📖WEB · 1 Chronicles 11:10
What does 1 Chronicles 11:10 mean?
"Now these are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who showed themselves strong with him in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to Yahweh’s word concerning Israel."
— 1 Chronicles 11:10 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
David lived in the stronghold; therefore they called it David’s city.
He built the city all around, from Millo even around; and Joab repaired the rest of the city.
David grew greater and greater; for Yahweh of Armies was with him.
Now these are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who showed themselves strong with him in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to Yahweh’s word concerning Israel.
This is the number of the mighty men whom David had: Jashobeam, the son of a Hachmonite, the chief of the thirty; he lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them at one time.
After him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men.
He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where there was a plot of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.
Explanation
1 Chronicles 11:10 serves as an introduction to a roster of David's elite warriors, often called "the mighty men" or "the thirty." In plain language, the verse tells us that these were the top leaders among David's fighting men, individuals who stood firmly with him and used their strength and loyalty to help establish his kingship. The verse emphasizes that this was not merely a personal power grab by David or a small faction backing him, but a movement joined by "all Israel," meaning the tribes broadly recognized and supported his rule.
To understand the context, it helps to know that 1 Chronicles was likely written after the Babylonian exile, compiled by a writer (traditionally associated with Ezra or a similar figure) for a Jewish community returning to their land and trying to reconnect with their history and identity. The Chronicler is retelling Israel's story with a particular focus on David, the temple, and worship, aiming to remind the post-exilic community of God's faithfulness to the Davidic line and the united kingdom's ideals. This verse begins a list (following into verses 11-47) that parallels a similar list in 2 Samuel 23, but the Chronicler shapes it to highlight unity and divine endorsement rather than merely military exploits.
The theological significance lies in the phrase "according to Yahweh's word concerning Israel." This ties David's kingship not to human ambition or political maneuvering but to God's own promise and plan. Earlier in Israel's history, God had indicated that David would be king (as seen in places like 1 Samuel 16, where
Compare translations
Go deeper with ScriptureCompanion AI
Ask questions about any verse, follow reading plans, write personal prayers, and track your daily habit — all grounded in verified scripture text.