Lexical Summary Maharay: Maharay Original Word: מַהֲרַי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Maharai From mahar; hasty; Maharai, an Israelite -- Maharai. see HEBREW mahar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom mahar Definition one of David's heroes NASB Translation Maharai (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַהֲרַי proper name, masculine one of David's heroes; 2 Samuel 23:28; 1 Chronicles 11:30; 1 Chronicles 27:13; ᵐ5 Νοερε, Μαεραει, Μααρναν, Μααρι, etc. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Mahrai the Netophathite appears three times in Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:28; 1 Chronicles 11:30; and 1 Chronicles 27:13. Each reference places him among the elite warriors who served King David. Historical Context Mahrai lived during the late eleventh to early tenth centuries BC, the formative years of the united monarchy. Netophah, his hometown, lay near Bethlehem in Judah, situating him within David’s tribal sphere. The period was characterized by constant conflict with Philistines and other neighboring peoples, demanding a standing corps of seasoned fighters loyal to the covenantal king. Role in David’s Mighty Men In the lists of “the Thirty,” Mahrai is grouped with champions whose reputations for valor bolstered David’s legitimacy. 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles record his name side by side with comrades such as Helez and Benaiah, underscoring shared distinction. Scripture does not single out a specific heroic exploit for Mahrai, yet the inclusion itself signifies a tested record in the field. Placement within the Military Organization 1 Chronicles 27:11-15 details the monthly rotation of commanders over the king’s army. Verse 13 states, “The third, for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest, chief of the thirty, and in his division were twenty-four thousand.” Immediately afterward (verse 14), Mahrai is named as a key officer within that division. His service in the third month slot shows David’s strategy of maintaining national defense and readiness while limiting the burden on any single contingent. Spiritual Significance 1. Covenant loyalty: As a Netophathite from Judah, Mahrai’s allegiance illustrates the Lord’s gathering of faithful men to support His chosen ruler, fulfilling passages such as 1 Samuel 22:2 where the distressed rallied to David. Legacy for Ministry Today Mahrai’s brief mentions challenge readers to value faithfulness over fame. Local congregations flourish when ordinary believers, like Mahrai among the Thirty, render steady service without craving public acclaim (Colossians 3:23-24). His presence in inspired record encourages pastors to recognize and affirm hidden laborers, trusting that “the LORD does not forget His people” (Psalm 94:14). Forms and Transliterations מַהְרַ֖י מַהְרַ֥י מַהְרַי֙ מהרי mah·ray mahRai mahrayLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 23:28 HEB: צַלְמוֹן֙ הָֽאֲחֹחִ֔י מַהְרַ֖י הַנְּטֹפָתִֽי׃ ס NAS: the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, KJV: the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, INT: Zalmon the Ahohite Maharai the Netophathite 1 Chronicles 11:30 1 Chronicles 27:13 3 Occurrences |
    |