Topical Encyclopedia The "Three of the Thirty Chief Men" refers to a distinguished group of warriors who served under King David, as recorded in the Old Testament. These men were part of David's elite military forces and were renowned for their extraordinary feats of bravery and skill in battle. The accounts of their exploits are primarily found in 2 Samuel 23:8-17 and 1 Chronicles 11:10-19.Josheb-Basshebeth (also known as Jashobeam): Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, is recognized as the chief of the Three. He is noted for his incredible feat of killing eight hundred men with his spear in a single encounter. This act of valor is recorded in 2 Samuel 23:8: "These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-Basshebeth the Tahkemonite was chief of the Three; he wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time." His leadership and prowess in battle set a high standard for the other warriors and solidified his position as a key figure among David's mighty men. Eleazar son of Dodo: Eleazar, the son of Dodo the Ahohite, is another member of the Three. He is celebrated for his courage during a battle against the Philistines at Pas Dammim. When the Israelite troops retreated, Eleazar stood his ground and fought until his hand grew weary and clung to his sword. The Lord granted a great victory that day, and the troops returned only to strip the dead. This account is detailed in 2 Samuel 23:9-10: "Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines who were gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the men of Israel retreated, but Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day; the troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead." Shammah son of Agee: Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite, is the third member of the Three. His notable act of bravery occurred when the Philistines gathered at Lehi, where there was a field full of lentils. While the Israelite troops fled, Shammah took a stand in the middle of the field, defended it, and struck down the Philistines. The Lord brought about a great victory through his actions. This is recounted in 2 Samuel 23:11-12: "And next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines had banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory." These three warriors exemplified loyalty, courage, and faith in God, serving as key figures in David's military campaigns. Their accounts highlight the importance of individual valor and divine intervention in achieving victory for Israel. The Three of the Thirty Chief Men remain celebrated figures in biblical history, representing the pinnacle of martial excellence and dedication to God's chosen king. |