Lexical Summary Mibchar: Choice, select, best Original Word: מִבְחָר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mibhar The same as mibchar; Mibchar, an Israelite -- Mibhar. see HEBREW mibchar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bachar Definition one of David's warriors NASB Translation Mibhar (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִבְחָר proper name, masculine (choice) one of David's warriors 1 Chronicles 11:38. Topical Lexicon MibharPersonal Identification Mibhar, “the son of Hagri,” is named once in the Old Testament (1 Chronicles 11:38) among the distinguished warriors who rallied to David during his ascent to kingship. The Chronicler places him in the middle section of the roll that is often called “the Thirty,” an elite corps whose exploits secured the united monarchy and defended the covenant nation. Biblical Context 1 Chronicles 11 preserves the Chronicler’s expanded list of David’s mighty men, paralleling but not completely mirroring the catalogue in 2 Samuel 23. The placement of Mibhar directly after “Joel the brother of Nathan” and before “Zelek the Ammonite” underscores the international and tribal diversity that characterized David’s fighting force. Even though only his name and paternal link are recorded, the inclusion affirms his proven valor, loyalty, and strategic worth to the kingdom. Quotation: “Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar son of Hagri, Zelek the Ammonite” (1 Chronicles 11:38). Historical Setting The muster of David’s champions spans the turbulent transition from the reign of Saul to the consolidation of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel (circa 1010–970 BC). During this formative period, military prowess was inseparable from covenant faithfulness; victorious campaigns against Philistia and other hostile neighbors provided breathing room for national worship, ethical instruction, and eventual temple preparation under Solomon. By standing with David in those years, Mibhar stood with the Lord’s anointed and advanced the redemptive trajectory that culminates in the Davidic Messiah. Relation to the Hagrites Mibhar’s patronymic “son of Hagri” is unique. “Hagri” might be a personal name, yet many connect it to the Hagrites, desert nomads living east of the Jordan who occasionally battled Israel (1 Chronicles 5:10, 19–21). If so, Mibhar exemplifies the gracious absorption of former outsiders into Israel’s covenant purposes—foreshadowing the gathering of the nations promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:3) and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:8). The Mighty Men and Davidic Leadership David’s band combined exceptional skill with unwavering loyalty. Their deeds—breaking Philistine lines for water (2 Samuel 23:16), defending fields from overwhelming odds (2 Samuel 23:11–12), and slaying giants (2 Samuel 21:15–22)—demonstrated that “the battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47). Mibhar, though unaccompanied by a recorded exploit, shares in their collective honor. Scripture’s selective silence about individual feats keeps the spotlight on the covenant account rather than personal glory, reminding readers that every servant’s contribution matters even when history records only a name. Theological Significance 1. Divine Election and Human Choice Mibhar’s name derives from the idea of what is “chosen” or “selected.” The Chronicler subtly weaves the theme of divine election through his narrative—David is the chosen king (1 Chronicles 28:4), Jerusalem the chosen city (2 Chronicles 6:6), and the temple the chosen dwelling (2 Chronicles 7:12). Mibhar’s inclusion among the chosen warriors illustrates how individuals align themselves with God’s larger choosing by faith and obedience. 2. Inclusion of the Nations Whether or not Mibhar descends from the Hagrites, the surrounding list contains Ammonites, Moabites, and other foreigners who pledged allegiance to David (for example, Uriah the Hittite, 2 Samuel 23:39). Their presence anticipates the gentile ingrafting into God’s people (Isaiah 56:6–8; Romans 11:17). 3. Faithful Service in Obscurity Scripture immortalizes Mibhar with a single verse, yet his name has echoed through millennia. The Lord of history notes every act of service (Hebrews 6:10). Mibhar’s brevity in the text reassures believers that significance is measured by covenant faithfulness, not public acclaim. Lessons for Ministry Today • Serve where God places you, even if your role seems small. “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Mibhar, though scarcely mentioned, stands as a testament that the Lord’s work advances through both renowned exploits and quiet, faithful partnership in His unfolding plan. Forms and Transliterations מִבְחָ֖ר מבחר miḇ·ḥār miḇḥār mivCharLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 11:38 HEB: אֲחִ֣י נָתָ֔ן מִבְחָ֖ר בֶּן־ הַגְרִֽי׃ NAS: of Nathan, Mibhar the son KJV: of Nathan, Mibhar the son INT: the brother of Nathan Mibhar the son of Hagri 1 Occurrence |
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