical tag not only identifies his home region but can also subtly suggest characteristics of the place – perhaps implying he was sturdy, robust, or from a resource-rich area. The fact that loyalists came from different parts of Israel strengthens David's united kingdom. This sets apart individuals loyal to God's chosen king against surrounding pagan nations.
• Naarai (נַעֲרַי, Na'aray): Found only in 1 Chronicles 11:36, his name potentially derives from the Hebrew root for 'youth' or 'lad' (נַעַר, na'ar). This could imply he was young when he gained his fame as a warrior, or that he possessed qualities associated with youth such as zeal and quickness. Notably, the parallel account in 2 Samuel 23:35 refers to him as "Paarai the Arbite," a textual variation that may stem from scribal differences or an alternate name. This variation in biblical lists demonstrates the careful work of textual criticism and highlights that the essence of identity and contribution remain stable.
• the son of Ezbai (בֶּן־אֶזְבַּי, ben-ʾEzbay): The phrase "son of" identifies Naarai's father, an essential marker of lineage and tribal affiliation in ancient Israelite society. His father's name, Ezbai (אֶזְבַּי, ʾEzbay), likely means "my splendor," "my strength," or "my power." This could indicate that Naarai hailed from an influential, strong, or reputable family, or that his father was a man of significant standing. The legacy of his father's name may have implicitly emphasized Naarai's own inherent qualities of valor and strength that he brought to David's service.
• Word-Group: "Hezrai the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai": This group presents two specific individuals. The structure "Name, Title/Origin, Name, Son of Father's Name" is a standard genealogical and identificatory pattern in ancient Israel. It serves to distinctly identify each warrior and anchor them within their family and geographic context, affirming their real historical presence and the legitimacy of David's kingdom. The inclusion of diverse names and geographical origins, from all over Israel, underscores the broad base of support David commanded, reinforcing God's establishment of his rule over all Israel.

1 Chronicles 11 36 Bonus section

• Theological Significance of "Mighty Men" (גִּבּוֹרִים, gibborim): This term, applied to David's warriors, transcends mere physical prowess. It connotes moral fortitude, unwavering loyalty, skill in warfare, and unwavering commitment to God's cause through His anointed leader. These individuals were instruments of God's purpose, demonstrating that true might is often rooted in divine enablement and faithful service.
• Implicit Polemics: While not an overt polemic, the precise listing of loyal warriors from across Israel for David's divinely established kingdom implicitly contrasts with the chaotic and often disloyal military forces of pagan nations or even the failed reign of King Saul. It suggests a kingdom where loyalty is paramount, and divine favor unites diverse peoples for a common, God-ordained purpose, highlighting the unique nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel through their king.
• Importance of Names and Lineage: In biblical times, a name and family lineage conveyed identity, social standing, and heritage. The preservation of these names, even for figures with limited narratives, indicates their intrinsic worth to the Chronicler, emphasizing God's careful attention to individuals who play a role, however minor it may seem, in His larger redemptive story. This encourages all believers to see their own seemingly small acts of faithfulness as significant in God's eyes.

1 Chronicles 11 36 Commentary

This concise verse, though merely a list of names, is rich in significance. It stands as a testament to the divine orchestration of David's kingdom, built not just on a single king, but on a network of loyal, courageous individuals. Hezrai and Naarai represent a multitude of unsung heroes, men whose names, though perhaps less celebrated than giants like Joab or Benaiah, were meticulously recorded in Scripture. This biblical detail underlines God's recognition of individual contributions and highlights the value placed on loyalty, valor, and service within the covenant community. These were not mere mercenaries, but "mighty men" – individuals committed to God's anointed leader, serving with strength derived from their dedication and perhaps from God's empowering presence. Their diverse origins underscore that strength and faith could be found across all Israel, contributing to a unified kingdom under God's chosen king.