Helez the Paltite ,.... Who was of a place called Pater, as the Targum; in 1 Chronicles 11:27 , he is called the Pelonite: Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite ; who was of the city of Tekoah, the native place of Amos the prophet, famous for oil, about twelve miles from Jerusalem; See Gill on Amos 1:1 . read more
The facts are: 1 . A general statement of the names of David's mighty men, with a comparative reference to some of their deeds. 2 . A more special account of the daring of three who procured water for David at the risk of their lives. 3 . The refusal of the king to drink that which had been obtained at so great a risk. Mighty men. The account here of the heroes who figured in the course of David's life is supplementary to the general history, and, while intended to set forth... read more
Helez . He is twice called a Pelonite in Chronicles, and was general of the seventh brigade ( 1 Chronicles 27:10 ), where he is said to have belonged to the tribe of Ephraim. Whether Paltite or Pelonite is right, no one knows; but Beth-Palet was a town in the tribe of Judah, and not in Ephraim. Ira . Ira had the command of the sixth brigade ( 1 Chronicles 27:9 ). Tekoah (see note on 2 Samuel 14:2 ). This Ira is a distinct person from his namesake, David's confidential... read more
2 Samuel 23:26-39. Helez the Paltite, &c. None of the memorable acts of these or of the following worthies are recorded; therefore, all that can be said of them is, that when God determined to raise a king to a great height of power and glory, he raised up several great men to co-operate with and assist that king in his designs and undertakings. Thirty and seven in all Here are only thirty-six named. Either therefore one must be supplied whose name is not expressed among the three... read more
David’s mighty men (23:8-39)From the hundreds of men who gathered around him during his flight from Saul, David had built a loyal and tough fighting unit. This unit remained the central strength of his army throughout his long reign (see 1 Samuel 22:1-2; 1 Samuel 30:9; 2 Samuel 15:18; 2 Samuel 15:18; 2 Samuel 18:1-2; 2 Samuel 20:7; 1 Chronicles 11:10; 1 Chronicles 11:10). The commander-in-chief of his army was Joab (see 8:16, 20:23).Next in rank below Joab were three generals, or commanders,... read more
E. Thirty-seven Mighty Men 23:8-39One might conclude from 1 Samuel 22:2 that David’s army, made up as it was of malcontents and distressed debtors, would not have been able to accomplish anything. This list testifies to God’s blessing on David and Israel militarily by enabling his warriors to accomplish supernatural feats and to become mighty men in war. Again, God’s supernatural blessing is what this section illustrates. read more
2. A list of notable warriors among The Thirty 23:24-39Thirty-two more soldiers obtained special distinction (2 Samuel 23:24-39), including Uriah the Hittite (2 Samuel 23:39). The writer referred to them as "The Thirty." This designation seems to have been a title for their exclusive group (cf. 2 Samuel 23:18). Since more than 30 names appear in this list of "The Thirty" it may be that when one died, someone else took his place. Asahel, the first name listed, and Uriah, the last, had, of... read more
David’s Last Words. The Exploits of his Heroes1-7. This psalm is not contained in the book of Psalms. It is called ’the last’ (rather, ’the latter’) ’words of David,’ in contrast with the earlier psalm, which forms 2 Samuel 22. We have no other means of determining its date.2. By me] RM ’in me.’ The idea is that God used the psalmist as His instrument and spokesman to repeat His words to the people: cp. 1 Kings 22:28; Hosea 1:2.4. As the tender grass springing] render, ’when the tender grass... read more
(26) Helez.—He was general of the seventh army division (1 Chronicles 27:10). There, and also in 1 Chronicles 11:27, he is called a Pelonite.Ira was general for the sixth month (1 Chronicles 27:9). His home, Tekoah, was about six miles south of Bethlehem. read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 23:8-38
I. The catalogue which the historian has here left upon record of the great soldiers that were in David's time is intended, 1. For the honour of David, who trained them up in the arts of exercises of war, and set them an example of conduct and courage. It is the reputation as well as the advantage of a prince to be attended and served by such brave men as are here described. 2. For the honour of those worthies themselves, who were instrumental to bring David to the crown, settle and protect... read more