Lexical Summary Achasbay: Achasbai Original Word: אֲחַסְבַּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ahasbai Of uncertain derivation; Achasbai, an Israelite -- Ahasbai. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Ahasbai (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲחַסְבַּי proper name, masculine father of Eliphelet, one of David's heroes 2 Samuel 23:34. (Meaning dubious; 1 Chronicles 11:35 has אוּר׃, followed by חֵפֶר; text. probably corrupt.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence The name אֲחַסְבַּי appears once in the canonical text, at 2 Samuel 23:34. In the roster of David’s “mighty men,” Scripture identifies “Eliphelet son of Ahasbai the Maacathite”. Though mentioned only as the father of a warrior, Ahasbai stands within a passage that celebrates God’s empowerment of David’s elite corps and, by extension, His covenant faithfulness to the king and nation. Historical Setting 2 Samuel 23 preserves an honor roll compiled late in David’s reign, reflecting exploits dating from the wilderness years through the consolidation of the monarchy. Ahasbai’s son served alongside veterans such as “Josheb-Basshebeth” and “Benaiah son of Jehoiada,” indicating that the household of Ahasbai was active during the intense military campaigns that secured Israel’s borders against Philistines, Ammonites, and Arameans. The presence of a Maacathite family among David’s officers demonstrates the king’s ability to attract loyalists from beyond Judah and Israel proper. Geographical Context Maacah lay north-east of the Sea of Galilee, bordering Geshur and Aram-Damascus (Deuteronomy 3:14; Joshua 12:5). That region often shifted allegiances between larger powers. Ahasbai’s identification with Maacah suggests either foreign extraction or a clan that settled there during the tribal period. His son’s service in Jerusalem indicates how David’s kingdom integrated valiant men from the wider Levant into Israel’s covenant community. Military Associations The designation “mighty men” (Hebrew gibborim) signifies warriors renowned for courage, skill, and loyalty. Eliphelet’s inclusion implies high regard for his father’s lineage, since family identity shaped status in ancient Israel. Ahasbai’s household would have received land allotments or stipends in return for continued military readiness (compare 1 Samuel 22:7). The narrative thereby affirms God’s providence in raising supporters from diverse quarters to accomplish His redemptive purposes through David’s throne. Genealogical Resonances The same verse pairs “Eliphelet son of Ahasbai” with “Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,” reminding readers that families could serve either faithfully or treacherously. Whereas Ahithophel later betrayed David, no blemish attaches to Ahasbai’s line. His legacy is one of steadfast commitment, contrasting starkly with those who turned against the anointed king. Theological Insights 1. Covenant Inclusivity: Ahasbai’s Maacathite background shows the divine intent to bless the nations through Israel (Genesis 12:3). Under David, Gentile allegiance foreshadowed the Messiah’s global reign (Psalm 2:8). Ministry Applications • Encourage believers that quiet faithfulness within the home can produce mighty servants for God. Summary Ahasbai, though cited only once, occupies a strategic place in the biblical narrative. His Maacathite heritage and his son’s bravery illustrate the broad reach of David’s kingdom and, ultimately, the expansive grace of God’s covenant. Hidden in a list of heroes, Ahasbai reminds readers that every faithful household plays a part in advancing God’s redemptive plan. Forms and Transliterations אֲחַסְבַּ֖י אחסבי ’ă·ḥas·bay ’ăḥasbay achasBaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 23:34 HEB: אֱלִיפֶ֥לֶט בֶּן־ אֲחַסְבַּ֖י בֶּן־ הַמַּֽעֲכָתִ֑י NAS: the son of Ahasbai, the son KJV: the son of Ahasbai, the son INT: Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai the son of the Maacathite 1 Occurrence |
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