What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 11:42? Adina “Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, a chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with him.” (1 Chronicles 11:42) • Adina appears in the catalogue of David’s mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:10–47; 2 Samuel 23:8–39), a roster highlighting warriors who stood out for loyalty and courage. • Though little else is recorded about him, inclusion here places him among those whom the Lord used to secure David’s kingdom, just as He promised in 2 Samuel 7:8–11. • His presence reminds us that God notices every servant who stands faithfully in their generation (Hebrews 6:10). son of Shiza • Scripture often notes parentage to root people in real history (Luke 3:23–38). By stating Adina’s father, the text underlines that faithfulness arises within families God sovereignly ordains (Deuteronomy 6:4–7). • Even if Shiza himself is otherwise unknown, the line matters; God records unnamed yet vital contributors throughout passages like Nehemiah 11:1–2. • The detail connects Adina to a living heritage rather than a random hero, echoing how Timothy’s faith was traced through his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). the Reubenite • Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn (Genesis 49:3–4), later settling east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:1–5,33). Although the tribe forfeited certain privileges, individuals like Adina still rose to honor the Lord. • Earlier, some Reubenites hesitated in Deborah’s day (Judges 5:15–16), yet here a Reubenite leads in battle, showing redemption of tribal reputation. • 1 Chronicles 5:1–10 recalls Reubenite warriors who “cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their prayers.” Adina stands in that courageous lineage. chief of the Reubenites • Leadership among his own tribe indicates both military competence and spiritual influence, paralleling commanders such as Amasai who inspired devotion to David (1 Chronicles 12:18). • His authority contrasts with earlier Reubenite failings, illustrating how God can raise new leaders to surpass past weaknesses (Ezra 10:2). • The title “chief” underscores accountability; greater visibility brings greater responsibility (James 3:1), a sobering truth for every believer entrusted with oversight (1 Peter 5:2–3). and the thirty with him • “The Thirty” refers to an elite corps within David’s forces (1 Chronicles 11:25; 2 Samuel 23:23). Adina not only belonged to this company but also commanded thirty from his tribe. • Serving alongside others mirrors the New Testament picture of the body of Christ, where each member contributes to a unified mission (1 Corinthians 12:14–27). • Their collective valor fulfills Deuteronomy 32:30’s principle that one loyal soldier can put a thousand to flight, but many together achieve exponentially more (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12). summary 1 Chronicles 11:42 records Adina—rooted in a real family, a redeemed tribe, endowed with leadership, and surrounded by fellow warriors—as one of David’s mighty men. His brief mention testifies that God values faithful service, elevates leaders regardless of past tribal shortcomings, and weaves individual bravery into a larger story of covenant victory. |
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