Question 1

What is the main point of the list of David’s mighty men in this passage?

Accepted Answer

This list is here to honor the men who risked their lives for David and for Israel, and to show how God used them. It is not just about military records. Their stories show courage when others ran away, loyalty to their king, and faith that God gives victory. The passage also reminds us that even when people do great things, the Lord is the one who works the real victory. By naming them, Scripture shows that their service was seen and remembered.

Question 2

Why does the passage say twice that the LORD wrought a great victory?

Accepted Answer

The passage repeats that the Lord brought a great victory in the stories of Eleazar and Shammah to make it clear that their strength was not enough by itself. Eleazar fought until his hand stuck to his sword, and Shammah stood alone in a field when others ran. Yet the text points past their bravery to God’s help. This teaches that human courage and effort matter, but success in the end comes from God’s power, not from human skill or numbers.

Question 3

Why did David refuse to drink the water from the well of Bethlehem?

Accepted Answer

David had wished out loud for water from his hometown well, and three of his men broke through enemy lines to get it. When they brought it, he realized they had risked their lives just to meet his longing. He felt it would be like drinking their blood, meaning taking lightly the danger they faced. So he poured it out to the Lord as an offering. This showed respect for their lives, fear of God, and a humble heart that did not want to treat their sacrifice as a small thing.

Question 4

Who are Abishai and Benaiah, and why are they highlighted here?

Accepted Answer

Abishai and Benaiah are leaders from the second group of David’s mighty men. Abishai, Joab’s brother, lifted his spear against three hundred men and became chief among his group, though he did not reach the honor of the very first three. Benaiah was known for several bold acts, including killing two fierce Moabite men, a lion in a pit on a snowy day, and a strong Egyptian warrior with the man’s own spear. Their stories show that God raised up more than just one or two heroes around David.

Question 5

What is the significance of Shammah defending a field of lentils?

Accepted Answer

Shammah’s story shows that even what looks like a small task can matter when it is done for God and his people. Others ran away when the Philistines came, but Shammah stood in the middle of a simple lentil field and protected it. It was not a grand city or temple, just a piece of land with crops. Yet the Lord brought a great victory there. This teaches that faithfulness in small or ordinary places still honors God, and he can use such obedience to help many.

Question 6

How does this passage show David’s style of leadership?

Accepted Answer

David’s leadership shows in how he treats his men and how he honors God. He has mighty warriors with great skill, but the passage keeps saying that the Lord gave the victory, which reflects how David thought about success. When the three bring him the water from Bethlehem, he refuses to drink it because he does not want to profit from risk to their lives. By pouring it out to the Lord, he shows that he values his men and fears God more than his own comfort.

Question 7

Why are so many names listed, including lesser-known men like Ira and Gareb?

Accepted Answer

The long list at the end includes many men whose stories we are not told in detail, but their names are still written down. This shows that God’s word does not only remember the most famous heroes. These men served, fought, and stood with David over time, and their service was not forgotten. It also shows that David’s strength did not lie in one or two people, but in a whole group of loyal servants from different towns and backgrounds who together helped protect Israel.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about God’s role in human bravery and success?

Accepted Answer

Again and again in this passage, brave actions are tied with God’s help. The men act with courage, stand their ground, and fight hard, but the victory is said to come from the Lord. This shows that God often works through ordinary people who are willing to step out in faith. Human effort is real, yet it is not the final reason things turn out well. The passage encourages readers to see both sides at once: be faithful and bold, while giving God the credit for every good outcome.

2 Samuel 23:8

¶ These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.

David’s Mighty Men

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2 Samuel 23:8

¶ These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.

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David’s Mighty Men

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