Among the Thirty
This phrase refers to a select group of David's mighty warriors, known for their valor and loyalty. The "Thirty" were an elite unit within David's army, though the number is more symbolic than literal, as the list includes more than thirty names. Historically, these warriors were crucial in establishing David's kingdom, reflecting the importance of strong, faithful leadership in achieving God's purposes.

Asahel
Asahel, whose name means "God has made," was known for his swiftness and was the brother of Joab, David's military commander. His inclusion highlights the familial connections within David's army and the personal sacrifices made by those close to David. Asahel's story, including his pursuit of Abner and subsequent death (2 Samuel 2:18-23), underscores themes of bravery and the tragic costs of war.

the brother of Joab
Joab was a prominent figure in David's reign, serving as the commander of his army. The mention of Asahel as Joab's brother emphasizes the interconnectedness of David's leadership team. Joab's complex character, marked by loyalty and ruthlessness, provides a backdrop for understanding the dynamics within David's court and the challenges of leadership.

Elhanan
Elhanan, meaning "God is gracious," is another of David's mighty warriors. His presence in the list signifies the diversity of backgrounds among David's men, each bringing unique strengths to the service of the king. Elhanan's name serves as a reminder of God's grace in equipping and empowering His people for their roles in His divine plan.

son of Dodo
The mention of Elhanan's father, Dodo, provides a genealogical link, which was significant in ancient Israelite culture. It highlights the importance of family heritage and the passing down of faith and values through generations. This detail also reflects the biblical emphasis on honoring one's lineage and the role of family in shaping one's identity and destiny.

of Bethlehem
Bethlehem, the birthplace of David, is a town rich in biblical history. It is not only the setting for David's early life but also the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2). The mention of Bethlehem connects Elhanan to this significant location, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promises and the continuity of His redemptive work through history.

(24) Asahel.--As he was killed by Abner while David reigned over Judah only, it is plain that this list is not restricted to any one definite time in David's reign. Leaving out Asahel, however, the names that follow are exactly "thirty." Of but few of them is anything further known.

Verse 24. - The thirty. This order of knighthood consisted originally of thirty-three men, of whom three were of higher rank, and presided, probably, each over ten, while Joab was chief over them all. This arrangement of men in tens, with an officer over them. was, in fact, the normal rule among the Hebrews. The second triad is unusual, but is explained by the history. In honour of the exploit of bringing the water from the well of Bethlehem, this second order of three was instituted, lower than the three chiefs, but higher than the rest. The third of these is not mentioned, and the disappearance of the name is not the result of accident, but of purpose. Had it been a scribe's error, there would have been some trace of it in the versions. But if the name was erased, it must have been blotted out for treason, and we thus have two candidates for the vacant niche: one is Amasa, and the other Ahithophel. The name of Joab we cannot for one moment admit. He never was a traitor to David, nor would the latter, though king, have ventured to degrade one so powerful, and who continued to be commander-in-chief until David's death. Now, if Amasa is the same as the Amasai in 1 Chronicles 12:18, who was chief of the captains who came from Judah and Benjamin to David when he was in the hold, it is difficult to account for the absence of his name from the list of the thirty. Plainly, however, David did not regard his treason with strong displeasure, but was prepared, after Absalom's death, to make him commander-in-chief. But we must remember that a place in this second triad was gained by one exploit. The three were those who broke through the Philistine host, and fetched the water from Bethlehem. Such a deed would account for the close attachment between David and Ahithophel. He was the king's companion, and his familiar friend. It would account also for his suicide. His love to David had, for some unknown reason, turned to bitter hatred. He sought, not only David's life, but his dishonour. His feelings must have been highly excited before he could have worked himself up to such a pitch; and the reaction and disappointment would be equally extreme. He never could have faced David again, remembering the warmth of former love, and the shamelessness with which he had sought, not only his life, but to bring upon him public shame and ignominy. And his name would have been totally erased, and gone down into silence. Of Ahithophel's personal accomplishments as a brave warrior, we cannot doubt (see 2 Samuel 17:1), and his son Eliam was one of the mighties. (On a son and father both belonging to the order, see note on ver. 33.) Elhanan (see note on 2 Samuel 21:19).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Now [these were members of] the Thirty:
בַּשְּׁלֹשִׁ֑ים (baš·šə·lō·šîm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth

Asahel
אֵ֥ל (’êl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6214: Asahel -- 'God has made', four Israelites

the brother
אֲחִֽי־ (’ă·ḥî-)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

of Joab,
יוֹאָ֖ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Preposition, Article | Number - common plural
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

Elhanan
אֶלְחָנָ֥ן (’el·ḥā·nān)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 445: Elhanan -- 'God has been gracious', two of David's leaders

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

of Dodo
דֹּד֖וֹ (dō·ḏōw)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1734: Dodo -- 'his beloved', three Israelites

of Bethlehem,
לָֽחֶם׃ (lā·ḥem)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1035: Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun


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OT History: 2 Samuel 23:24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)