1 Chronicles 11 The Reign of David

1 David Becomes King Over Israel
All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood.

2 In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord your God said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’”

3 When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, he made a compact with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel, as the Lord had promised through Samuel.

4 David Conquers Jerusalem
David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus). The Jebusites who lived there

5 said to David, “You will not get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion, the City of David.

6 David had said, “Whoever leads the attack on the Jebusites will become commander-in-chief.” Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and so he received the command.

7 David then took up residence in the fortress, and so it was called the City of David.

8 He built up the city around it, from the supporting terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city.

9 And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.

10 David’s Mighty Men
These were the chiefs of David’s mighty men—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised—

11 this is the list of David’s mighty men:
Jashobeam, a Hacmonite, was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.

12 Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men.

13 He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines.

14 But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.

15 Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.

16 At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem.

17 David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!”

18 So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord.

19 “God forbid that I should do this!” he said. “Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?” Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it.
Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.

20 Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three.

21 He was doubly honored above the Three and became their commander, even though he was not included among them.

22 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab’s best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.

23 And he struck down an Egyptian who was seven and a half feet tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s rod in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear.

24 Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men.

25 He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.

26 The mighty men were:
Asahel the brother of Joab,
Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem,

27 Shammoth the Harorite,
Helez the Pelonite,

28 Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa,
Abiezer from Anathoth,

29 Sibbecai the Hushathite,
Ilai the Ahohite,

30 Maharai the Netophathite,
Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite,

31 Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin,
Benaiah the Pirathonite,

32 Hurai from the ravines of Gaash,
Abiel the Arbathite,

33 Azmaveth the Baharumite,
Eliahba the Shaalbonite,

34 the sons of Hashem the Gizonite,
Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite,

35 Ahiam son of Sacar the Hararite,
Eliphal son of Ur,

36 Hepher the Mekerathite,
Ahijah the Pelonite,

37 Hezro the Carmelite,
Naarai son of Ezbai,

38 Joel the brother of Nathan,
Mibhar son of Hagri,

39 Zelek the Ammonite,
Naharai the Berothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,

40 Ira the Ithrite,
Gareb the Ithrite,

41 Uriah the Hittite,
Zabad son of Ahlai,

42 Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, who was chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him,

43 Hanan son of Maacah,
Joshaphat the Mithnite,

44 Uzzia the Ashterathite,
Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite,

45 Jediael son of Shimri,
his brother Joha the Tizite,

46 Eliel the Mahavite,
Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam,
Ithmah the Moabite,

47 Eliel, Obed and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

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Analysis of 1 Chronicles Chapter 11

First Chronicles is a significant historical account within the Old Testament, capturing the lineage, history, and events relevant to Israel and its leaders. Chapter 11 of 1 Chronicles primarily focuses on David’s rise to kingship and the establishment of his reign over all Israel. This chapter also elaborates on the valiant men who supported David, key battles, and key moments in his kingship.

Verses 1-3: David’s Anointing as King

The chapter opens with “all Israel” gathering at Hebron to recognize David as their king. These opening verses are crucial as they reflect a unanimous acceptance of David’s kingship.

“Then all Israel gathered together to David at Hebron and said, ‘Behold, we are your bone and flesh. In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD your God said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and you shall be prince over My people Israel.’”

This gathering reflects a significant unification. The elders of Israel approach David acknowledging him as one of their own, recognizing his past leadership even under Saul, and acknowledging God’s ordination. The metaphor of David as a shepherd represents not only leadership but also care and guidance.

The public acknowledgment of David’s past military successes and divine appointment is an affirmation of his legitimacy. The declaration of kinship (“we are your bone and flesh”) emphasizes unity and relational closeness among the tribes of Israel. This unity is a powerful force for the consolidation of the nation under a single ruler.

“So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.”

The covenant made before the LORD indicates a solemn, sacred agreement, grounded in spiritual and communal commitment. It emphasizes both divine and human approval of David’s kingship, evoking the fulfillment of Samuel’s earlier prophecy.

