King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 23:11 Mean?

2 Samuel 23:11 in the King James Version says “And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where w... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. into: or, for foraging

2 Samuel 23:11 · KJV


Context

9

And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:

10

He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

11

And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. into: or, for foraging

12

But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.

13

And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim. three: or, the three captains over the thirty


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing incident reveals David's unwillingness to value his comfort above his soldiers' lives. Theological themes include the importance of final testimonies, the eternal nature of God's covenant, the value of faithful servants, and the necessity of sacrificial leadership.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 23 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding legacy, faithful servants provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of legacy, faithful servants?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאַֽחֲרָ֛יו1 of 18

And after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

שַׁמָּ֥ה2 of 18

him was Shammah

H8048

shammah, the name of an edomite and four israelites

בֶן3 of 18

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָגֵ֖א4 of 18

of Agee

H89

age, an israelite

הָֽרָרִ֑י5 of 18

the Hararite

H2043

hararite

וַיֵּאָֽסְפ֨וּ6 of 18

were gathered together

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

פְלִשְׁתִּֽים׃7 of 18

And the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

לַחַיָּ֗ה8 of 18

into a troop

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וַתְּהִי9 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שָׁ֞ם10 of 18
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

חֶלְקַ֤ת11 of 18

where was a piece

H2513

properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery

הַשָּׂדֶה֙12 of 18

of ground

H7704

a field (as flat)

מְלֵאָ֣ה13 of 18

full

H4392

full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully

עֲדָשִׁ֔ים14 of 18

of lentiles

H5742

a lentil

וְהָעָ֥ם15 of 18

and the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

נָ֖ס16 of 18

fled

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

מִפְּנֵ֥י17 of 18

from

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

פְלִשְׁתִּֽים׃18 of 18

And the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 23:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 23:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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