1 Chronicles 11 Study Notes: David Made King and His Mighty Men
All Israel gathers at Hebron and anoints David king, as the LORD had promised through Samuel. David takes Jebus, which becomes his city, and grows in power because God is with him. The chapter then honors his mighty warriors and their daring deeds.
General
When Israel’s soldiers ran from the Philistines at the barley field, what does the chapter say happened (1 Chronicles 11:13-14)?
Answer: Eleazar and David held the field, and the LORD gave a great victory
At Pas-dammim the Philistines gathered for battle, and Israel’s troops ran away. Yet Eleazar and David took their position mid-field among the barley and held it. They cut down the enemy, and the LORD gave Israel a great win (11:13-14). The men fought hard, but the chapter credits the win to the LORD. Scripture repeats this lesson often: the horse may be readied for war, but victory belongs to the LORD (Proverbs 21:31), and the LORD can save through a large army or a small one alike (1 Samuel 14:6).
- 1 Chronicles 11:13-14 (BSB)“He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory.”Eleazar and David hold the barley field after the troops flee, and the LORD gives the victory.
- Proverbs 21:31 (BSB)“A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.”Preparation for battle is human work, but victory comes from the LORD.
- 1 Samuel 14:6 (BSB)“Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.””Jonathan’s confidence that the LORD can save by few fits two men holding a field.
- Psalm 44:3 (BSB)“For it was not by their sword that they took the land; their arm did not bring them victory. It was by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them.”Israel’s victories came by God’s hand, not by their own arm.
Theological
What happened at the barley field at Pas-dammim, and to whom is the victory credited (1 Chronicles 11:13-14)?
Answer: Eleazar and David held the field, and the LORD gave a great victory
Two men stand in a barley field after the army flees, and the narrator attributes the outcome to God: the LORD gave a great deliverance (11:13-14). Human courage is real and commended, yet victory belongs to the LORD (Proverbs 21:31), who is not hindered from saving by few (1 Samuel 14:6). Israel’s possession of the land was likewise never by their own arm (Psalm 44:3).
- 1 Chronicles 11:13-14 (BSB)“He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory.”Eleazar and David hold the barley field after the troops flee, and the LORD gives the victory.
- Proverbs 21:31 (BSB)“A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.”Preparation for battle is human work, but victory comes from the LORD.
- 1 Samuel 14:6 (BSB)“Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.””Jonathan’s confidence that the LORD can save by few fits two men holding a field.
- Psalm 44:3 (BSB)“For it was not by their sword that they took the land; their arm did not bring them victory. It was by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them.”Israel’s victories came by God’s hand, not by their own arm.
General
Which exploit does the chapter credit to Jehoiada’s son Benaiah (1 Chronicles 11:22-23)?
Answer: Killing a lion in a pit when snow had fallen
Benaiah was famous for many brave deeds. He killed two of Moab’s champion warriors, climbed into a pit when snow had fallen and slew a lion, and fought a giant Egyptian armed with a huge spear. Benaiah attacked him with only a club, wrenched the spear away, and killed him with it (11:22-23). He ranked highest in honor among the Thirty, though he never joined that top trio, and David put him in charge of his guard (11:25). The chapter honors other leading warriors as well: Jashobeam, head of the officers, and Abishai, Joab’s brother and commander of the Three, each fought and killed three hundred enemies with the spear (11:11, 20-21). Like David, who had struck down lions and bears as a shepherd (1 Samuel 17:34-36), Benaiah faced danger boldly. David himself sang that God is the one who trains hands for battle (Psalm 18:32-34).
- 1 Chronicles 11:22-23 (BSB)“And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s beam in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.”Benaiah’s exploits: two Moabite champions, a lion in a pit, and a huge Egyptian.
- 1 Chronicles 11:25 (BSB)“He was most honored among the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. And David appointed him over his guard.”Benaiah is honored among the Thirty and placed over David’s guard.
