2 Samuel 23:39

and Uriah the Hittite. There were thirty-seven in all.

Study Bible

and Uriah the Hittite
Uriah, whose name means "Yahweh is my light," is a significant figure in the narrative of King David. He is notably remembered as the husband of Bathsheba and a valiant warrior in David's army. The designation "the Hittite" indicates his ethnic background, suggesting he was a foreigner integrated into Israelite society. This highlights the inclusivity of David's mighty men, showing that valor and loyalty transcended ethnic boundaries. Uriah's account is a poignant reminder of integrity and faithfulness, as he remained loyal to his comrades and his king, even unto death. His inclusion in this list underscores the tragedy of his betrayal by David, serving as a moral lesson on the consequences of sin and the importance of righteousness.

There were thirty-seven in all
This phrase concludes the list of David's mighty men, a group of elite warriors who played crucial roles in establishing and securing David's kingdom. The number thirty-seven is significant, as it reflects the completeness and strength of this group. These men were not only skilled in battle but also deeply loyal to David, often risking their lives for him. The historical context of this list provides insight into the military organization and the valorization of heroism in ancient Israel. It also serves as a testament to the importance of community and support in leadership, as David's success was not achieved in isolation but through the dedication and sacrifice of these mighty men. This verse, therefore, inspires reflection on the value of loyalty, courage, and the collective effort in achieving God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Uriah the Hittite
Uriah was one of King David's mighty warriors, known for his loyalty and bravery. He was a Hittite by descent, which indicates he was not originally an Israelite but had integrated into Israelite society. His account is most notably connected to the events surrounding David's sin with Bathsheba, Uriah's wife.

2. David's Mighty Warriors
This group, also known as "David's Mighty Men," consisted of elite soldiers who performed extraordinary feats of bravery and were instrumental in David's military successes. The list in 2 Samuel 23 highlights their valor and loyalty to David.

3. The Thirty-Seven
This refers to the total number of David's elite warriors mentioned in the passage. The list includes both the "Three" and the "Thirty," with Uriah being the last mentioned, bringing the total to thirty-seven.

Teaching Points

Loyalty and Integrity
Uriah's life exemplifies loyalty and integrity, even in the face of personal loss and betrayal. Christians are called to uphold these virtues in their own lives, remaining faithful to God and others.

The Consequences of Sin
David's actions towards Uriah remind us of the far-reaching consequences of sin. Believers are encouraged to seek repentance and restoration when they fall short.

God's Sovereignty and Redemption
Despite human failures, God's sovereign plan prevails. Uriah's account, though tragic, is woven into the lineage of Christ, demonstrating God's ability to redeem and use all circumstances for His purposes.

The Importance of Community
The list of mighty warriors underscores the importance of community and teamwork in achieving God's purposes. Christians are encouraged to support and uplift one another in their spiritual journeys.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Uriah's inclusion in the list of David's mighty warriors challenge our understanding of loyalty and integrity in difficult circumstances?

2. In what ways does the account of Uriah and David illustrate the consequences of sin, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

3. How does the inclusion of Uriah in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1) demonstrate God's redemptive power, and what does this mean for us today?

4. What can we learn from the community of David's mighty warriors about the importance of fellowship and support in our Christian walk?

5. Reflecting on Uriah's account, how can we ensure that our actions align with our faith, even when faced with personal challenges or betrayals?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 11
This chapter details the events of David's adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of Uriah. It provides context for understanding the significance of Uriah's inclusion in the list of mighty warriors.

1 Chronicles 11
This passage parallels the account of David's mighty men, providing additional details and affirming the importance of these warriors in David's reign.

Matthew 1
Uriah's account indirectly connects to the genealogy of Jesus, as Bathsheba, referred to as "the wife of Uriah," is listed in the lineage of Christ, highlighting God's redemptive work through flawed human history.