David’s Elite Warriors and Their Exploits in the Books of Samuel and Chronicles

Abstract

This article examines various descriptions of David and his warriors. Whereas the early pro-monarchic author of David’s story glorifies his military activity, the later anti-monarchic author of Samuel diminishes the admiration by revealing that Abishai saved his King’s life, and the king was banned from fighting activity. The warriors’ anecdotes disclose that David’s killing of Goliath was far from being unmatched; other warriors killed the Rephaim giants as well. In Chronicles, however, the rosters of David’s heroes demonstrate the comprehensive support of his accession, while his heroes’ exploits are part of his warfare against the Philistines. The booty of war was instrumental in building the temple.