1 Chronicles 11 46

1 Chronicles 11:46 kjv

Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

1 Chronicles 11:46 nkjv

Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite,

1 Chronicles 11:46 niv

Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite,

1 Chronicles 11:46 esv

Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

1 Chronicles 11:46 nlt

Eliel from Mahavah;
Jeribai and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam;
Ithmah from Moab;

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 46 Meaning

1 Chronicles 11:46 details the names of three individuals who were part of or associated with David's esteemed military forces during the early period of his reign. These individuals are Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai and Joshaviah (the sons of Elnaam), and Ithmah the Moabite. The verse contributes to the Chronicler's extensive enumeration of the elite warriors and loyal supporters who formed the formidable foundation of King David's kingdom, showcasing the depth and breadth of his human resources.

1 Chronicles 11 46 Context

This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles chapter 11, which serves as a foundational chapter detailing David's kingship. It begins with the anointing of David as king over all Israel in Hebron, his subsequent capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, and his establishment there as the capital. Following this, the chapter transitions into a detailed list of David's "mighty men" (gibborim). This list, while paralleling 2 Samuel 23, includes significant additions and variations, highlighting the Chronicler's particular emphasis on the comprehensive support network and divinely-ordained strength of David's reign. Verse 46 concludes one of the extensive lists of these warriors, reinforcing the sheer number and diverse origins of those who aligned themselves with David. The historical context is the early period of David's consolidated kingdom, a time of military strength and national unity under a divinely chosen king, a prelude to the construction of the Temple and the establishment of a lasting dynasty.

1 Chronicles 11 46 Word analysis

• Eliel (אֱלִיאֵל - 'Eli'el): Hebrew for "God is my God" or "God of God." A relatively common biblical name. Its presence here signifies a personal name, characteristic of Hebrew nomenclature, often carrying a theological connotation.
• the Mahavite (הַמַּחֲוִים - ha-Maḥawim): Indicates a geographical or tribal affiliation, "from Mahavah." The exact location of "Mahavah" is not clearly identified in biblical geography, suggesting it was either a very obscure locality or perhaps a reference to a unique lineage, highlighting the diversity of origins among David's followers. It emphasizes the Chronicler's detailed cataloging of David's diverse base of support.
• and Jeribai (יְרִיבַי - Yeribay): A personal name. Its precise etymology is uncertain, but it may relate to the root "contend" or "strive." Its inclusion along with his brother indicates familial association in military service.
• and Joshaviah (יוֹשַׁוְיָה - Yoshavyah): A personal name. Likely meaning "Yahweh grants settlement" or "Yahweh makes equal." Together with Jeribai, they are identified by their patronym.
• the sons of Elnaam (אֶלְנַעַם - 'Elna'am): Identifies the familial relationship, signifying a father and his sons serving David. "Elnaam" means "God is pleasantness" or "God is delightful." This emphasizes the hereditary nature of military service and loyalty in ancient Israelite society and underscores the strength derived from family units.
• and Ithmah (יִתְמָה - Yithmah): A personal name of uncertain meaning, perhaps related to "orphanage."
• the Moabite (הַמּוֹאָבִי - ha-Mo'avi): This is a highly significant identifier. "Moabite" denotes a person from Moab, a neighboring nation traditionally hostile to Israel and subjected to divine prohibition from "entering the assembly of the Lord" (Deut 23:3-6) due to their historic actions against Israel. The inclusion of a Moabite in David's elite warriors, despite the general legal and historical enmity (e.g., Num 22-24, 2 Sam 8:2), underscores several points:
  • Inclusion by Merit: It suggests that David's military drew talent based on skill and loyalty, even from non-Israelite origins.
  • David's Lineage: David himself had Moabite ancestry through Ruth (Ruth 4:18-22), creating a poignant connection. This may implicitly validate the possibility of inclusion for individuals of Moabite descent into the people of God, under specific circumstances and through a transformation of loyalty.
  • Divine Sovereignty: It highlights God's ability to work through unexpected means and individuals, transcending strict ethnic or legalistic boundaries in specific instances to accomplish His purposes for His chosen king and kingdom. This point is a subtle polemic against rigid ethno-nationalistic interpretations, demonstrating divine inclusivity under unique circumstances.

1 Chronicles 11 46 Bonus section

The extensive listing of names and origins, especially those not found in parallel accounts in Samuel, speaks to the Chronicler's detailed historical memory and theological emphasis on the comprehensive nature of David's kingdom. The varied backgrounds, including obscure localities and ethnic groups like the Moabites, implicitly reinforces a key theological theme: that God works through a diverse range of people and circumstances to establish His kingdom. The Chronicler, writing in a post-exilic context, likely used these lists to encourage hope for restoration, demonstrating how God had previously gathered His people from disparate places and circumstances under His chosen leader, providing a blueprint for future community and unity under God's appointed figures.

1 Chronicles 11 46 Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:46 concludes a crucial section of David's mighty men, amplifying the narrative found in 2 Samuel by adding details unique to the Chronicler's perspective. The specific names like Eliel the Mahavite and the sons of Elnaam serve to underline the meticulous nature of David's record-keeping and the widespread support he commanded. Most notably, the inclusion of "Ithmah the Moabite" provides profound insight into David's kingship and God's plan. While Deuteronomic law prohibited Moabites from formal inclusion in the assembly, Ithmah's presence highlights how loyalty and prowess transcended rigid national boundaries in service to God's anointed king. This echoes David's own Moabite ancestry through Ruth, subtly hinting at a broader divine redemptive scope that includes foreigners in the narrative of salvation history. The verse reinforces the Chronicler's aim: to present David's reign as robust, divinely favored, and possessing broad-based support, thereby legitimizing the Davidic dynasty as the rightful heir to God's promises. It shows that David was not merely a tribal chieftain, but a king who could gather loyal forces from diverse backgrounds, establishing a foundation for a unified and powerful kingdom.