“Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah.”
2 Samuel 23 records David’s mighty men, an elite group of warriors who supported him during his rise and reign as king. This chapter is partly a roll call—names that might seem small or easy to skim, but they represent real loyalty, sacrifice, and shared history.
“Zelek the Ammonite”
- Ammonites were traditionally enemies of Israel (see earlier conflicts in Samuel).
- Yet here is an Ammonite counted among David’s mighty men.
- This shows that loyalty to God’s anointed king mattered more than ethnic background.
“Naharai the Beerothite”
- Beeroth was a town associated with the Benjamites (Saul’s tribe).
- David had once been hunted by Saul, yet men from Saul’s tribal territory served David.
- This reflects reconciliation and unity beyond past political divisions.
“Armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah”
- An armourbearer was not a minor role; it required trust, courage, and proximity in battle.
- Joab was Israel’s chief military commander.
- Serving as Joab’s armourbearer meant standing in danger and responsibility, often without recognition.
