Bible Commentaries

Chief - Before this he was one of David's chief captains: but now he is made captain - general of all the forces of Israel and Judah.

Mighty men - Yet David ascribed his success, not to the hosts he had, but to the Lord of hosts: not to the mighty men that were with him, but to the mighty God, whole presence with us is all in all.

Slain - By his own hand, five hundred more being slain by others then joining with him, who pursued the victory, both which sums make up the eight hundred, numbered 2 Samuel 23:8 . The slaughter of all is justly ascribed to him, because it was the effect of his valour.

Would not drink of it - That water which he thought too precious for his own drinking, he poured out to the Lord for a drink - offering. If we have any thing better than other, let God be honoured with it, who is the best and should have the best.

Shall I drink the blood, &c. - It put him into the utmost confusion, to think three brave men should hazard their lives, to fetch water for him. In his account, it turns the water into blood. It is to the honour of great men, not to be prodigal of the blood of those they employ.

Attained not - He did not equal them.

Uriah - The last of that catalogue in 2 Samuel 23:39 . But here some others are added to the number, because though they were not of the thirty, yet they were men of great valour and renown amongst David's commanders.

Thirty - Thirty captains who were under him as their colonel.