Lexical Summary Barchumi: Barchumi Original Word: בַּרְחֻמִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Barhumite By transposition for Bacharuwmiy; a Barchumite, or native of Bachurim -- Barhumite. see HEBREW Bacharuwmiy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originby transp. for Bacharumi, q.v. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Barhumite appears once in Scripture, in the catalog of David’s elite warriors: “Abiel the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite” (2 Samuel 23:31). Barhumite functions as the gentilic describing Azmaveth’s place of origin and distinguishes him within the renowned “Thirty” who stood by David during the formative years of his reign. Geographical Considerations Barhum is generally linked with Bahurim, a village on the road from the Mount of Olives toward the Jordan Valley. The site lay east or northeast of Jerusalem, in Benjamin’s territory, on a strategic ridge that travelers used when descending to the Jordan (2 Samuel 16:5; 2 Samuel 17:18). Its elevation offered good visibility, explaining why fugitives or messengers used the route. If Barhum and Bahurim are the same, Azmaveth hailed from Benjamin, a tribe often divided in its loyalties between Saul’s legacy and David’s anointing (2 Samuel 3:19). Textual Variations and Cross-References The parallel list of mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11:33 reads “Azmaveth the Baharumite,” reflecting the Hebrew variance between בַּרְחֻמִי and בַּחֲרוּמִי. The shift of a single consonant does not alter the identification; both forms point to the same locality. The Chronicles compiler preserves the list after the return from exile, testifying that the memory of these warriors endured in Israel’s collective consciousness. Role within David’s Mighty Men Azmaveth the Barhumite stands among soldiers whose deeds, while not individually recorded, collectively secured David’s kingdom. Alongside more famous names such as Eleazar, Benaiah, and Uriah, Azmaveth represents the many courageous yet unheralded servants whose loyalty enabled the covenant king to consolidate Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and prepare the way for Solomon’s temple. Historical Significance 1. Tribal Reconciliation: A Benjamite fighting for a Judahite king illustrates how David’s leadership healed inter-tribal tensions left after Saul’s death. Spiritual and Theological Insights • God values faithfulness over fame. Though Scripture records no exploits for Azmaveth, the Spirit ensured his name would be read across generations, embodying Hebrews 6:10—“God is not unjust; He will not overlook your work.” Practical Ministry Applications 1. Encourage the overlooked servant: Many believers labor far from the pulpit spotlight. Remind them that God records their devotion. Typological and Christological Connections David’s company of warriors foreshadows Messiah’s community of disciples. Azmaveth’s hidden valor anticipates those who forsake reputation to follow Christ (Matthew 19:29). The Barhumite’s loyalty during David’s hardships mirrors the persevering faith Jesus seeks in His servants amid present tribulations (John 15:20). Summary Barhumite, though appearing only once, anchors Azmaveth to a specific village, reminding readers that God’s redemptive narrative includes real people in real places. His silent service within David’s mighty men highlights divine recognition of faithfulness, demonstrates the unity God forges across tribal lines, and invites modern believers to serve their King with the same steadfast zeal. Forms and Transliterations הַבַּרְחֻמִֽי׃ הברחמי׃ hab·bar·ḥu·mî habbarchuMi habbarḥumîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 23:31 HEB: הָֽעַרְבָתִ֔י עַזְמָ֖וֶת הַבַּרְחֻמִֽי׃ ס KJV: the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, INT: the Arbathite Azmaveth the Barhumite 1 Occurrence |
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