Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: The List of Men Who Join Him

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David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, renowned for his leadership, military prowess, and deep faith in God. Before ascending to the throne, David gathered a group of loyal followers who played a crucial role in his rise to power and the establishment of his kingdom. These men, often referred to as David's mighty men or warriors, are detailed in several passages of the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Samuel, Chronicles, and Kings.

The Early Followers of David

David's journey to kingship began when he was anointed by the prophet Samuel while Saul was still king. As Saul's jealousy of David grew, David fled and began to attract a following. Initially, those who joined him were described as men in distress, debt, or discontented, who gathered around him at the cave of Adullam. "All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him" (1 Samuel 22:2).

The Mighty Men of David

As David's influence expanded, his band of followers grew into a formidable force. The Bible provides a detailed list of David's mighty men, highlighting their valor and loyalty. These men were instrumental in David's military campaigns and his eventual establishment as king over all Israel.

1. The Three: The most elite group among David's warriors, known for their extraordinary feats.
· Josheb-Basshebeth: Chief of the Three, renowned for killing 800 men in one encounter (2 Samuel 23:8).
· Eleazar son of Dodai: Noted for his bravery in a battle against the Philistines, where he stood his ground until his hand grew tired and froze to his sword (2 Samuel 23:9-10).
· Shammah son of Agee: Remembered for defending a field of lentils against the Philistines when the rest of the troops fled (2 Samuel 23:11-12).

2. The Thirty: A group of distinguished warriors who supported David in various military exploits.
· Abishai: Brother of Joab, chief of the Thirty, famous for wielding his spear against 300 men (2 Samuel 23:18).
· Benaiah son of Jehoiada: Known for his exploits, including killing two Moabite warriors, a lion in a pit on a snowy day, and an Egyptian giant (2 Samuel 23:20-21).

Other Notable Followers

· Joab: David's nephew and commander of his army, played a significant role in many of David's military victories.
· Ittai the Gittite: A foreigner who showed remarkable loyalty to David during Absalom's rebellion, declaring, "Wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be" (2 Samuel 15:21).
· Abiathar and Zadok: Priests who supported David, especially during the rebellion of Absalom.

The Significance of David's Followers

The men who joined David were not only warriors but also loyal supporters who shared in his trials and triumphs. Their dedication and bravery were pivotal in David's consolidation of power and the establishment of a united Israelite kingdom. These men, through their deeds and loyalty, exemplified the qualities of faithfulness and courage that were central to David's reign and legacy.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 12:1-22
Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war.
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Library

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... had so wrongfully entangled himself with the Philistine king, that he ... bound to go
with Achish to fight against Israel. ... This David, who was so great an enemy of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the statute of david for.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... a conscience not burdened with a long list of youthful ... Canaan, scattered the twelve
tribes of Israel over the ... It is the book from which King David got wisdom ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Hymns of Praise and Worship.
... Thou are the King of Israel, Thou David's royal Son, Who in the ... pieces written to
the hymn, "O, Worship the King," have appeared ... Ye chosen seed of Israel's race ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter i hymns of praise.htm

Loyal to the Core
... have been a Philistine"a proselyte to Israel, who had ... he was to do his utmost for
David's cause, not ... the church, for wherever our Lord, the King, is, there ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/loyal to the core.htm

Petilianus Said: "But what have You to do with the Kings of This.. ...
... [2245] David took refuge ... race, compelled thereto by the unrighteousness of the king
of Israel. ... himself replied with benediction from the den, "O king, live for ...
/.../chapter 93 202 petilianus.htm

Ahaziah
... He had David's blood in his veins, and Jehoshaphat's, and ... He was King of Judah, and
Judah with all ... But Israel, over which Jehoram, his mother's brother ruled ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/ahaziah.htm

The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ...
... But, beloved, if I have said that Israel could so properly ... in grace, may cry, "Hosanna,"
and the King will not ... the devil tries to quiet him, but David is not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the memorable hymn and when.htm

The Growth of the Old Testament Prophetic Histories
... the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent ... graphic group of Saul and David
stories which ... and authority the essential facts in Israel's early political ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/vi the growth of the.htm

A Liberal Education: and Where to Find It.
... govern the country much after the fashion of King David and the ... These be your gods,
O Israel! ... The student who repairs to them sees in the list of classes and ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/iii a liberal education and.htm

Acts II
... spoke of the Messiah, for certainly David would call ... Therefore, let all the house
of Israel know assuredly ... entitled "The City of the Great King," written during ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ii.htm