These are the names of David’s mighty men:This phrase introduces a list of David's elite warriors, known as the "mighty men" or "Gibborim." These men were renowned for their bravery and skill in battle, serving as David's most trusted and valiant soldiers. The concept of mighty men is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern tradition of warrior elites who were celebrated for their heroic deeds. In the broader biblical narrative, these men symbolize the strength and support that God provided to David, enabling him to establish and secure his kingdom.
Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite:
Josheb-basshebeth is identified as one of the foremost warriors among David's mighty men. The name "Josheb-basshebeth" is somewhat enigmatic, with variations in different manuscripts, but it is generally understood to refer to a distinguished warrior. The term "Tahchemonite" likely indicates his origin or clan, though its exact meaning is uncertain. This designation highlights the diverse backgrounds of David's warriors, who were united under his leadership.
was chief of the Three:
Josheb-basshebeth is described as the chief of the Three, a subgroup within the mighty men. The Three were the most elite and accomplished warriors, distinguished by their extraordinary feats. This hierarchical structure within the mighty men reflects the organization and discipline of David's forces, which were crucial for his military successes. The Three's exploits are celebrated in the biblical text, underscoring their pivotal role in David's reign.
He wielded his spear against eight hundred men:
This phrase recounts a remarkable feat of valor, where Josheb-basshebeth is said to have fought against eight hundred men with his spear. Such accounts of individual heroism are common in ancient military narratives, serving to inspire and exemplify the ideal warrior. The number "eight hundred" may be symbolic, representing overwhelming odds and the divine empowerment of David's warriors. This act of bravery is reminiscent of other biblical figures who achieved great victories through faith and divine assistance.
whom he killed at one time:
The phrase emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Josheb-basshebeth's achievement, suggesting a single, decisive battle or engagement. This account highlights the supernatural strength and courage attributed to David's mighty men, often seen as a reflection of God's favor and intervention. The narrative serves to glorify the accomplishments of these warriors while reinforcing the theme of divine support for David's kingdom. Such stories of individual heroism also prefigure the ultimate victory of Christ, who triumphs over sin and death through His sacrificial act.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe King of Israel, known for his leadership, military prowess, and heart for God. He gathered a group of mighty warriors who were instrumental in his military successes.
2.
Josheb-basshebethAlso known as Adino the Eznite in some translations, he was the chief of David's mighty men. His remarkable feat of killing eight hundred men with his spear highlights his exceptional bravery and skill.
3.
The TahkemoniteThis term refers to Josheb-basshebeth's origin or possibly a title. It indicates his background or a specific group he was associated with.
4.
David’s Mighty MenA group of elite warriors who served King David. They were known for their extraordinary feats in battle and loyalty to David.
5.
The BattleThe specific event where Josheb-basshebeth killed eight hundred men is not detailed, but it signifies a significant military victory and personal valor.
Teaching Points
Courage and FaithfulnessJosheb-basshebeth's actions demonstrate immense courage and faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith and face challenges with bravery.
Leadership and InfluenceDavid's ability to inspire and lead such mighty men reflects the importance of godly leadership. Christians are called to lead by example and inspire others to achieve great things for God's kingdom.
God's EmpowermentThe extraordinary feats of David's mighty men remind us that God empowers His people to accomplish what seems impossible. Trust in God's strength rather than our own.
Loyalty and BrotherhoodThe unity and loyalty among David's mighty men serve as a model for Christian fellowship. Believers should support and stand by one another in spiritual battles.
Legacy of FaithThe accounts of David's mighty men are preserved as a testament to their faith and valor. Christians are encouraged to live lives that leave a lasting legacy of faith and courage.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 23:8?
2.How does 2 Samuel 23:8 inspire us to demonstrate courage in our faith?
3.What qualities made Josheb-Basshebeth a leader, and how can we emulate them?
4.How does Josheb-Basshebeth's bravery connect to Ephesians 6:10's call for spiritual strength?
5.In what ways can we apply Josheb-Basshebeth's dedication to our daily challenges?
6.How does this verse encourage us to rely on God's strength in battles?
7.What does 2 Samuel 23:8 reveal about the nature of biblical heroism and leadership?
8.How does the account of Josheb-Basshebeth challenge our understanding of divine empowerment?
