1 Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh.
2 And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou [wast] he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.
3 Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.
4 And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which [is] Jebus; where the Jebusites [were], the inhabitants of the land.
5 And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which [is] the city of David.
6 And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.
7 And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of David.
8 And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.
9 So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts [was] with him.
10 These also [are] the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, [and] with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.
11 And this [is] the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain [by him] at one time.
12 And after him [was] Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who [was one] of the three mighties.
13 He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.
14 And they set themselves in the midst of [that] parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved [them] by a great deliverance.
15 Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.
16 And David [was] then in the hold, and the Philistines’ garrison [was] then at Bethlehem.
17 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that [is] at the gate!
18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that [was] by the gate, and took [it], and brought [it] to David: but David would not drink [of] it, but poured it out to the LORD,
19 And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with [the jeopardy of] their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.
20 And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew [them], and had a name among the three.
21 Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the [first] three.
22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.
23 And he slew an Egyptian, a man of [great] stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian’s hand [was] a spear like a weaver’s beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and slew him with his own spear.
24 These [things] did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among the three mighties.
25 Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the [first] three: and David set him over his guard.
26 Also the valiant men of the armies [were], Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
28 Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite,
29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,
30 Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite,
31 Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, [that pertained] to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,
32 Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,
33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
34 The sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite,
35 Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur,
36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,
37 Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai,
38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri,
39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armourbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah,
40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,
41 Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,
42 Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,
43 Hanan the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,
44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel the sons of Hothan the Aroerite,
45 Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite,
46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,
47 Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite.
Overview of 1 Chronicles Chapter 11
1 Chronicles Chapter 11 serves as a significant transition in the narrative of the Israelite monarchy, focusing on the anointing of David as king and the establishment of his reign. This chapter highlights the loyalty of David’s followers and the establishment of his kingdom in Jerusalem.
Anointing of David as King
The chapter opens with the gathering of all Israel to David at Hebron, signifying a unified recognition of his leadership. The elders of Israel come to David, acknowledging him as the shepherd of the people and expressing their desire for him to lead them.
- The elders proclaim, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh,” indicating their kinship and solidarity with David.
- David’s prior reign over Judah is noted, emphasizing his legitimacy as king over all Israel.
- David is anointed king, fulfilling the prophetic promise made to him earlier in his life.
David’s Conquest of Jerusalem
The narrative shifts to the military aspect of David’s reign, specifically his conquest of Jerusalem, referred to as the City of David. This event is pivotal in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.
- David captures the stronghold of Zion, which becomes known as the City of David.
- The chapter highlights the strategic importance of Jerusalem, situated on the border of Benjamin and Judah.
- David fortifies the city, making it a symbol of unity and strength for the Israelite tribes.
The Mighty Men of David
Following the establishment of his reign, the chapter introduces the “mighty men” of David, a group of elite warriors who demonstrate extraordinary loyalty and valor. Their feats are celebrated, showcasing the strength and dedication of David’s supporters.
- Among the mighty men, notable figures such as Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah are mentioned, each with their remarkable exploits.
- Josheb-Basshebeth is recognized for killing 800 men in a single encounter, illustrating the extraordinary nature of these warriors.
- Eleazar stands out for his defense of a field of lentils, fighting valiantly until his hand grew weary, symbolizing unwavering commitment to David and Israel.
David’s Leadership and the Loyalty of His Followers
The chapter emphasizes the theme of loyalty, as many men from various tribes come to David, drawn by his leadership and the promise of a united Israel. This gathering of warriors from across the nation reflects a collective desire for stability and strength under David’s rule.
- Men from different tribes, including Gad, Benjamin, and Manasseh, join David, showcasing a diverse coalition united for a common cause.
- The chapter concludes with a description of the various leaders and their respective tribes, reinforcing the idea of unity among Israel’s people.
Conclusion
1 Chronicles Chapter 11 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel’s history, marking the transition from division to unity under David’s kingship. The themes of loyalty, military strength, and divine appointment are woven throughout the chapter, establishing a foundation for David’s reign and the future of Israel. The anointing of David, the conquest of Jerusalem, and the introduction of his mighty men highlight the significance of leadership and community in the establishment of a strong and united nation.
