Now these were members of the Thirty:The "Thirty" refers to a group of elite warriors who served King David. This group was renowned for their bravery and skill in battle. The Thirty were part of David's mighty men, a larger group that included the "Three," who were even more distinguished. The Thirty were crucial in establishing and maintaining David's kingdom, reflecting the importance of loyalty and valor in leadership.
Asahel the brother of Joab:
Asahel was one of David's nephews, the son of David's sister Zeruiah. He was known for his swiftness and was a key figure in David's military campaigns. Asahel's relationship with Joab, David's commander, highlights the familial connections within David's army. Asahel's death at the hands of Abner, as recorded in2 Samuel 2:18-23, was a significant event that led to further conflict between David's forces and those loyal to Saul's house.
Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem:
Elhanan is another of David's mighty warriors, and his designation as the son of Dodo of Bethlehem places him within the same town as David, emphasizing the local support David had from his own tribe of Judah. Bethlehem, David's hometown, is significant in biblical history as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, linking David's lineage to the Messianic prophecy. Elhanan's inclusion in the list of the Thirty underscores the diverse backgrounds and skills of those who supported David's reign.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AsahelAsahel was the brother of Joab and one of David's mighty warriors. Known for his swiftness, he was a key figure in David's military exploits. His death at the hands of Abner is a significant event in the account of David's rise to power.
2.
JoabAsahel's brother, Joab, was the commander of David's army. He played a crucial role in many of David's military victories and was a complex character known for both his loyalty and his ruthless actions.
3.
ElhananElhanan, the son of Dodo from Bethlehem, was another of David's mighty warriors. His inclusion in this list highlights the diverse backgrounds of those who supported David.
4.
BethlehemA small town in Judah, Bethlehem is significant as the birthplace of David and later, Jesus Christ. It serves as a symbol of humble beginnings leading to greatness.
5.
The ThirtyThis refers to the group of elite warriors who served King David. They were renowned for their bravery and loyalty, playing a pivotal role in establishing David's kingdom.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Loyalty and ValorAsahel and Elhanan's inclusion in the list of David's mighty warriors underscores the value of loyalty and courage in serving God's anointed leaders. Believers are encouraged to exhibit these traits in their own lives.
God Uses Diverse BackgroundsThe mention of warriors from various backgrounds, including Bethlehem, illustrates how God uses people from all walks of life to fulfill His purposes. This encourages believers to recognize their unique contributions to God's kingdom.
The Cost of AmbitionAsahel's pursuit of Abner, which led to his death, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition. Christians are reminded to seek God's guidance and wisdom in their pursuits.
Legacy and InfluenceThe legacy of David's mighty warriors continues to inspire believers today. Their accounts remind us of the lasting impact of faithfulness and dedication to God's calling.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 23:24?
2.How does 2 Samuel 23:24 highlight the importance of loyalty in leadership?
3.What can we learn from Asahel's role among David's mighty men?
4.How does Asahel's mention connect with his story in 2 Samuel 2:18-23?
5.In what ways can we demonstrate bravery like Asahel in our daily lives?
6.How does Asahel's legacy inspire us to serve faithfully in God's kingdom?
7.Who was Asahel, and why is he significant in 2 Samuel 23:24?
8.How does 2 Samuel 23:24 fit into the context of David's mighty men?
9.What does 2 Samuel 23:24 reveal about the historical accuracy of the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 23?
11.How does 1 Chronicles 27's census reconcile with other conflicting census figures in the Bible (e.g., 2 Samuel 24)?
12.Who killed Goliath? David (I Samuel 17:23, 50) Elhanan (2 Samuel 21:19)
13.How do we reconcile 2 Samuel 21:19 (attributing Goliath's death to Elhanan) with David's victory in 1 Samuel 17?
14.Who incited David to take a census? (2 Samuel 24:1 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:1)What Does 2 Samuel 23:24 Mean
Now these were members of the Thirty:• The Holy Spirit, through the writer of Samuel, moves from the three greatest warriors (vv. 8–23) to “the Thirty,” an elite force that stood beside David in real, historic battles (2 Samuel 21:15–22;1 Chronicles 11:10–25).
• By introducing the list this way, Scripture reminds us that God values individual faithfulness within a team. Each man’s name is forever etched in God’s Word—just as Jesus later names the Twelve apostles one by one (Luke 6:13-16).
• Cross references highlight the literal reality of this band:1 Chronicles 11:25-47 repeats the roster;2 Samuel 10:9-14 shows how such warriors shielded Israel from hostile neighbors.
Asahel the brother of Joab,• Asahel, David’s nephew, was famed for his speed—“as swift-footed as a gazelle” (2 Samuel 2:18). That gift was no myth; it gave him tactical value in pursuit and reconnaissance.
• His death at Abner’s hand (2 Samuel 2:23) reminds us that bravery does not guarantee earthly survival, yet faithful service is never forgotten by God.
