2 Samuel 23:8-39

DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN, 2 Samuel 23:8-39.

This list and that of 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, are substantially the same. This assumes to give the names, and that the number, of David’s heroes; but a comparison of the two records shows numerous discrepancies in the names, and also in the orthography: Chronicles also adds sixteen names after the mention of Uriah the Hittite, with which this list ends. Undoubtedly there are corruptions in the text of both records; and it seems very clear that the writer of Chronicles had access to documents which the writer of Samuel never made use of. “As the names and deeds of Mohammed’s many companions were long held in very distinct remembrance, and special records were devoted to describing them, David’s heroes, too, who had vied with him in valour and self-sacrifice for the community of Israel and the religion of Jehovah, lived on, linked forever with his memory.” Ewald.

This list is divided into three classes: the first composed of three most distinguished heroes, (2 Samuel 23:8-12;) the second composed of two, (2 Samuel 23:18-23;) the third of thirty-two, (2 Samuel 23:24-39;) making thirty-seven in all.