1 Chronicles 11:37
Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai son of Ezbai,
Hezro the Carmelite
The name "Hezro" is of Hebrew origin, possibly meaning "enclosed" or "surrounded," which may suggest a person of strength or protection. The term "Carmelite" refers to someone from Carmel, a region known for its fertile land and vineyards, located in the territory of Judah. Carmel was a place of beauty and abundance, often associated with God's blessings. In the context of 1 Chronicles 11, Hezro is listed among David's mighty warriors, indicating his valor and importance in David's military campaigns. The mention of Carmel might also imply that Hezro was a man of notable standing or wealth, as Carmel was a prosperous area.

Naarai son of Ezbai
"Naarai" is a name that can be translated to mean "youthful" or "servant," suggesting vigor, strength, or dedication. The lineage "son of Ezbai" provides a familial context, grounding Naarai in a specific heritage. The name "Ezbai" is less common, and its meaning is not entirely clear, but it may be related to the Hebrew root for "gift" or "endowment." This could imply that Naarai was seen as a gift or blessing, either to his family or to David's forces. In the broader narrative of 1 Chronicles, the inclusion of Naarai among the mighty men highlights the diversity and strength of David's supporters, each bringing unique skills and backgrounds to his reign.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hezro the Carmelite
Hezro is listed among David's mighty warriors. The term "Carmelite" likely refers to his origin from Carmel, a town in the territory of Judah. Carmel was known for its fertile land and vineyards.

2. Naarai son of Ezbai
Naarai is another of David's mighty men. The mention of his father, Ezbai, helps to identify his lineage, which was an important aspect of identity in ancient Israel.

3. David's Mighty Warriors
This passage is part of a larger list detailing the elite group of warriors who supported King David. These men were known for their bravery, loyalty, and skill in battle.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Loyalty and Support
The mighty men of David exemplify loyalty and support for their leader. In our lives, we are called to support and stand by those whom God has placed in leadership over us, whether in the church, family, or community.

Valuing Heritage and Identity
The mention of lineage and origin, such as "Hezro the Carmelite" and "Naarai son of Ezbai," highlights the importance of understanding our heritage and identity. As Christians, our identity is rooted in Christ, and we are called to live in a way that reflects our spiritual heritage.

Courage and Faithfulness in Service
The mighty men were known for their courage and faithfulness. We are encouraged to serve God with the same dedication and bravery, trusting Him in all circumstances.

Unity in Diversity
The diverse backgrounds of David's warriors illustrate how God brings together people from different walks of life to accomplish His purposes. In the body of Christ, unity in diversity is a powerful testimony to the world.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the loyalty of David's mighty men inspire you to support the leaders in your life, and what practical steps can you take to do so?

2. In what ways can understanding your spiritual heritage in Christ influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?

3. Reflect on a time when you needed courage to serve God. How can the example of David's mighty men encourage you to remain faithful in challenging situations?

4. How can the concept of unity in diversity be applied in your church or community, and what role can you play in fostering this unity?

5. Considering the importance of lineage and identity in the Bible, how can you ensure that your identity in Christ is evident to those around you?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 23
This chapter provides a parallel account of David's mighty men, offering additional context and details about their exploits and significance.

1 Samuel 25
This chapter mentions Carmel in the context of the account of Nabal and Abigail, providing background on the region associated with Hezro.

1 Chronicles 12
This chapter continues to describe the men who joined David, emphasizing the unity and strength of his followers.
The Moral of the Mighty MenW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 11:10-14, 20-47
People
Abiel, Abiezer, Abishai, Adina, Ahiam, Ahijah, Ahlai, Anathoth, Ariel, Asahel, Azmaveth, Baanah, Benaiah, Benjamin, Benjaminites, David, Dodai, Dodo, Eleazar, Elhanan, Eliahba, Eliel, Eliphal, Elnaam, Ezbai, Gareb, Hachmoni, Haggeri, Hanan, Hashem, Heled, Helez, Hepher, Hezro, Hotham, Hothan, Hurai, Ikkesh, Ilai, Ira, Israelites, Ithai, Ithmah, Ittai, Jaasiel, Jashobeam, Jasiel, Jebusites, Jediael, Jehiel, Jehoiada, Jeiel, Jeribai, Joab, Joel, Joha, Jonathan, Joshaphat, Joshaviah, Maacah, Maachah, Maharai, Mibhar, Moabites, Naarai, Naharai, Nathan, Obed, Reubenites, Ribai, Sacar, Samuel, Saul, Shage, Shama, Shammoth, Shimri, Shiza, Sibbecai, Sibbechai, Uriah, Uzzia, Zabad, Zelek, Zeruiah
Places
Adullam, Anathoth, Baharum, Beeroth, Bethlehem, Carmel, Gaash, Gibeah, Harod, Hebron, Jebus, Jerusalem, Kabzeel, Millo, Moab, Netophah, Pas-dammim, Pirathon, Tekoa, Valley of Rephaim, Zion
Topics
Carmel, Carmelite, Ezbai, Hezor, Hezro, Naarai, Na'arai
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 11:10-47

     5544   soldiers

1 Chronicles 11:15-42

     1654   numbers, 11-99

1 Chronicles 11:23-47

     5087   David, reign of

Library
The Story of a Cup of Water
BY THEODORE T. MUNGER [From "Lamps and Paths," by courtesy of Houghton, Mifflin & Co.] Be noble! and the nobleness that lies In other men, sleeping, but never dead, Will rise in majesty to meet thine own. --James Russell Lowell: Sonnet IV Restore to God his due in tithe and time: A tithe purloined cankers the whole estate. Sundays observe: think, when the bells do chime, 'Tis angels' music; therefore come not late. God there deals blessings. If a king did so, Who would not haste, nay give, to see
Philip P. Wells—Bible Stories and Religious Classics

Some Buildings in Acra. Bezeiha. Millo.
Mount Sion did not thrust itself so far eastward as mount Acra: and hence it is, that mount Moriah is said, by Josephus, to be "situate over-against Acra," rather than over-against the Upper City: for, describing Acra thus, which we produced before, "There is another hill, called Acra, which bears the Lower City upon it, steep on both sides": in the next words he subjoins this, "Over-against this was a third hill," speaking of Moriah. The same author thus describes the burning of the Lower City:
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Epistle cxxii. To Rechared, King of the visigoths .
To Rechared, King of the Visigoths [82] . Gregory to Rechared, &c. I cannot express in words, most excellent son, how much I am delighted with thy work and thy life. For on hearing of the power of a new miracle in our days, to wit that the whole nation of the Goths has through thy Excellency been brought over from the error of Arian heresy to the firmness of a right faith, one is disposed to exclaim with the prophet, This is the change wrought by the right hand of the Most High (Ps. lxxvi. 11 [83]
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Epistle Xlv. To Theoctista, Patrician .
To Theoctista, Patrician [153] . Gregory to Theoctista, &c. We ought to give great thanks to Almighty God, that our most pious and most benignant Emperors have near them kinsfolk of their race, whose life and conversation is such as to give us all great joy. Hence too we should continually pray for these our lords, that their life, with that of all who belong to them, may by the protection of heavenly grace be preserved through long and tranquil times. I have to inform you, however, that I have
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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