9.What historical evidence supports the existence of David's mighty warriors?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 23?
11.(2 Samuel 23) Is there any archaeological evidence confirming the exploits or the existence of David’s “mighty men”?
12.(2 Samuel 23:8) How could one warrior realistically kill eight hundred men at one time?
13.(2 Samuel 23:8 vs 1 Chronicles 11:11) Why do the records conflict on the number of enemies killed (eight hundred vs three hundred)?
14.Why does the list of David’s mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11 differ from similar lists in other biblical passages like 2 Samuel 23, and can both be historically accurate?What Does 2 Samuel 23:8 Mean
These are the names of David’s mighty men:“These are the names of David’s mighty men:” (2 Samuel 23:8)
• The Spirit highlights that David’s victories were never accomplished alone. God surrounded the king with warriors of extraordinary courage and faith (1 Samuel 22:1–2;1 Chronicles 12:1–2).
• By naming them, Scripture gives honor where honor is due (Romans 13:7) and reminds us that God sees and records every act done for His kingdom (Malachi 3:16;Hebrews 6:10).
• Their exploits parallel the heroes of faith inHebrews 11:32–34, showing the same God empowering His people across generations.
Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three“Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three.”
• Among all the elite forces, there was a top tier known as “the Three” (2 Samuel 23:13, 16). Josheb-basshebeth led this inner circle, much like Peter, James, and John formed Jesus’ closest circle (Mark 5:37; 9:2).
• Leadership here is based on proven faithfulness in battle, not lineage or politics (Proverbs 22:29).
• God often raises one servant to inspire others—think of Gideon’s 300 (Judges 7:17) or Paul among the apostles (Galatians 2:9).
He wielded his spear against eight hundred men“He wielded his spear against eight hundred men …”
• The number is staggering, yet the narrative presents it as straightforward fact. Such feats fulfill promises likeLeviticus 26:8 andDeuteronomy 32:30, where God said one man could chase a thousand when He fought for them.
• Similar single-handed victories appear with Shamgar’s 600 (Judges 3:31) and Jonathan’s climb against the Philistine outpost (1 Samuel 14:12–15).
• The spear reminds us that ordinary weapons become extraordinary when yielded by someone wholly reliant on the Lord (Psalm 18:34;2 Corinthians 10:4).
Whom he killed at one time“… whom he killed at one time.”
• The phrase underscores a single, decisive encounter, not a lifetime tally. God gave complete victory in the moment it was needed (Joshua 23:10).
• Such instantaneous triumph echoes David’s own slaying of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:50–51), reinforcing the lesson that “the battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47).
• It foreshadows Christ’s once-for-all victory over sin and death (Hebrews 10:12–14), showing how a solitary act can secure lasting freedom for God’s people.
summary2 Samuel 23:8 introduces the roster of David’s mighty men by spotlighting Josheb-basshebeth, leader of the Three. His single-handed defeat of eight hundred enemies in one encounter demonstrates God’s power working through a committed servant. The verse affirms that when God is with His people, numerical odds are irrelevant, leadership is validated by faith-driven action, and decisive victories glorify the Lord who fights for His own.
(8)
These be the names.--Here, in the summary at the close of David's reign, is very naturally given a list of his chief heroes. A duplicate of this list, with several variations, and with sixteen more names, is given in
1Chronicles 11:10-47, which is useful in correcting such clerical errors as have arisen in both. The list in Chronicles is given in connection with David's becoming king over all Israel; but in both cases the list is not to be understood as belonging precisely to any definite time, but rather as a catalogue of the chief heroes who distinguished themselves at any time in the life of David.
The Tachmonite that sat in the seat.--The text of this verse has undergone several alterations, which may be corrected by the parallel passage in Chronicles. This clause should read, "Jashobeam the Hachmonite," as in1Chronicles 11:11. Jashobeam came to David at Ziklag (1Chronicles 12:1;1Chronicles 12:6), and afterwards became the general of the first division of the army (1Chronicles 27:2), being immediately followed by Dodo. One of the same family was tutor to David's sons (1Chronicles 27:32). . . .
