2 Samuel 23 37

2 Samuel 23:37 kjv

Zelek the Ammonite, Nahari the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,

2 Samuel 23:37 nkjv

Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite (armorbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah),

2 Samuel 23:37 niv

Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,

2 Samuel 23:37 esv

Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah,

2 Samuel 23:37 nlt

Zelek from Ammon;
Naharai from Beeroth, the armor bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah;

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 37 Meaning

2 Samuel 23:37 names two additional members of David's elite corps of "mighty men": Hezro the Carmelite and Naarai the son of Ezbai. This verse continues the detailed enumeration of the warriors who distinguished themselves in their service to King David, recognizing their loyalty, skill, and contribution to the kingdom.

2 Samuel 23 37 Context

2 Samuel 23 opens with the "last words of David," a prophetic poem affirming God's everlasting covenant with him and his house (vv. 1-7). Following this, the chapter transitions into a highly detailed and honorary list of David's most valiant warriors, often referred to as "David's Mighty Men" (vv. 8-39). This section categorizes them into a "Triumvirate" of three chief heroes, a "Second Triumvirate," and then the "Thirty" (a larger group of notable captains, which also includes the initial two sets). Verse 37 specifically continues the enumeration within this "Thirty," providing the names Hezro the Carmelite and Naarai the son of Ezbai. The purpose of such lists in ancient literature, and particularly in the Bible, was to provide a historical record, honor those who served, demonstrate the support structure of the kingdom, and sometimes, implicitly, to highlight God's provision for His anointed leader. The placement immediately after David's "last words" links the human strength that supported his reign to the divine strength that established his throne.

2 Samuel 23 37 Word analysis

• Hezro (חֶצְרַי - Chetṣray): This is a proper name, meaning "my court" or "my enclosure." The fact that his name is recorded among David's elite warriors underscores his significant contributions. His inclusion signifies personal valor recognized by the chronicler and King David.

• the Carmelite: This identifier indicates his place of origin, Carmel. There were primarily two locations named Carmel in biblical Israel:

  • Mount Carmel: In the north, famously associated with the prophet Elijah.
  • Carmel in Judah: A town south of Hebron, known as the home of Nabal and Abigail (1 Sam 25). Given David's history in the region and his deep connections there, it is more likely Hezro hailed from Carmel of Judah. Being "the Carmelite" ties him to a specific region, highlighting the geographical breadth from which David's loyal followers were drawn. This identification places him within a distinct local and historical context.

• Naarai (נַעֲרַי - Na'ăray): This is a proper name that potentially means "my boy" or "youthful." Similar to Hezro, his inclusion emphasizes his individual merit and recognized position among the loyal military leaders. The meaning suggests a vigor or perhaps that he started his service at a younger age.

• the son of Ezbai: This phrase establishes Naarai's lineage and familial connection. In ancient cultures, identifying individuals by their father's name was common practice, providing clarity, legitimacy, and tracing ancestry. Ezbai himself is otherwise unknown, but his son's inclusion honors his family by association.

• Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai: This grouping showcases how individuals were identified in ancient Israel—either by their place of origin ("the Carmelite") or by their patriarchal lineage ("the son of Ezbai"). This method of identification provides clarity within lists, establishing the precise identity of each valiant man who stood with David. The inclusion of seemingly obscure names and their specific origins/lineages demonstrates the meticulous nature of the biblical record and highlights that every contributor, no matter how minor their individual narrative might be in broader Scripture, was noted and valued.

2 Samuel 23 37 Bonus section

The precise number of David's "mighty men" in this list fluctuates slightly when compared to the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 11. While 2 Samuel 23 lists "thirty-seven in all" (including the two triumvirates), 1 Chronicles has minor variations in names and numbers, indicating that the list likely evolved over time or was compiled from slightly different sources. Regardless, the intent of both lists remains the same: to provide an enduring tribute to those who exemplified courage and commitment in service to God's chosen leader. These individual names, even without elaborate backstories, serve as tangible links between the divine mandate upon David and the human execution of his kingship. Their very presence in Scripture emphasizes that all faithful service, from the famous to the lesser-known, contributes to the unfolding of God's redemptive history.

2 Samuel 23 37 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:37 offers a succinct entry into David's illustrious roster of mighty men, demonstrating the foundational strength and diversity of his supporting cadre. It’s a snapshot that reinforces the meticulousness of the biblical record, not just for kings and prophets, but also for those whose fidelity and courage provided the very backbone of the kingdom. Hezro and Naarai, though not extensively featured in other narratives, stand as representatives of the countless individuals who served God's appointed king with unwavering loyalty. Their inclusion teaches us that God notices and records the dedicated service of His people, no matter their origin or how 'small' their individual story seems in the larger tapestry of redemption. It speaks to a divine accounting where even names often pass quickly through our reading are nonetheless eternalized as contributors to His grand plan. These lists are a testament to the fact that divine work is accomplished through the aggregate faithfulness of many individuals, each playing a vital, recognized role.