- 1 Samuel 17:34-36 (BSB)“David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.””David had killed lions and bears while shepherding, the same kind of courage Benaiah shows.
- Psalm 18:32-34 (BSB)“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear. He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”David credits God with training his hands for battle and arming him with strength.
Theological
Which deed is recorded of Jehoiada’s son Benaiah (1 Chronicles 11:22-23)?
Answer: Killing a lion in a pit when snow had fallen
Benaiah’s record includes killing two Moabite champions, a lion in a pit in the snow, and a giant Egyptian whom he disarmed with a club and slew with the Egyptian’s own weapon (11:22-23). First in honor among the Thirty yet never part of the top trio, he is set over David’s guard (11:25), ranked with Jashobeam, head of the officers, and Abishai, Joab’s brother and commander of the Three, each of whom slew three hundred enemies with the spear (11:11, 20-21). His courage recalls David’s own lion-and-bear victories (1 Samuel 17:34-36), and David credits such strength in battle to God (Psalm 18:32-34).
- 1 Chronicles 11:22-23 (BSB)“And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s beam in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.”Benaiah’s exploits: two Moabite champions, a lion in a pit, and a huge Egyptian.
- 1 Chronicles 11:25 (BSB)“He was most honored among the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. And David appointed him over his guard.”Benaiah is honored among the Thirty and placed over David’s guard.
- 1 Samuel 17:34-36 (BSB)“David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.””David had killed lions and bears while shepherding, the same kind of courage Benaiah shows.
- Psalm 18:32-34 (BSB)“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear. He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”David credits God with training his hands for battle and arming him with strength.
General
True or False: According to the chapter, when the elders anointed David king at Hebron, it happened just as the LORD had spoken through Samuel.
Answer: True
This is true. Israel’s elders met David in Hebron, where he made a covenant (a binding agreement) with them in the LORD’s presence, and the elders anointed him as Israel’s king, just as the LORD had promised through Samuel (11:3). To anoint someone was to pour oil on his head to set him apart for an office God had given. Years before, Samuel had anointed the young David at God’s command (1 Samuel 16:13), and God said He had chosen a king from Jesse’s sons (1 Samuel 16:1). Chapter 10 had already said that the LORD Himself handed the kingdom to David (10:14). What happened at Hebron was the public carrying out of God’s earlier word.
- 1 Chronicles 11:3 (BSB)“So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.”The elders come to Hebron, David makes a covenant with them, and they anoint him king.
- 1 Samuel 16:1 (BSB)“Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.””The LORD tells Samuel He has selected a king for Himself from Jesse’s sons.
- 1 Samuel 16:13 (BSB)“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.”Samuel anoints David, the earlier word that the Hebron anointing carries out.
- 1 Chronicles 10:14 (BSB)“and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.”The previous chapter states that the LORD Himself turned the kingdom over to David.
Theological
True or False: The chapter ties David’s anointing at Hebron to the word the LORD had spoken through Samuel.
Answer: True
This is true. At Hebron David cuts a covenant with the elders in the LORD’s presence, and they anoint him Israel’s king in fulfillment of the LORD’s word spoken by Samuel (11:3). The Hebron anointing publicly enacts what God had already decreed: He had selected a king from Jesse’s sons (1 Samuel 16:1), Samuel had anointed David among his brothers (1 Samuel 16:13), and the narrator has just said that the LORD gave the kingdom to David (10:14). Human covenant-making and divine decree stand together here, with God’s word as the ground.
- 1 Chronicles 11:3 (BSB)“So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.”The elders come to Hebron, David makes a covenant with them, and they anoint him king.
- 1 Samuel 16:1 (BSB)“Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.””The LORD tells Samuel He has selected a king for Himself from Jesse’s sons.
- 1 Samuel 16:13 (BSB)“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.”Samuel anoints David, the earlier word that the Hebron anointing carries out.
