What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 23:9? Eleazar’s Position • “Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite” (2 Samuel 23:9) records a real man in a real chain of command. Scripture presents him immediately after Josheb-basshebeth (v. 8), establishing a literal hierarchy of warriors who served David. Compare 1 Chronicles 11:12, which repeats the order, underscoring God’s careful preservation of history. • Eleazar’s lineage—“son of Dodo”—reminds us that God knows families and individuals by name (Exodus 33:17). Numbered among “the Three” • Being “one of the three mighty men” places Eleazar in the elite inner circle of David’s forces (2 Samuel 23:8–17). This small group’s exploits define courage for Israel, much like Gideon’s three hundred (Judges 7:7) illustrate faith. • The text highlights character, not celebrity. Eleazar’s greatness springs from loyalty to God’s anointed king, a theme echoed in Jonathan’s devotion to David (1 Samuel 18:4). Standing with David • “He went with David” shows Eleazar’s readiness to move at the king’s word (cf. 2 Samuel 15:21, Ittai’s pledge). True leadership partners with authority rather than challenging it (Romans 13:1). • Together they “taunt[ed] the Philistines,” mirroring David’s earlier defiance of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45–47). Holy confidence flows from knowing the battle belongs to the Lord. Location: Pas-dammim • The Philistines had “gathered for battle at Pas-dammim,” the very field where David faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1). Scripture’s repetition of place underscores that spiritual battles often recur; victory must be claimed again by each generation (Joshua 4:6–7). • The name Pas-dammim means “boundary of blood,” foreshadowing the cost of standing for God’s people (Revelation 12:11). Israel’s Retreat • “The men of Israel retreated” paints a stark contrast: many withdrew, but Eleazar held firm. Similar scenes appear with Gideon’s shrinking army (Judges 7:3) and Paul’s abandonment by coworkers (2 Timothy 4:16). Faithfulness shines brightest when others fall back. • God uses these moments to exalt obedient servants (1 Samuel 14:6-15, Jonathan and his armor-bearer). Courage rooted in the Lord turns apparent disadvantage into triumph. summary 2 Samuel 23:9 literally recounts how Eleazar, second only to Josheb among David’s “Three,” advanced with his king against massed Philistines at Pas-dammim while the rest of Israel retreated. The verse reveals God’s recognition of individual faithfulness, the honor of serving under divinely appointed authority, and the power of steadfast courage when others flee. As Scripture affirms, the Lord remembers and rewards those who stand firm in His battles. |
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