2 Samuel 23:8

These be the names of the mightie men whome Dauid had: The Tachmonite that sate in the seat, chiefe among the captaines, (the same was Adino the Eznite:) hee lift vp his speare against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. 2 Samuel 23:8 (KJV)

This verse opens the catalogue of David’s mighty men in 2 Samuel 23, a section that follows the traditional “last words of David.” The passage lists elite warriors who served under King David and were celebrated for their extraordinary strength, courage, and loyalty. The term “mighty men” designates a select group of fighters whose deeds were recorded to illustrate the military prowess that helped secure and expand the kingdom of Israel.

In the verse itself the Tachmonite is identified as chief among the captains, seated in a place of honor. The text records that he lifted his spear against eight hundred opponents and slew them in a single encounter. Some manuscript traditions, reflected in other ancient copies, record the number of foes as three hundred rather than eight hundred. Both figures are presented in the surviving sources, and the passage highlights the remarkable martial skill attributed to this leader.

The name Adino the Eznite also appears in the verse. While one reading of the text links Adino with the Tachmonite, other passages in the chapter list Adino separately, suggesting that they were distinct individuals. The inclusion of both names underscores the breadth of David’s elite cadre, each member distinguished by a particular act of valor.

Overall, the verse serves to emphasize the unparalleled bravery of David’s warriors. Whether confronting eight hundred or three hundred enemies, the Tachmonite’s feat exemplifies the kind of heroic narrative that the biblical author uses to celebrate the loyalty and effectiveness of the king’s inner circle of fighters. The passage therefore reinforces the theme of divine favor and human courage that runs throughout the account of David’s reign.