- 1 Chronicles 10:14 (BSB)“and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.”The previous chapter states that the LORD Himself turned the kingdom over to David.
General
Why did David refuse to drink the water his men brought, and what did he do with it (1 Chronicles 11:18-19)?
Answer: He counted it as his men’s lifeblood, so he offered it to the LORD
David would not drink the water. He spilled it out as an offering to the LORD. He said that drinking it would be like drinking the blood of the men who had put their lives at risk (11:18-19). In the Law, blood stood for life, and life belongs to God (Leviticus 17:11), so blood was never to be eaten but poured out on the ground (Deuteronomy 12:16). David treated the water the same way. Their lives were too precious for him to enjoy as a treat, so he gave the gift to God. In doing so he honored both the LORD and the men who had risked everything for him.
- 1 Chronicles 11:18-19 (BSB)“So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD, saying, “Far be it from me, my God, to do this! How can I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?” Because they had brought it at the risk of their lives, David refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.”David pours the water out to the LORD, calling it the blood of men who risked their lives.
- Leviticus 17:11 (BSB)“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”The Law teaches that the life is in the blood, which is why David treats the water as sacred.
- Deuteronomy 12:16 (BSB)“but you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water.”Blood was to be poured on the ground like water, the very action David takes.
Theological
What reason does David give for refusing the water, and what does he do instead (1 Chronicles 11:18-19)?
Answer: He counted it as his men’s lifeblood, so he offered it to the LORD
David refuses the water and pours it out as an offering to the LORD, treating it as the blood of men who had hazarded their lives (11:18-19). The act draws on the Law’s teaching that blood carries life, and life belongs to God (Leviticus 17:11), which is why blood was poured out rather than consumed (Deuteronomy 12:16). Unwilling to spend his men’s lives on his own refreshment, David offers their costly devotion to God.
- 1 Chronicles 11:18-19 (BSB)“So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD, saying, “Far be it from me, my God, to do this! How can I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?” Because they had brought it at the risk of their lives, David refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.”David pours the water out to the LORD, calling it the blood of men who risked their lives.
- Leviticus 17:11 (BSB)“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”The Law teaches that the life is in the blood, which is why David treats the water as sacred.
- Deuteronomy 12:16 (BSB)“but you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water.”Blood was to be poured on the ground like water, the very action David takes.
General
When all Israel gathered before David in Hebron, what reasons did they give for wanting him as king (1 Chronicles 11:1-2)?
Answer: He was their kin, he had led them in war, and God had named him shepherd
All the tribes gathered before David in Hebron and offered three reasons for crowning him (11:1-2). First, they were his own relatives. Second, even back when Saul was on the throne, David had been the one leading Israel’s army into war and home again. Third, the LORD had said that David would shepherd His people and rule over them. A shepherd guides, feeds, and protects a flock, and Scripture often uses that picture for a ruler who cares for God’s people. Psalm 78:70-72 says God took David from tending sheep to shepherd Israel, and 1 Samuel 18:16 records the people’s love for him as their leader in war. Later the prophet Ezekiel promised that God would set one shepherd over His people, His servant David (Ezekiel 34:23).
- 1 Chronicles 11:1-2 (BSB)“Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’””The tribes gather at Hebron and appeal to their kinship, David’s past leadership, and the LORD’s promise.
- Psalm 78:70-72 (BSB)“He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.”The psalm confirms that God chose David from the sheepfolds to be shepherd of His people.
- 1 Samuel 18:16 (BSB)“But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he was leading them out to battle and back.”Israel’s love for David because he led them out to battle matches the elders’ second reason.
- Ezekiel 34:23 (BSB)“I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.”The prophet takes up the same shepherd language for the promised ruler from David.
Theological
What grounds does Israel give at Hebron for making David king (1 Chronicles 11:1-2)?
