The term "mighty-men" in the Bible often refers to a group of elite warriors or valiant individuals known for their exceptional strength, bravery, and loyalty. These figures are prominently featured in the narratives of the Old Testament, particularly in the accounts of King David's reign.

David's Mighty Men

David's mighty men, also known as "The Thirty" or "The Three," were a group of warriors who played a crucial role in establishing and securing David's kingdom. They are first introduced in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11. These passages provide a detailed list of their names and heroic deeds, highlighting their importance in Israel's military history.

1. The Three: The most distinguished among David's mighty men were "The Three," consisting of Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar son of Dodai, and Shammah son of Agee. These warriors were renowned for their extraordinary feats in battle. For instance, Josheb-Basshebeth is noted for killing eight hundred men with his spear in a single encounter (2 Samuel 23:8).

2. The Thirty: Beyond "The Three," there was a larger group known as "The Thirty," which included notable figures such as Abishai, the brother of Joab, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada. Abishai is credited with killing three hundred men with his spear and becoming as famous as "The Three" (2 Samuel 23:18). Benaiah, known for his exploits, including killing a lion in a pit on a snowy day, was highly regarded and placed over David's bodyguard (2 Samuel 23:20-23).

Characteristics and Roles

The mighty men were characterized by their unwavering loyalty to David and their willingness to risk their lives for him. Their exploits were not only demonstrations of physical prowess but also acts of faith and dedication to God's anointed king. They were instrumental in David's military campaigns, helping to secure victories against Israel's enemies and establish peace in the land.

Symbolism and Legacy

In a broader sense, the mighty men symbolize the ideal of godly warriors who serve with courage and faithfulness. Their accounts inspire believers to stand firm in spiritual battles, relying on God's strength and guidance. The legacy of David's mighty men is a testament to the power of unity and loyalty under godly leadership.

Other References

The concept of mighty men is not limited to David's reign. The Bible also mentions mighty men in other contexts, such as the "mighty men of valor" in the tribes of Israel (1 Chronicles 12:21) and the "mighty men" of Babylon (Jeremiah 51:30). These references highlight the recurring theme of valor and strength in the biblical narrative.

In summary, the mighty men of the Bible are celebrated for their extraordinary courage and dedication, serving as exemplars of faith-driven valor in the service of God's purposes.2478. ischuros -- strong, mighty
... Word Origin from ischuo Definition strong, mighty NASB Word Usage loud (1), mightier
(3), mighty (3), mighty men (1), severe (1), strong (13), strong man (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2478.htm - 8k3134. Yoezer -- "the LORD is a help," one of David's mighty men
... 3133, 3134. Yoezer. 3135 . "the LORD is a help," one of David's mighty men.
Transliteration: Yoezer Phonetic Spelling: (yo-eh'-zer) Short Definition: Joezer ...
/hebrew/3134.htm - 6k

1368. gibbor -- strong, mighty
... Word Usage champion (2), great (1), helpers (1), heroes (3), men (3), men of
outstanding (1), Mighty (1), mighty (27), mighty man (15), mighty men (57), Mighty ...
/hebrew/1368.htm - 6k

3524. kabbir -- great, mighty, much
... Word Origin from kabar Definition great, mighty, much NASB Word Usage impotent*
(1), mighty (6), mighty men (1), mighty one (1), much (1), older* (1). ...
/hebrew/3524.htm - 6k

6099. atsum -- mighty, numerous
... Word Origin from atsom Definition mighty, numerous NASB Word Usage great (1), large
number (1), mightier (6), mighty (14), mighty men (1), mighty ones (1 ...
/hebrew/6099.htm - 6k

Thy Neck is Like the Tower of David, Builded with Bulwarks; a ...
... CHAPTER IV. 4. Thy neck is like the tower of David, builded with bulwarks;
a thousand shields hang upon it, all the armor of mighty men. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/4 thy neck is like.htm

A Libation to Jehovah
... And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water
out of the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and took it and brought ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a libation to jehovah.htm

Joel's Rhapsody of the Locust Plague
... At their presence the peoples are in anguish: All faces are waxed pale: They run
like mighty men; They climb the wall like men of war; And they march every one ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/joels rhapsody of the locust.htm

Through the Book to God.
... There is a fascinating bit of story told of one of David's mighty men.[35] One day
there was a sudden attack upon the camp by the Philistines when the fighting ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/through the book to god.htm

Introduction.
... These and the other mighty men in Israel are like the ruder instruments
of music"the trumpet of Sinai, with its one prolonged note. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/i introduction.htm

David's Charge to Solomon
... over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the
king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/davids charge to solomon.htm

The Joy of Unbroken Communion
... Behold, it is the litter of Solomon; Threescore mighty men are about it,. Of the
mighty men of Israel. They all handle the sword, and are expert in war: ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/union and communion/section iii the joy of.htm

Obadiah
... later than the context. For "thy mighty men, O Teman," in v.9a, probably
we should read, "the mighty men of Teman."]. The date of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/obadiah.htm

Chapter iv.
... which is hidden within.4. Thy neck is like the tower of David, builded for an armory,
whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.4. Thy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter iv.htm

Scriptural Instances Wherein it is Proved that God Has Men's Wills ...
... own place. And Saul went away to his house in Gibeah: and there went away
with Saul mighty men, whose hearts the Lord touched. And ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 45 scriptural instances wherein it.htm

Mighty-men (1 Occurrence)
Mighty-men. Mighty, Mighty-men. Migrated . Multi-Version Concordance
Mighty-men (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 26:21 and when ...
/m/mighty-men.htm - 6k

Brave (15 Occurrences)
... 5:24 These were the heads of their fathers' houses: even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel,
and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mightymen of valor ...
/b/brave.htm - 11k

Valor (45 Occurrences)
... your livestock, shall live in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan; but
you shall pass over before your brothers armed, all the mightymen of valor ...
/v/valor.htm - 21k

Valour (66 Occurrences)
... and your cattle, shall abide in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan;
but ye shall pass over before your brethren armed, all the mightymen of valor ...
/v/valour.htm - 26k

Genealogies (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:7 And the sons of Bela; Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth,
and Iri, five; heads of the house of their fathers, mightymen of valor; and ...
/g/genealogies.htm - 12k

Famous (20 Occurrences)
... three. (See NIV). 2 Samuel 23:22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada,
and had a name among the three mightymen. (See NIV). ...
/f/famous.htm - 12k

Dodo (5 Occurrences)
... 12) himself the commander of one of the divisions of the army (1 Chronicles 27:4).
(3) The Bethlehemite, father of Elhanan, one of David's mightymen (2 Samuel ...
/d/dodo.htm - 9k

Adino (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The Eznite, one of David's mightymen (2 Samuel
23:8). (see JASHOBEAM.). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ADINO. ...
/a/adino.htm - 8k

Warriors (75 Occurrences)
... your livestock, shall live in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan; but
you shall pass over before your brothers armed, all the mightymen of valor ...
/w/warriors.htm - 27k

Benai'ah (43 Occurrences)
... spear. (See RSV). 2 Samuel 23:22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada,
and had a name among the three mightymen. (See RSV). ...
/b/benai'ah.htm - 18k

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