Verse 8. -
These be the names. A similar list is given in
1 Chronicles 11:10-47, with several variations, and sixteen more names. It is given there in connection with David's elevation to the throne of all Israel, and the conquest of Jerusalem. Such catalogues might possibly be revised from time to time, and new names inserted as there were vacancies caused by death. And this seems to have been the case with the list in Chronicles, which contains the names of all who were admitted during David's reign into the order of the mighties. The present is the actual list of the order as it existed on the day when David, at Hebron, was anointed king over all the twelve tribes. And we can well conceive that, on so grand an occasion, David founded this, the first order of chivalry, and gave his thirty knights, as they would be now called, their special rank and high privileges.
The Tachmonite. This verse is extremely corrupt. A man could not be a Tachmonite and an Eznite at the same time. In the Revised Version the corruption is confessed in the mildest terms, but there is something painfully ludicrous in giving Josheb-basshebeth as the man's name. The reading "Jashobeam the son of a Hachmonite," in
1 Chronicles 11:11, is confirmed by
1 Chronicles 12:6, where Jashobeam is mentioned among those who joined David at Ziklag, and by
1 Chronicles 27:2, where we find him appointed commander of the first brigade of twenty-four thousand men. The error in the present text arose from the scribe's eye being misled by catching sight of
basshebeth in the line above, it being the word translated "in the same place" in the Authorized Version.
He Adino the Eznite. These unmeaning words are a corruption of the right reading preserved in Chronicles, "he lifted up his spear." The number of men whom he slew at one time is there stated as having been three hundred; but, as Abishai accomplished this feat, and yet held only inferior rank, eight hundred is probably right. And possibly it is not meant that he slew them all with his own hand, though that is quite possible. He was
chief of the captains. The word for "captain,"
shalish, is derived from the numeral "three;" and probably it was the title of the three who formed the first rank of the mighties. But in course of time it seems to have been applied to the commanders of the body guard (
2 Kings 10:25); and we find Bidcar so styled when in personal attendance upon Jehu (
2 Kings 9:25); and Pekah used the opportunities afforded by this office for the murder of Pekahiah (
2 Kings 15:25). It is not used of military officers generally. Those admitted to the list were evidently the outlaws . who had been with David in his wanderings and at Ziklag. They now received their reward, and became, moreover, the stay of David's throne. It is their past history which accounts for the strange composition of the list. A large number came from Judah, and especially from Bethlehem. Several are David's own relatives. Seven towns or families furnish sixteen out of the whole list. We find a father and his son, and pairs of brothers. There are, moreover, numerous foreigners - Hittites, Ammonites, Moabites, a Syrian from Zobah, and Gideonites, descended from the aboriginal inhabitants of the land. Such a list would have been sorely resented had it not been formed out of men who had earned it by their past services and their fidelity to David.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Theseאֵ֛לֶּה(’êl·leh)Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428:These, thoseare the namesשְׁמ֥וֹת(šə·mō·wṯ)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8034:A nameof David’sלְדָוִ֑ד(lə·ḏā·wiḏ)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jessemighty men:הַגִּבֹּרִ֖ים(hag·gib·bō·rîm)Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1368:Powerful, warrior, tyrantJosheb-basshebethיֹשֵׁ֨ב(yō·šêḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marrythe Tahchemoniteתַּחְכְּמֹנִ֣י ׀(taḥ·kə·mō·nî)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8461:Tahchemonite -- a descriptive title for one of David's menwas chiefרֹ֣אשׁ(rōš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218:The headof the Three.הַשָּׁלִשִׁ֗י(haš·šā·li·šî)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7991:A triple, a triangle, a three-fold measure, a general of the third rankHeה֚וּא(hū)Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, arewieldedעֲדִינ֣וֹ(‘ă·ḏî·nōw)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5722:Adino -- 'voluptuous', one of David's heroeshis spearהָֽעֶצְנִ֔י(hā·‘eṣ·nî)Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6112:Eznite -- a descriptive title for one of David's menagainstעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsteightשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה(šə·mō·neh)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 8083:A cardinal number, eight, eighthhundred [men],מֵא֛וֹת(mê·’ō·wṯ)Number - feminine plural
Strong's 3967:A hundredwhom he killedחָלָ֖ל(ḥā·lāl)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2491:Pierced, pollutedat oneאֶחָֽת׃(’e·ḥāṯ)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firsttime.בְּפַ֥עַם(bə·p̄a·‘am)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6471:A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence
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OT History: 2 Samuel 23:8 These are the names of the mighty (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)