Answer: He was their kin, he had led them in war, and God had named him shepherd
Israel’s appeal at Hebron rests on kinship, David’s proven leadership in Saul’s day, and above all the LORD’s own word that David would shepherd and rule His people (11:1-2). The shepherd-king idea runs through Scripture: God chose David from the sheepfolds to shepherd Jacob (Psalm 78:70-72), the people loved him for leading them in war (1 Samuel 18:16), and the prophets promised one shepherd, God’s servant David, over a restored people (Ezekiel 34:23). The kingship is grounded first in God’s choice, not in popular acclaim alone.
- 1 Chronicles 11:1-2 (BSB)“Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’””The tribes gather at Hebron and appeal to their kinship, David’s past leadership, and the LORD’s promise.
- Psalm 78:70-72 (BSB)“He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.”The psalm confirms that God chose David from the sheepfolds to be shepherd of His people.
- 1 Samuel 18:16 (BSB)“But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he was leading them out to battle and back.”Israel’s love for David because he led them out to battle matches the elders’ second reason.
- Ezekiel 34:23 (BSB)“I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.”The prophet takes up the same shepherd language for the promised ruler from David.
General
What did David promise during the attack on Jebus, and who earned it (1 Chronicles 11:6)?
Answer: Command of the army, which went to Zeruiah’s son Joab
David announced that the first man to kill a Jebusite would be made chief commander. Zeruiah’s son Joab led the way up and so won the post (11:6). Joab is a major figure in David’s reign, and later lists of David’s officials name him as head of the army (18:15; 27:34). Afterward, while David built up the area around the fortress, Joab repaired the remainder of Jerusalem (11:8).
- 1 Chronicles 11:6 (BSB)“Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.”David promises chief command to the first to strike a Jebusite, and Joab earns it.
- 1 Chronicles 11:8 (BSB)“He built up the city around it, from the supporting terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city.”David builds around the fortress while Joab restores the rest of the city.
- 1 Chronicles 18:15 (BSB)“Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;”The list of David’s officials names Joab son of Zeruiah as over the army.
- 1 Chronicles 27:34 (BSB)“Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah, then by Abiathar. Joab was the commander of the king’s army.”Joab is again named as commander of the king’s army.
Theological
What reward did David offer at Jebus, and who won it (1 Chronicles 11:6)?
Answer: Command of the army, which went to Zeruiah’s son Joab
David’s offer of chief command goes to Zeruiah’s son Joab, who leads the assault on the Jebusites (11:6). This explains Joab’s standing as head of the army throughout David’s reign, as the official lists confirm (18:15; 27:34). He also restores the rest of Jerusalem while David builds around the fortress (11:8).
- 1 Chronicles 11:6 (BSB)“Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.”David promises chief command to the first to strike a Jebusite, and Joab earns it.
- 1 Chronicles 11:8 (BSB)“He built up the city around it, from the supporting terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city.”David builds around the fortress while Joab restores the rest of the city.
- 1 Chronicles 18:15 (BSB)“Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;”The list of David’s officials names Joab son of Zeruiah as over the army.
- 1 Chronicles 27:34 (BSB)“Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah, then by Abiathar. Joab was the commander of the king’s army.”Joab is again named as commander of the king’s army.
General
What role does the chapter give to David’s band of mighty warriors (1 Chronicles 11:10)?
Answer: They helped establish his rule, as the LORD had promised Israel
Before listing David’s warriors, the chapter explains who they were: chiefs who joined the whole nation in giving firm support to David’s rule, in keeping with the LORD’s promise about Israel (11:10). Their courage and loyalty were real, but they served a larger purpose: God had promised the kingdom to David, and He used these men to bring it about. The next chapter says the same about the armed men who came to Hebron (12:23). People make many plans, but it is the LORD’s purpose that stands (Proverbs 19:21).
- 1 Chronicles 11:10 (BSB)“Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.”The mighty men are introduced as strengthening David’s kingdom according to the LORD’s word.