Verses 4-9: Conquest of Jerusalem

The narrative proceeds with the strategic conquest of Jerusalem. David and his men march to Jerusalem, which was then Jebusite territory. The Jebusites, secure in their fortress, taunted David, but he overcame them with decisive leadership:

“David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus). The Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, said to David, ‘You will not come in here.’ Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David.”

The capture of Jerusalem, a neutral city, was politically and militarily astute. It became the “City of David,” establishing a new political and spiritual center for Israel. David’s leadership and military prowess, combined with his faith, enabled this success. Joab’s role in leading the assault on the city earned him the leadership of David’s army.

Verses 10-47: David’s Mighty Men

The rest of the chapter details David’s elite warriors, the “mighty men.” This section is more than a mere roll call; it celebrates the valor and loyalty of those who stood by David, acknowledging their contributions to the nation’s history.

Verses 10-14: The Three Chief Warriors

The account starts with the three chief warriors:

“Now these are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.”

Jashobeam, Eleazar, and another mighty man are praised for their heroic deeds. For instance, Jashobeam, the chief, “killed 300 men with his spear in one battle” (v.11), while Eleazar stood firm and struck down the Philistines when Israel’s troops fled. Their valor ensured Israel’s victories and David’s consolidation of power. Their acts were not only demonstrations of physical prowess but also of divine providence, as their success was interpreted as God’s favor.

Verses 15-25: The Water of Bethlehem

A poignant story within this section is David’s longing for water from Bethlehem:

“David said longingly, ‘Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!’ Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David.”

David’s longing for the water symbolizes a nostalgic yearning for his past. The three warriors’ daring act of fetching water from a Philistine-occupied town demonstrates their extraordinary loyalty and bravery. However, David poured the water out as an offering to the LORD:

“He was not willing to drink it, but poured it out to the LORD and said, ‘Far be it from me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men? For at the risk of their lives they brought it.’”

This act exemplifies David’s deep respect for his men’s lives and his devotion to God. It also emphasizes that valor and loyalty deserve sacred recognition, acknowledging human sacrifice as something deeply valuable.

Verses 26-47: Additional Mighty Warriors

The final section lists yet more of David’s “mighty men,” emphasizing their diverse backgrounds and explosive potential brought together under David’s leadership. This section commemorates their courage and strategic importance in establishing David’s rule. Notable mentions include:

Benaiah: He is highlighted for his bravery, having killed two Moabite warriors, a lion, and an impressive Egyptian adversary (v.22-23). His actions exemplify exceptional courage and strength.
Asahel, brother of Joab: Asahel’s inclusion highlights family loyalty within the ranks of David’s supporters. Despite his death at the hands of Abner in an earlier battle, his legacy endures through mention.

The enumeration of these warriors serves not merely as a historical record but as a testament to the collective strength and unity that David’s leadership inspired. Each warrior’s unique feats brought collective success, underscoring the importance of both communal and individual contributions.

Conclusion: Themes and Significance

The chapter binds various elements together—divine will, human valor, unity, and leadership. David’s anointment as king signifies both a fulfillment of divine prophecy and human acknowledgment of his leadership prowess. The capture of Jerusalem is a pivotal moment in consolidating David’s reign and establishing a central seat of power. The valor of David’s warriors not only highlights individual heroism but also the collective strength and loyalty key to David’s successful rule.

Chapter 11 of 1 Chronicles thus serves a dual purpose: as a historical record of David’s kingship and his mighty men and as a spiritual narrative illustrating the principles of divine favor, covenant relationships, and the power of unity and loyalty. Through a combination of divine prophecy, military strategy, and personal valor, David’s ascent is portrayed as both celestial and terrestrial, providing readers with a multifaceted understanding of leadership, faith, and community.

Understanding the Key Messages in 1 Chronicles 11: Insights and Explanation

Chapter 11 of 1 Chronicles recounts the story of David's reign as king over all Israel. It highlights his great military exploits and the loyalty of his mighty warriors. This chapter also mentions the capture of Jerusalem, which becomes the political and religious center of the nation under his rule.

Notes

1 Chronicles 11 focuses primarily on David's military achievements and the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital. It serves as a significant bridge between the reigns of Saul and David, highlighting the rise of a powerful king and the consolidation of the kingdom.