Jashen is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's mighty warriors. The reference to Jashen is found in the book of 2 Samuel, which provides a list of David's elite group of fighters, known as the "mighty men" or "Gibborim." These warriors were renowned for their bravery, skill, and loyalty to King David during his reign over Israel.

Biblical Reference:

The primary mention of Jashen is found in 2 Samuel 23:32-33, which states: "Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan son of Shammah the Hararite." . This passage is part of a longer list detailing the names and exploits of David's mighty men. It is important to note that the text refers to the "sons of Jashen," indicating that Jashen himself may not have been one of the mighty men, but rather the progenitor of warriors who served under David.

Context and Significance:

The list of David's mighty men in 2 Samuel 23 serves to highlight the strength and valor of those who supported David during his military campaigns and his consolidation of power as king. These men were instrumental in establishing and defending the kingdom of Israel, and their loyalty to David was a key factor in his successful reign.

The mention of Jashen, though brief, suggests a lineage of warriors, indicating that his family was notable enough to be included in this prestigious list. The inclusion of the "sons of Jashen" underscores the importance of familial legacy and the continuation of martial prowess across generations.

Interpretation:

From a conservative Christian perspective, the mention of Jashen and his sons can be seen as a testament to the importance of faithfulness and service to God's anointed leader. The mighty men, including the descendants of Jashen, exemplify qualities such as courage, loyalty, and dedication to a higher cause. These attributes are celebrated within the biblical narrative as virtues that align with God's purposes for His people.

Furthermore, the passage reflects the broader biblical theme of God using individuals and families to accomplish His divine plans. The legacy of Jashen's family, though not extensively detailed, contributes to the overarching account of God's provision and protection for Israel through the leadership of King David.

Historical and Cultural Insights:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, warrior lineages were often revered and respected. Families that produced skilled fighters were considered valuable assets to a king or ruler. The reference to the "sons of Jashen" may indicate that Jashen's family held a position of honor and responsibility within the military structure of David's reign.

The role of David's mighty men, including the descendants of Jashen, also reflects the tribal and familial dynamics of ancient Israelite society. Loyalty to one's kin and leader was paramount, and the success of a king often depended on the support of such dedicated warriors.

In summary, while Jashen himself is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his mention in the context of David's mighty men highlights the significance of familial legacy and the enduring impact of those who serve faithfully in God's unfolding plan for His people.Jashen

(sleeping). Bene-Jashen --"sons of Jashen"-- are named in the catalogue of the heroes of David's guard in (2 Samuel 23:32) (B.C. 1046.)

Sleeping, called also Hashem (1 Chronicles 11:34); a person, several of whose sons were in David's body-guard (2 Samuel 23:32). JASHEN

ja'-shen, jash'-en (yashen, "asleep"(?)): See mingly the father of some of David s thirty valiant men (2 Samuel 23:32 f). The Massoretic Text reads "Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, Shammah the Hararite,." 1 Chronicles 11:33 has Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shagee the Hararite." It is clear that "sons of" are a dittography of the last three consonants of the previous word. Septuagint, Lucian in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles has ho Gouni, "the Gunite," for "the Gizonite," perhaps correctly (compare Genesis 46:24 Numbers 26:48 for "Guni," "Gunite"). So 2 Samuel 23:32 may be corrected thus: "Eliahba the Shaalbonite, Jashen the Gunite, Jonathan the son of Shammah the Hararite." Jashen then becomes one of the thirty = "Hashem" of 1 Chronicles 11:34.

David Francis Roberts

3464. Yashen -- one of David's heroes
... 3463, 3464. Yashen. 3465 . one of David's heroes. Transliteration: Yashen
Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-shane') Short Definition: Jashen. ... Jashen. ...
/hebrew/3464.htm - 6kJashen (1 Occurrence)
... David's body-guard (2 Samuel 23:32). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JASHEN.
ja'-shen, jash'-en (yashen, "asleep"(?)) See mingly ...
/j/jashen.htm - 8k

Jasher (2 Occurrences)

/j/jasher.htm - 8k

Jashar (2 Occurrences)

/j/jashar.htm - 9k

Gizonite (1 Occurrence)
... the Gizonite," is probably an error for "Gunite" (compare Numbers 26:48), and the
passage should be corrected, after 2 Samuel 23:32, into "Jashen the Gunite.". ...
/g/gizonite.htm - 7k

Gunite (2 Occurrences)
... Gunites; (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 2 Samuel
23:32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, Jashen the Gunite, (BBE). ...
/g/gunite.htm - 6k

Eliahba (2 Occurrences)
... Eliahba (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of
Jashen, Jonathan, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/e/eliahba.htm - 7k

Eli'ahba (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Eli'ahba (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:32 Eliahba
the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan; (See RSV). ...
/e/eli'ahba.htm - 6k

Shaalbonite (2 Occurrences)
... Shaalbonite (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons
of Jashen, Jonathan, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/s/shaalbonite.htm - 7k

Sha-al'bon (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sha-al'bon (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:32 Eliahba
the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan; (See RSV). ...
/s/sha-al'bon.htm - 6k

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