- 1 Chronicles 12:23 (BSB)“Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD:”The armed men at Hebron likewise come to turn the kingdom to David in accordance with the LORD’s word.
- Proverbs 19:21 (BSB)“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.”The LORD’s purpose prevails, here carried out through the mighty men’s service.
Theological
How does 11:10 frame the service of David’s band of warriors?
Answer: They helped establish his rule, as the LORD had promised Israel
The mighty men are presented as chiefs who joined the nation in strengthening David’s kingship in keeping with the LORD’s promise (11:10). Human valor and loyalty are the means by which God’s promise is fulfilled, the same framing given to the troops at Hebron in 12:23. The LORD’s purpose prevails through the plans and deeds of people (Proverbs 19:21), here working through willing, courageous servants.
- 1 Chronicles 11:10 (BSB)“Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.”The mighty men are introduced as strengthening David’s kingdom according to the LORD’s word.
- 1 Chronicles 12:23 (BSB)“Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD:”The armed men at Hebron likewise come to turn the kingdom to David in accordance with the LORD’s word.
- Proverbs 19:21 (BSB)“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.”The LORD’s purpose prevails, here carried out through the mighty men’s service.
General
Why does the chapter say David kept growing more and more powerful (1 Chronicles 11:9)?
Answer: Because the LORD of Hosts stood by him
The chapter gives one reason for David’s rise: his power kept increasing because the LORD of Hosts stood by him (11:9). The title LORD of Hosts means the LORD who commands armies, including the armies of heaven. David’s success is not credited to his own skill or strength but to God’s presence. The same thing had been said of David as a young man serving Saul (1 Samuel 18:14), and even before that, when a servant first described him to Saul (1 Samuel 16:18). Scripture says the same of Joseph, whose success came from God’s presence (Genesis 39:2).
- 1 Chronicles 11:9 (BSB)“And David became greater and greater, for the LORD of Hosts was with him.”David’s increasing greatness is credited to the LORD of Hosts being with him.
- 1 Samuel 18:14 (BSB)“and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.”Earlier David prospered in all he did for the very same reason.
- 1 Samuel 16:18 (BSB)“One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.””Even before David served Saul, he was described as one with whom the LORD was present.
- Genesis 39:2 (BSB)“And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.”Joseph’s success is likewise credited to the LORD being with him.
Theological
To what does the narrator attribute David’s steadily increasing greatness (1 Chronicles 11:9)?
Answer: Because the LORD of Hosts stood by him
The narrator credits David’s growth entirely to God’s presence: his greatness increased because the LORD of Hosts stood by him (11:9). This is the consistent explanation of David’s rise from the beginning (1 Samuel 16:18; 18:14), and it echoes the pattern of Joseph’s life (Genesis 39:2). God’s providence, not human ability, is the decisive cause of the king’s establishment.
- 1 Chronicles 11:9 (BSB)“And David became greater and greater, for the LORD of Hosts was with him.”David’s increasing greatness is credited to the LORD of Hosts being with him.
- 1 Samuel 18:14 (BSB)“and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.”Earlier David prospered in all he did for the very same reason.
- 1 Samuel 16:18 (BSB)“One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.””Even before David served Saul, he was described as one with whom the LORD was present.
- Genesis 39:2 (BSB)“And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.”Joseph’s success is likewise credited to the LORD being with him.
General
While the Philistines held Bethlehem, what did David long for, and what did three of his men do (1 Chronicles 11:17-18)?
Answer: Water from Bethlehem’s well, and they forced their way to get it
David was at his stronghold by Adullam’s cave, while a Philistine garrison held his hometown of Bethlehem. He said aloud how he longed to drink from the well beside Bethlehem’s gate. Three of his mighty men forced their way past the Philistine lines, drew the water, and carried it back to him (11:15-18). They risked their lives simply because their leader had voiced a wish. Adullam was where men in distress had first rallied to David years before (1 Samuel 22:1-2), and these warriors’ devotion shows the kind of love Scripture praises: laying down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13).
