2 Samuel 23 9

2 Samuel 23:9 kjv

And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:

2 Samuel 23:9 nkjv

And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated.

2 Samuel 23:9 niv

Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty warriors, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the Israelites retreated,

2 Samuel 23:9 esv

And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew.

2 Samuel 23:9 nlt

Next in rank among the Three was Eleazar son of Dodai, a descendant of Ahoah. Once Eleazar and David stood together against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army had fled.

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 9 Meaning

2 Samuel 23:9 introduces Eleazar, the son of Dodo the Ahohite, as one of David's three chief mighty men. The verse specifically highlights his remarkable act of courage and steadfastness during a significant battle against the Philistines. When the Philistine forces had gathered for war and the main Israelite army had retreated in fear, Eleazar, alongside David, defied the enemy, standing firm against overwhelming odds. This emphasizes his extraordinary bravery and unwavering loyalty in a critical moment.

2 Samuel 23 9 Context

This verse is part of a special appendix (2 Sam 23:8-39) dedicated to listing David's mighty men, celebrated for their exceptional military exploits and loyalty. Following David's "last words" (2 Sam 23:1-7), this section serves as a testament to the crucial individuals who supported David's reign through their unwavering courage and prowess. It highlights their individual acts of valor that helped establish and secure David's kingdom against formidable enemies like the Philistines, showcasing not only human bravery but also God's enablement through these select warriors. The account of Eleazar is often juxtaposed with that of Shammah in 2 Samuel 23:11-12, highlighting distinct acts of solitary stand in the face of widespread retreat. Historically, the Philistines were constant adversaries of Israel, necessitating such acts of courage to maintain the nation's security.

2 Samuel 23 9 Word analysis

• And next to him: Refers to the arrangement or sequence in the listing of the mighty men, immediately following the description of the first of the three, Jashobeam.
• Eleazar: (Hebrew: אֶלְעָזָר, Elʽazar) Meaning "God has helped" or "God is my helper." This name carries a theological significance, aligning with the idea that his strength and courage were divinely aided.
• the son of Dodo: Standard way of identifying lineage and family affiliation in ancient Israel.
• the Ahohite: (Hebrew: הָאֲחֹחִי, ha'Aḥōḥi) Denotes his ancestral clan or place of origin, likely a reference to Ahoah, a descendant of Benjamin (1 Chron 8:4). This roots him firmly within the Israelite tribal system.
• one of the three mighty men: (Hebrew: מֵאֵלֶה הַגִּבֹּרִים, me'eleh hagibborim) Specifies his elite status within David's most celebrated warriors. "Gibborim" (plural of gibbor) implies not merely strong men, but heroes, champions, often endowed with extraordinary ability, sometimes associated with divine power or blessing (cf. Gen 6:4).
• with David: Emphasizes his personal loyalty and connection to King David. His heroism was directly in support of the king's cause and kingdom.
• when they defied the Philistines: (Hebrew: בְּהֶחֶרְפָּם אֶת־פְּלִשְׁתִּים, bəheḥerpām et-Pəlishtim) The verb "defied" (ḥarap) suggests to challenge, insult, provoke, or expose to disgrace. Here, it conveys an active, audacious confrontation rather than just a passive encounter. It means they stood their ground against them with courage that bordered on a direct provocation to battle.
• who were gathered there for battle: (Hebrew: נֶאֶסְפוּ־שָׁם לַמִּלְחָמָה, ne’esfu-sham lammilḥamah) Indicates the Philistine forces were amassed, prepared for organized warfare, and likely numerous. This setting underscores the perilous situation.
• and the men of Israel had gone away: (Hebrew: וְאִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל עָלוּ, wə'ish Yisra'el ʻalu) The verb ʻalah here means "to go up" or "to retreat/flee." This critical detail highlights the cowardice or demoralization of the general Israelite army, leaving Eleazar (and David) isolated and severely outnumbered. This stark contrast elevates Eleazar's action from mere bravery to an act of exceptional courage and faith, as he stood firm when all others faltered.

2 Samuel 23 9 Bonus section

The account of Eleazar's courage, particularly the detail that he stood his ground when the men of Israel fled, foreshadows the spiritual call to believers in the New Testament to "stand firm" (Eph 6:13, 1 Cor 16:13) against spiritual adversaries when surrounded by apathy or even retreat from fellow believers. This is a recurring theme throughout biblical narrative: God empowering individuals or a small remnant to achieve victory against formidable odds when the majority falter due to fear or lack of faith (e.g., Gideon's 300, Jonathan's attack). Eleazar's valor, like that of the other mighty men, illustrates the potential for human heroism when empowered and consecrated for divine service, serving as an encouragement for contemporary believers to confront challenges with unwavering resolve.

2 Samuel 23 9 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:9 immortalizes Eleazar son of Dodo not merely for his physical prowess but for his unwavering resolve when his own people retreated. This incident exemplifies radical faithfulness and courage against overwhelming odds, a hallmark quality among David's most esteemed warriors. While the Philistines, formidable enemies of Israel, gathered with their full might, the Israelite soldiers fled, leaving a mere handful, including David and Eleazar, to face the adversary. Eleazar's defiance was not just recklessness; it was a profound act of loyalty and trust in God's ability to deliver, even through a solitary individual. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God often uses a courageous remnant to achieve His purposes, especially when others falter or abandon the call. His stand protected not just a king but possibly a critical strategic point, demonstrating that personal heroism, empowered by divine grace, can turn the tide in the darkest moments. It also underscores the principle that standing firm in the faith is sometimes a lonely act, but one that yields significant victory and earns eternal commendation.