2 Samuel 23 36

2 Samuel 23:36 kjv

Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,

2 Samuel 23:36 nkjv

Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,

2 Samuel 23:36 niv

Igal son of Nathan from Zobah, the son of Hagri,

2 Samuel 23:36 esv

Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,

2 Samuel 23:36 nlt

Igal son of Nathan from Zobah;
Bani from Gad;

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 36 Meaning

This verse continues the enumeration of David's esteemed warriors, known as his mighty men. It specifically identifies two individuals: Igal, who is specified as the son of Nathan and originating from Zobah, and Bani, identified by his tribal affiliation as a Gadite. These names underscore the diversity of David's military leaders, drawn from various backgrounds and tribes, highlighting their crucial role in supporting David's kingdom.

2 Samuel 23 36 Context

This verse is situated within the "Last Words of David" and the subsequent listing of his elite warriors in 2 Samuel 23. This list (verses 8-39) serves as a testament to the military prowess and loyal support that solidified David's kingdom. Coming directly after a poetic expression of David's wisdom and faith, the list emphasizes the human instruments through whom God worked to establish a strong, unified Israel. Historically, David's reign was marked by extensive military campaigns that expanded Israel's borders and secured its position among regional powers. The inclusion of individuals from various tribes and even potentially from defeated enemies, like someone from Zobah, reflects David's capacity to integrate diverse loyalties into a formidable fighting force crucial for maintaining control and stability in his rapidly expanding kingdom.

2 Samuel 23 36 Word analysis

• Igal: (יִגְאָל, Yig’āl). This name means "He will redeem" or "redeemed." Its presence here honors an individual valued by David. In parallel lists, such as 1 Chr 11:36, there is a textual variant where this name appears as "Joel" (יוֹאֵל, Yô'ēl, meaning "Yahweh is God"). Such variations between biblical accounts highlight aspects of textual transmission and sometimes point to different traditions or the use of multiple sources by the compilers.
• the son of Nathan: This indicates patrilineal lineage, common in biblical naming conventions. "Nathan" (נָתָן, Nāthān) means "He gave" or "gift." This is a different Nathan from the prophet Nathan who ministered to David. The mention of his father further identifies Igal within a specific family unit, giving him a distinct identity among David's vast number of fighting men.
• of Zobah: (צוֹבָה, Tsobah). Zobah was a prominent Aramean kingdom situated in what is now modern-day Syria. David had a significant military encounter with Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, as recorded in 2 Samuel 8. This phrase signifies Igal's place of origin. His inclusion among David's elite suggests a number of possibilities: he might have been an Aramean integrated into David's forces, perhaps after Zobah's defeat, showing David's policy of incorporating skilled individuals regardless of former allegiances; or he might have been an Israelite whose family had ties to or resided in that region. This demonstrates the wide reach of David's kingdom and the diverse loyalties he commanded.
• Bani: (בָּנִי, Bānî). This name can mean "my builder" or "son/descendant." It is a relatively common Hebrew name found in various contexts within the Old Testament, denoting a member of a family or lineage.
• the Gadite: (הַגָּדִי, ha-Gaddî). This specifies Bani's tribal affiliation as belonging to the tribe of Gad. The tribe of Gad was one of the Israelite tribes located east of the Jordan River. They were particularly known for their military prowess and fierceness in battle. For example, 1 Chronicles 12:8 describes the Gadites who joined David as "mighty men of valor, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear; whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains." This designation for Bani would have immediately conveyed his tribal heritage of strength and bravery to the original Israelite audience.

2 Samuel 23 36 Bonus section

The discrepancy between the names listed in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11 is a significant point of interest for biblical scholars. For 2 Samuel 23:36, "Igal, the son of Nathan of Zobah; Bani the Gadite" corresponds to 1 Chronicles 11:36, which reads "Joel the brother of Nathan; Mibhar the son of Hagri." Such variations are common between the books of Samuel/Kings and Chronicles. Explanations range from scribal copying errors, differing source materials available to the chronicler, alternative names for the same individual, or indeed, entirely different individuals being listed. For instance, the Hebrew letters for "Igal" and "Joel" can appear similar in ancient scripts. Similarly, "Bani the Gadite" (בָּנִי הַגָּדִי) versus "Mibhar the son of Hagri" (מִבְחָר בֶּן־הַגְרִי) represents a complete divergence. These variations highlight the rich textual transmission history of the Old Testament and the meticulous care taken by biblical compilers while at the same time revealing minor points of divergence that textual criticism addresses. The theological emphasis remains the same: these were dedicated individuals vital to David's success.

2 Samuel 23 36 Commentary

This concise verse, though merely a list of names and origins, provides profound insights into the nature of David's kingdom and God's work through him. The inclusion of Igal of Zobah highlights David's remarkable ability to draw talent from diverse backgrounds, potentially even from former adversaries, showcasing his kingdom's integrative strength. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God raising up leaders and servants from unexpected places. The explicit mention of Bani as a Gadite draws upon the known reputation of the tribe of Gad for their ferocity and military might, emphasizing that David's might came from the committed strengths of the individual tribes of Israel. This list is more than a roster; it is a testament to the loyal, skilled individuals whose personal service and sacrifice formed the human backbone of the divinely ordained Davidic dynasty, which ultimately foreshadows the unified and diverse spiritual kingdom of the Messiah. These details reinforce the biblical emphasis on faithful service, the valuing of individual contributions, and the power of unity in advancing God's purposes.