- 1 Chronicles 11:17-18 (BSB)“David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD,”David longs for water from Bethlehem’s well, and the Three break through to bring it.
- 1 Samuel 22:1-2 (BSB)“So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.”Years earlier, men in distress had rallied to David at the cave of Adullam, where this episode takes place.
- John 15:13 (BSB)“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”Risking one’s life for a friend is the greatest love, as the Three did for David.
- Philippians 2:30 (BSB)“because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.”Paul honors Epaphroditus for risking his life in service, the same kind of devotion.
Theological
What did David wish for at the stronghold, and how did the Three respond (1 Chronicles 11:17-18)?
Answer: Water from Bethlehem’s well, and they forced their way to get it
With Bethlehem under a Philistine garrison, David voices a longing for water from its gate-well, and three of his chief men break through the enemy camp to bring it (11:15-18). The episode displays costly loyalty, at the same cave of Adullam where men in distress had first rallied to David in his outlaw years (1 Samuel 22:1-2). It is the kind of self-risking love that Jesus names as the greatest (John 15:13) and that Paul commends in Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:30).
- 1 Chronicles 11:17-18 (BSB)“David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD,”David longs for water from Bethlehem’s well, and the Three break through to bring it.
- 1 Samuel 22:1-2 (BSB)“So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.”Years earlier, men in distress had rallied to David at the cave of Adullam, where this episode takes place.
- John 15:13 (BSB)“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”Risking one’s life for a friend is the greatest love, as the Three did for David.
- Philippians 2:30 (BSB)“because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.”Paul honors Epaphroditus for risking his life in service, the same kind of devotion.
General
When David marched on Jerusalem, then called Jebus, what did its people say, and what happened (1 Chronicles 11:4-5)?
Answer: They boasted he could not enter, yet David seized Zion’s stronghold
David and all Israel marched to Jerusalem, at that time called Jebus and held by the Jebusites, a Canaanite people. The Jebusites told David he would never get in, but he seized Zion’s stronghold anyway, and it came to bear David’s own name (11:4-5). Jerusalem had resisted Israel for a long time. Neither Judah nor Benjamin had managed to expel the Jebusites from it (Joshua 15:63; Judges 1:21). Now the city fell to David, and Zion became the royal city where God would place His king (Psalm 2:6).
- 1 Chronicles 11:4-5 (BSB)“Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land. The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).”The Jebusites boast that David cannot enter, but he captures the fortress of Zion.
- Joshua 15:63 (BSB)“But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the descendants of Judah.”Judah had been unable to drive the Jebusites out of Jerusalem.
- Judges 1:21 (BSB)“The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the Benjamites.”Benjamin also failed to drive out the Jebusites, showing how long the city had resisted.
- Psalm 2:6 (BSB)““I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.””Zion becomes the place where the LORD installs His King.
Theological
How did the Jebusites respond to David, and what was the outcome (1 Chronicles 11:4-5)?
Answer: They boasted he could not enter, yet David seized Zion’s stronghold
The Jebusites’ taunt that David would never enter is answered at once: he takes Zion’s stronghold, which is renamed for David himself (11:4-5). The city had held out against Judah and Benjamin since the conquest (Joshua 15:63; Judges 1:21), so its fall marks a decisive step in God establishing David’s throne. Zion thereafter becomes the seat of the LORD’s anointed king (Psalm 2:6).
- 1 Chronicles 11:4-5 (BSB)“Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land. The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).”The Jebusites boast that David cannot enter, but he captures the fortress of Zion.
- Joshua 15:63 (BSB)“But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the descendants of Judah.”Judah had been unable to drive the Jebusites out of Jerusalem.
- Judges 1:21 (BSB)“The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the Benjamites.”Benjamin also failed to drive out the Jebusites, showing how long the city had resisted.
- Psalm 2:6 (BSB)““I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.””Zion becomes the place where the LORD installs His King.