What does 1 Chronicles 11:35 mean?
What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 11:35?

Ahiam son of Sachar

• In the roster of David’s mighty warriors the Spirit records, “Ahiam son of Sachar the Hararite” (1 Chronicles 11:35).

• His placement among these elite fighters (1 Chronicles 11:10–11; 2 Samuel 23:8) highlights God’s faithfulness in surrounding David with loyal men during turbulent years.

• The parallel passage, 2 Samuel 23:33, repeats his name, confirming the historical accuracy of both accounts.

• Every name matters to the Lord; He honors individual faithfulness (Hebrews 6:10) even when Scripture gives few details beyond the name itself.


the Hararite

• “Hararite” identifies Ahiam’s clan or hometown, likely a hill-country region. Scripture often ties a warrior to his land—Caleb the Kenizzite (Joshua 14:6) or Uriah the Hittite (2 Samuel 11:6)—showing the diverse backgrounds united in service to God’s king.

• This variety foreshadows the kingdom truth that God gathers people “from every tribe and tongue” (Revelation 7:9).

• Being a Hararite also hints at rugged terrain, fitting for a soldier seasoned in difficult conditions, much like Benaiah who “went down into a pit on a snowy day” (1 Chronicles 11:22).


Eliphal son of Ur

• The same verse continues, “Eliphal son of Ur,” adding another distinguished warrior to the list.

2 Samuel 23:34 supplies a variant spelling, “Eliphelet,” a common occurrence when names pass through generations of copies yet describe the same historical figure.

• “Ur” may remind readers of other righteous men with that name, such as “Hur” who held up Moses’ hands (Exodus 17:10-12), underscoring a heritage of steadfast support for God’s leaders.

• Together, Eliphal and Ahiam reveal that God values both prominence and obscurity: some mighty men perform headline-grabbing feats (like Jashobeam’s 300-man victory, 1 Chronicles 11:11), while others quietly stand in the gap, yet all receive equal honor in His record (Psalm 135:13).


summary

1 Chronicles 11:35 offers more than a simple roll call. By naming “Ahiam son of Sachar the Hararite, Eliphal son of Ur,” God showcases individual loyalty, diverse origins, and the equal worth of every servant in His kingdom. Each name reminds us that the Lord keeps perfect records, honors faithfulness, and weaves personal stories into His grand redemptive plan.

What archaeological evidence supports the events described in 1 Chronicles 11:34?
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