• His listing here, though already deceased, underscores the permanence of honor before the Lord (Hebrews 6:10).
• His brother Joab later avenges him (2 Samuel 3:27), illustrating the intertwining of family loyalty and covenant loyalty in David’s kingdom.
Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem,• Another Bethlehemite—sharing David’s hometown—Elhanan shows how God can raise multiple champions from one small place (Micah 5:2).
•1 Chronicles 11:26 repeats his name, confirming this is the same Elhanan who fought “among the mighty warriors.”
• By naming his father Dodo, Scripture roots Elhanan in a real family line, reinforcing the literal historicity of the narrative (cf.Numbers 1:2 for the importance of genealogies).
• As part of the Thirty, Elhanan served in critical missions that preserved Israel’s borders (2 Samuel 23:11-17 demonstrates the kind of daring operations these men undertook).
summary2 Samuel 23:24 opens the roster of David’s Thirty, spotlighting Asahel and Elhanan as tangible examples of courage, loyalty, and God-honored service. Their inclusion certifies that the Lord records and rewards faithful obedience, whether in swift pursuit or steadfast combat, assuring believers today that every act done for His kingdom is noted in eternity.
(24)
Asahel.--As he was killed by Abner while David reigned over Judah only, it is plain that this list is not restricted to any one definite time in David's reign. Leaving out Asahel, however, the names that follow are exactly "thirty." Of but few of them is anything further known.
Verse 24. -
The thirty. This order of knighthood consisted originally of thirty-three men, of whom three were of higher rank, and presided, probably, each over ten, while Joab was chief over them all. This arrangement of men in tens, with an officer over them. was, in fact, the normal rule among the Hebrews. The second triad is unusual, but is explained by the history. In honour of the exploit of bringing the water from the well of Bethlehem, this second order of three was instituted, lower than the three chiefs, but higher than the rest. The third of these is not mentioned, and the disappearance of the name is not the result of accident, but of purpose. Had it been a scribe's error, there would have been some trace of it in the versions. But if the name was erased, it must have been blotted out for treason, and we thus have two candidates for the vacant niche: one is Amasa, and the other Ahithophel. The name of Joab we cannot for one moment admit. He never was a traitor to David, nor would the latter, though king, have ventured to degrade one so powerful, and who continued to be commander-in-chief until David's death. Now, if Amasa is the same as the Amasai in
1 Chronicles 12:18, who was chief of the captains who came from Judah and Benjamin to David when he was in the hold, it is difficult to account for the absence of his name from the list of the thirty. Plainly, however, David did not regard his treason with strong displeasure, but was prepared, after Absalom's death, to make him commander-in-chief. But we must remember that a place in this second triad was gained by one exploit. The three were those who broke through the Philistine host, and fetched the water from Bethlehem. Such a deed would account for the close attachment between David and Ahithophel. He was the king's companion, and his familiar friend. It would account also for his suicide. His love to David had, for some unknown reason, turned to bitter hatred. He sought, not only David's life, but his dishonour. His feelings must have been highly excited before he could have worked himself up to such a pitch; and the reaction and disappointment would be equally extreme. He never could have faced David again, remembering the warmth of former love, and the shamelessness with which he had sought, not only his life, but to bring upon him public shame and ignominy. And his name would have been totally erased, and gone down into silence. Of Ahithophel's personal accomplishments as a brave warrior, we cannot doubt (see
2 Samuel 17:1), and his son Eliam was one of the mighties. (On a son and father both belonging to the order, see note on ver. 33.)
Elhanan (see note on 2 Samuel 21:19).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Now [these were members of] the Thirty:בַּשְּׁלֹשִׁ֑ים(baš·šə·lō·šîm)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7970:Thirty, thirtiethAsahelאֵ֥ל(’êl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6214:Asahel -- 'God has made', four Israelitesthe brotherאֲחִֽי־(’ă·ḥî-)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )of Joab,יוֹאָ֖ב(yō·w·’āḇ)Preposition, Article | Number - common plural
Strong's 3097:Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three IsraelitesElhananאֶלְחָנָ֥ן(’el·ḥā·nān)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 445:Elhanan -- 'God has been gracious', two of David's leaderssonבֶּן־(ben-)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonof Dodoדֹּד֖וֹ(dō·ḏōw)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1734:Dodo -- 'his beloved', three Israelitesof Bethlehem,לָֽחֶם׃(lā·ḥem)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1035:Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun
Links
2 Samuel 23:24 NIV2 Samuel 23:24 NLT2 Samuel 23:24 ESV2 Samuel 23:24 NASB2 Samuel 23:24 KJV
2 Samuel 23:24 BibleApps.com2 Samuel 23:24 Biblia Paralela2 Samuel 23:24 Chinese Bible2 Samuel 23:24 French Bible2 Samuel 23:24 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Samuel 23:24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) 
