King David's "mighty men"

King David's Mighty Men were a group of highly skilled warriors who served under King David during his reign as King of Israel. One of the most famous stories about these warriors is the story of the "Thirty-Seven" or the "Three".

According to the biblical account in 2 Samuel 23, the "Thirty-Seven" were a group of David's most elite warriors who performed extraordinary feats of valor on the battlefield. They were led by three of David's most trusted and respected warriors: Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar son of Dodai, and Shammah son of Agee.

The story goes that one day, during a battle against the Philistines, the Israelite army became tired and hungry, and the Philistines took advantage of this by occupying a field of lentils. Despite the odds, the "Thirty-Seven" remained loyal to their king and refused to let the Philistines take what rightfully belonged to the Israelites.

The three leaders of the "Thirty-Seven" were particularly fierce in their determination to defend the lentil field. Josheb-Basshebeth, also known as Adino the Eznite, single-handedly killed eight hundred enemy soldiers in one battle. Eleazar son of Dodai, meanwhile, fought so valiantly that his hand became stuck to his sword, and he had to pry it loose after the battle was won. And Shammah son of Agee stood his ground in the middle of the lentil field and fought off the Philistines until his sword grew tired in his hand.

These feats of bravery were not only remarkable but also helped secure the Israelites' victory in the battle. David was so impressed by his mighty men that he poured out the water they had risked their lives to bring him from the well of Bethlehem, saying, "Is not this the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?" (2 Samuel 23:17).

The story of the "Thirty-Seven" is just one example of the incredible courage and loyalty exhibited by David's Mighty Men. Their stories have been remembered and celebrated for thousands of years, and they continue to inspire people today with their unwavering devotion to their king and their country.

Here are the names of the 37 "mighty men" who fought alongside King David, as listed in the Bible:

1. Josheb-Basshebeth the Tahkemonite

2. Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite

3. Shammah the Hararite

4. Abishai son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab

5. Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel

6. The Thirty

7. Asahel brother of Joab

8. Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem

9. Shammah the Harodite

10. Helez the Pelonite

11. Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite

12. Abiezer from Anathoth

13. Sibbekai the Hushathite

14. Ilai the Ahohite

15. Maharai the Netophathite

16. Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite

17. Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin

18. Benaiah the Pirathonite

19. Hurai from the ravines of Gaash

20. Abiel the Arbathite

21. Azmaveth the Baharumite

22. Eliahba the Shaalbonite

23. the sons of Jashen

24. Jonathan son of Shammah the Hararite

25. Ahiam son of Sharar the Hararite

26. Eliphelet son of Ahasbai the Maacathite

27. Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite

28. Hezro the Carmelite

29. Paarai the Arbite

30. Igal son of Nathan from Zobah

31. Zelek the Ammonite

32. Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of        Zeruiah

33. Ira the Ithrite

34. Gareb the Ithrite

35. Uriah the Hittite

36. Zabad son of Ahlai

37. Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, who was chief of the          Reubenites and the Thirty with him.

King David's "mighty men" were a group of elite warriors who fought alongside him and were known for their bravery and loyalty. They were also referred to as the "Gibborim" or "mighty warriors" in Hebrew.