Bible Strands
2 Samuel 23:8
These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative introduces a roster of elite warriors loyal to David, positioned between a metaphor about thorns and the account of the next champion. It functions as an opening heading for a list of David’s most formidable fighters.
The words — The opening phrase אֵ֛לֶּה ('E.leh) and שְׁמ֥וֹת (she.Mot) literally render "these [are] the names," establishing the verse as a formal catalog header. The compound name יֹשֵׁ֨ב בַּשֶּׁ֜בֶת (yo.Shev ba.She.vet) identifies the leader of the Three as Josheb-basshebeth.
The thread — The roster parallels the chronicler’s list in 1 Chronicles 11:11, where Jashobeam son of Hachmoni holds the same chief position. David’s military organization is further detailed in 1 Chronicles 27:2 and 27:32, which track his rotating divisions and counselors.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition of the historical reality behind David’s royal military structure and the extreme combat proficiency of his retainers. It requires the reader to treat the roster as a factual record of loyalty and martial capability rather than a symbolic allegory.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 1 Chronicles 11:11 This is the list of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam son of Hachmoni was chief of the officers; he wielded his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed at one time.
- 1 Chronicles 27:2 Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, which was assigned the first month. There were 24,000 men in his division.
- 1 Chronicles 27:32 David’s uncle Jonathan was a counselor; he was a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hachmoni attended to the sons of the king.