Naharai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King David's reign. He is noted for his role as one of David's mighty warriors, a group of elite soldiers who were renowned for their bravery and loyalty to the king. Naharai's mention in the Scriptures is brief but significant, highlighting his position and contribution to David's military successes.

Biblical References:

Naharai is mentioned in two key passages in the Bible:

1. 2 Samuel 23:37 : "Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah." This verse places Naharai among the list of David's mighty men, a testament to his valor and importance. As the armor-bearer to Joab, the commander of David's army, Naharai held a position of trust and responsibility. The role of an armor-bearer was crucial in ancient warfare, as they were responsible for carrying and maintaining the weapons and armor of their superior, often accompanying them into battle.

2. 1 Chronicles 11:39 : "Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah." This passage mirrors the account in 2 Samuel, reaffirming Naharai's role and status within David's military hierarchy. The repetition of his name in the Chronicles underscores the importance of his service and the recognition he received for his contributions.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Naharai is identified as a Beerothite, indicating his origin from Beeroth, one of the cities of the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites were a group of people who, through a treaty with Joshua, lived among the Israelites (Joshua 9). This background suggests that Naharai, despite his non-Israelite origin, was integrated into the Israelite community and rose to a position of prominence within David's army.

The role of an armor-bearer was not merely logistical but also symbolic of loyalty and bravery. Serving as Joab's armor-bearer, Naharai would have been involved in significant military campaigns and battles, supporting one of the most formidable military leaders of the time. Joab, known for his strategic acumen and sometimes ruthless tactics, would have required a reliable and courageous individual in such a critical role.

Theological Significance:

Naharai's inclusion in the list of David's mighty men highlights the diverse backgrounds of those who served the king. It reflects the unifying nature of David's leadership, bringing together individuals from various tribes and regions to form a cohesive and effective military force. This diversity within David's ranks can be seen as a foreshadowing of the inclusive nature of God's kingdom, where faithfulness and loyalty transcend ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Naharai's account, though brief, serves as a reminder of the importance of every role within God's plan. His position as an armor-bearer, while not as prominent as that of a commander, was vital to the success of the military endeavors of Israel under David's rule. This underscores the biblical principle that every member of the community has a unique and valuable contribution to make, regardless of their status or title.Naharai

my nostrils; hot; anger

Naharai

(snorter) the armor-bearer of Joab, called NAHARI in the Authorized Version of (2 Samuel 23:37) He was a native of Beeroth. (1 Chronicles 11:39) (B.C. 1013.)

Snorer, a Berothite, one of David's heroes, and armour-bearer of Joab (1 Chronicles 11:39). NAHARAI; NAHARI

na'-ha-ri, (nacharay), na'-ha-ri (nachray): One of David's heroes, Joab's armor-bearer (2 Samuel 23:37, the King James Version "Nahari"; 1 Chronicles 11:39).

5171. Nacharay -- one of David's heroes
... one of David's heroes. Transliteration: Nacharay or Nachray Phonetic Spelling:
(nakh-ar-ah'-ee) Short Definition: Naharai. ... Naharai, Nahari. ...
/hebrew/5171.htm - 6k

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... Thutmosis IV. to the land of [Naharai]na, and of the gifts which he lavished
on this occasion on the temple of Anion. ** It was ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Naharai (2 Occurrences)
... 11:39). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NAHARAI; NAHARI. na'-ha ... 11:39).
Multi-Version Concordance Naharai (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel ...
/n/naharai.htm - 7k

Na'harai (2 Occurrences)
Na'harai. Naharai, Na'harai. Naharaim . ... 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai
the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah, (See RSV). ...
/n/na'harai.htm - 6k

Zelek (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab
the son of Zeruiah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/z/zelek.htm - 7k

Be-er'oth (8 Occurrences)
... RSV). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers
to Joab the son of Zeruiah, (See RSV). 1 Chronicles ...
/b/be-er'oth.htm - 8k

Armour-bearer (14 Occurrences)
... together. (DBY JPS). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite,
the armour-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, (DBY JPS). 1 ...
/a/armour-bearer.htm - 11k

Armor-bearer (15 Occurrences)
... together. (WBS RSV NIV). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite,
armor-bearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah, (WBS RSV). 1 ...
/a/armor-bearer.htm - 12k

Bearer (23 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers
to Joab the son of Zeruiah, (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/bearer.htm - 14k

Ammonite (22 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab
the son of Zeruiah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/a/ammonite.htm - 18k

Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab
the son of Zeruiah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/z/zeruiah.htm - 17k

Weapons (66 Occurrences)
... death. (YLT). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite,
bearer of the weapons of Joab son of Zeruiah, (YLT). 1 Kings ...
/w/weapons.htm - 27k

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