They were two of David’s loyal warriors who helped secure Israel’s future through their brave service.
Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, (v.35) appears in the midst of a list cataloging David’s mighty men, who loyally served Israel’s second king, David, during his reign from about 1010 to 970 BC. This brief mention highlights each man as part of a distinguished group renowned for their bravery and dedication. Although little is recorded about Hezro and Paarai individually, the biblical text emphasizes that both were instrumental in lending their valor and skill to the king’s cause.
The description of Hezro as “the Carmelite” suggests that he came from, or was associated with, a region known as Carmel. This may refer to an area in Judah near Hebron, or possibly even the famous Mount Carmel near the Mediterranean. Similarly, Paarai is identified simply as “the Arbite,” likely indicating that he hailed from a locale called Arab in the Judean foothills. Their presence in the biblical text is a reminder that God often works through the faithful service of lesser-known individuals whose courageous efforts uphold His purpose—just as Uriah the Hittite served in David’s army alongside them (2 Samuel 23:39).
These mighty men, including Hezro the Carmelite and Paarai the Arbite, collectively represent a band of fierce warriors who stood firmly behind their king and contributed to his victories. In a larger theological sense, their steadfast commitment foreshadows the kind of wholehearted dedication that Jesus—born centuries later in the lineage of David—would call His followers to exhibit (Matthew 1:1; 9:27). Even the unheralded figures in Scripture teach us how faith and courage in the face of challenge can help fulfill God’s kingdom purposes.
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2 Samuel 23:35 meaning
Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, (v.35) appears in the midst of a list cataloging David’s mighty men, who loyally served Israel’s second king, David, during his reign from about 1010 to 970 BC. This brief mention highlights each man as part of a distinguished group renowned for their bravery and dedication. Although little is recorded about Hezro and Paarai individually, the biblical text emphasizes that both were instrumental in lending their valor and skill to the king’s cause.
The description of Hezro as “the Carmelite” suggests that he came from, or was associated with, a region known as Carmel. This may refer to an area in Judah near Hebron, or possibly even the famous Mount Carmel near the Mediterranean. Similarly, Paarai is identified simply as “the Arbite,” likely indicating that he hailed from a locale called Arab in the Judean foothills. Their presence in the biblical text is a reminder that God often works through the faithful service of lesser-known individuals whose courageous efforts uphold His purpose—just as Uriah the Hittite served in David’s army alongside them (2 Samuel 23:39).
These mighty men, including Hezro the Carmelite and Paarai the Arbite, collectively represent a band of fierce warriors who stood firmly behind their king and contributed to his victories. In a larger theological sense, their steadfast commitment foreshadows the kind of wholehearted dedication that Jesus—born centuries later in the lineage of David—would call His followers to exhibit (Matthew 1:1; 9:27). Even the unheralded figures in Scripture teach us how faith and courage in the face of challenge can help fulfill God’s kingdom purposes.