31. David’s warriors ( 2Samuel 23:8 – 39)

These are the warriors who helped David and secured his kingdom. 

👉 Read 2Samuel 23:8 - 38

Q1. From the exploit narration of the three elite warriors (8-12), what are the two common things for Elazar and Shammah’s record?

All Israelites retreated and he alone fought.

The Lord gave them great victory.

Q2. Why do you think David poured out the water? (16-17)

He could not drink the water that they had risked their lives

Two observations: They were so royal to David. Such devotion belongs to God alone.

Q3. Find verses the author elevated the first three warrior by comparing with Abishai and Benaiah.

V19 & 23

The first three warriors showed unmatched valor in battle, remained faithful to David when others fled, and won victories that Scripture credits to the Lord.

The text is ambiguous about whether the “three” in v. 13 are the same as the first three in vv. 8–12 or a new group, but given the final count of thirty-seven in v. 39, it makes sense to see the structure as: the first three (vv. 8–12), the second three (vv. 13–23), and then the thirty-one (vv. 24–39). The second three functioned more as commanders, yet the author deliberately elevates the first three above them because he saw in them the epitome of true warriors — men of valor, loyalty, and God-given victory. Joab, though he must have belonged among these second three in terms of military stature, is conspicuously absent. His violent, presumptuous, and disobedient actions toward David disqualified him, and so the author omitted his name on purpose, leaving him outside the roll of honor.

Q4. Here is an extra reading

Joab

Joab, son of Zeruiah and David’s nephew, was commander of David’s army but is notably absent from the list of David’s mighty warriors in 2 Samuel 23. Though not named among them, he was the kingdom’s chief military leader. He captured Jerusalem, led campaigns against the Ammonites, and defeated Absalom’s rebellion. Yet his ruthlessness—killing Abner, Amasa, and even Absalom against David’s will—stained his record. Loyal to the throne but driven by ambition, he was finally executed by Benaiah under Solomon’s orders, leaving a legacy both powerful and tragic.

Asahel

Asahel was the youngest son of Zeruiah, David’s sister, and the brother of Joab and Abishai. He was famous for his extraordinary swiftness in running, which made him stand out among David’s men. He served as one of the Thirty warriors and was later appointed over the fourth division of the army. His life was cut short when he pursued Abner during the battle at Gibeon and was killed, an event that triggered a cycle of vengeance between Joab and Abner. His zeal and speed illustrate both his courage and his tragic recklessness.

Abishai

Abishai, the eldest son of Zeruiah, was one of David’s most loyal and daring nephews. He commanded the Thirty and gained renown for killing three hundred men with his spear. He was always near David in critical moments, such as sneaking into Saul’s camp by night, standing against Philistine giants, and commanding a division of the army during Absalom’s rebellion. Abishai was deeply loyal but often impulsive, eager to strike down David’s enemies without hesitation, whether Philistines or even Shimei who cursed the king.

Eliam

Eliam was the son of Ahithophel, David’s trusted counselor, and the father of Bathsheba. His presence among the Thirty shows he was a man of valor and close to the king. Yet his family connection with Bathsheba makes David’s sin even more grievous, since by taking Bathsheba and orchestrating Uriah’s death, David offended both Eliam and Ahithophel. This may explain Ahithophel’s bitterness and eventual betrayal of David during Absalom’s rebellion.

Uriah the Hittite

Uriah was a Hittite by origin, yet his name bore witness to his devotion to Israel’s God. He was one of the Thirty, a valiant and faithful soldier. His loyalty to his comrades and to God’s cause was evident when he refused to go home to his wife while the ark and the army were in the field. This integrity stands in stark contrast to David’s treachery. David arranged for Uriah’s death in battle to conceal his own sin, making Uriah’s memory a testimony of honor and faithfulness overshadowed by the king’s failure.

Benaiah

Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada from Kabzeel, became one of David’s most renowned warriors. He killed two champions of Moab, went into a pit on a snowy day and slew a lion, and defeated a giant Egyptian with the man’s own spear. He rose to command David’s bodyguard, demonstrating courage and loyalty. Later, under Solomon, he replaced Joab as commander of the army and executed decisive judgments against Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei. Benaiah’s life shows the blend of valor and faithful service, making him a stabilizing force in the transition from David to Solomon.