After the first three of David’s mighty men, Scripture tells us about others—some named, some not, but all remembered by God. They weren’t in the spotlight. They didn’t all face down giants. But they stood for their king, served with courage, and helped build a kingdom.
After the legendary Three, the Bible lifts up another trio of unnamed elite warriors, as well as the deeds of two men who may not have reached the same fame, but whose loyalty and valor set them apart. Then, the rest of David’s mighty men are listed but we know little about most of them.
This article honors Abishai the defender, Benaiah the lion-slayer, the unnamed water-fetchers, and the many uncelebrated warriors who fought faithfully without fame. In them, we see the kind of men the world may overlook—but heaven does not.
They weren’t just warriors—they were defenders, bodyguards, and servants of the King. And for modern men, especially fathers and leaders, they show us that greatness doesn’t always mean being first—it means being faithful.
The Three Who Drew Water (2 Samuel 23:13–17, 1 Chronicles 11:15-19)
These men remain unnamed—identified only as three of David’s thirty chief warriors. Some scholars think they may be the same as “The Three” from earlier, while others see them as another loyal trio. Either way, their mighty act has nothing to do with victory on the battlefield and everything to do with devotion off the record.
One day, David expressed a passing wish:
“Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!”
In one of the most beautiful acts of loyalty, these three men risked everything to bring David a drink of water—something he merely longed for. Not commanded. Not required. Just desired. Why? Because they loved their king. And when you love your King—Jesus—you don’t need orders. You act from devotion, not duty. These three warriors heard more than words. They heard the desire of their King.
So they fought through enemy lines, drew water from the well, and fought their way back, just to bring David a single cup.
When they returned, David refused to drink it, pouring it out as an offering to God. This seems like a weird way to respond to their act, but David considered the drink too precious, too sacred. Something he was not worthy of so he poured it out before the Lord.
What Made Them Mighty:
- They listened to the longings of their King. He never commanded them—they acted out of love, not obligation.
- They risked everything for something small. It wasn’t about water—it was about honoring their King’s heart.
- They remind us that worship can come through action. What you do for the Lord—even if no one sees—can be the most powerful offering.
Lead not just with discipline, but with devotion. Let your children see that you serve Jesus—not because you have to, but because you want to. They may not remember every word you say, but they will never forget watching you serve the Lord with quiet, fearless love.
Abishai: The King’s Defender (2 Samuel 23:18–19, 1 Chronicles 11:20-21)
Abishai was Joab’s brother—but unlike Joab, he wasn’t driven by ambition. He was driven by loyalty.
When David was nearly slain in battle by a Philistine giant, Abishai didn’t hesitate. He rushed in and struck down the enemy, saving the King when he was most vulnerable (2 Samuel 21:15–17).
Abishai didn’t shine by chasing glory—he protected the one who bore the light. He was more concerned for the King than himself.
He was also famous for another feat: striking down 300 men with a spear, echoing the valor of Adino. But what made Abishai truly mighty wasn’t his weapon—it was his heart. He never turned his back on the King.
What Made Him Mighty:
- He showed up when it counted. He didn’t just fight when the odds were good—he fought when the King was in danger.
- He put the King before himself. He could have claimed glory, but instead, he protected the one who was anointed.
- He earned honor beside the Three. He wasn’t one of them, but Scripture says he was as near to them as anyone could be. Honor isn’t about rank—it’s about reputation and sacrifice.
He reminds us of the sacred duty to defend our families, churches, and leaders—not just from visible foes but from spiritual attacks as well. A knight of the King watches, intervenes, and protects.
Benaiah: The Lion Slayer (2 Samuel 23:20–23; 1 Chronicles 11:22–25)
If any warrior sounds like he walked out of an epic poem, it’s Benaiah son of Jehoiada.
- He struck down two of Moab’s fiercest warriors.
- He killed a giant Egyptian with a staff, taking the man’s own spear and finishing the job.
- He went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.
He met the worst of enemies, in the worst of places, under the worst of conditions, and he won.
Benaiah was eventually placed over David’s personal guard, and later served under Solomon as the commander of the army.
What Made Him Mighty:
- He faced impossible conditions. Snowy pit. Giant warrior. No problem.
- He didn’t just survive—he overcame. Every time he was thrown into the worst situations, he rose up and won.
- He was loyal in every season. He served David faithfully, and when David passed the crown to Solomon, Benaiah continued to protect the throne.
Every day brings new challenges: financial stress, temptations, parenting battles, health issues. Face them head-on. Even in the worst circumstances—snowy pits and towering giants—your courage sets the tone for your home. Men of God must be prepared to meet challenges in the worst place, under the worst conditions, and still win. Be steadfast (1 Corinthians 15:58). Be loyal. Be ready.
The Lesser Known Men: Names Remembered, But Deeds Forgotten (2 Samuel 23:24-39, 1 Chronicles 11:26-47)
After the famous few, the Scriptures list dozens of names—mighty men whose specific acts are lost to history. Warriors like Elhanan, Sibbechai, Jonathan, and many others. Some are mentioned only once. Their battles, scars, and sacrifices are unknown to us—but not to God.
They were mighty, even if they weren’t memorable to men. And that reminds us: faithfulness is never wasted, even when it goes unrecognized.They weren’t in it for the spotlight. They were in it for the King.
What Made Them Mighty:
- They showed up even when they wouldn’t be seen. They served on the front lines without needing their stories told. They fought with conviction, not for credit.
- They were faithful without fame. Their names are recorded, even if their deeds aren’t. That tells us something: God doesn’t forget the quiet warriors.
- They remind us that legacy isn’t about popularity. You don’t need a platform to make a difference—you just need to be faithful to your King and your calling.
A Few Footnotes Worth Remembering
Though most of David’s lesser-known men are remembered only by name, a few had recorded victories that echo the themes of courage and loyalty:
- Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem(2 Samuel 23:24; 1 Chronicles 11:26)
Elhanan is credited with slaying a Philistine giant—possibly the brother of Goliath. Even if you’re following in someone else’s footsteps, your victory still matters. - Sibbecai the Hushathite (2 Samuel 23:27; 1 Chronicles 11:29; 1 Chronicles 20:4)
Sibbecai killed a giant named Saph. He wasn’t the first giant-slayer—but he was faithful when his moment came. You don’t need to be the first to face the fight—you just need to be faithful in it. - Benaiah of Pirathon (a different Benaiah) (2 Samuel 23:30; 1 Chronicles 11:31)
Sharing a name with a more famous warrior didn’t make him any less important. Your identity isn’t based on comparison—it’s based on loyalty to your King. - Zalmon the Ahohite (2 Samuel 23:28; 1 Chronicles 11:29)
Though we know little of him, his name was etched into the annals of David’s kingdom. Even if your story isn’t told, your service is still seen.
These warriors remind us that in God’s kingdom, nothing done in loyalty is ever lost. Your service matters—even if history forgets your name.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him.” — Hebrews 6:10
You don’t have to be famous to be faithful. You don’t have to make headlines to build a legacy. Your kids may not remember every task you complete, but they’ll remember the consistency of your presence, your prayers, your integrity.
Fatherhood is not about perfection—it’s about being present. Be the kind of man God remembers—even if the world never knows your name.
Conclusion: Be One of the King’s Mighty Men
David’s other mighty men may not be as famous as Adino, Eleazar, or Shammah—but their loyalty, valor, and servant-hearted leadership made them mighty in the eyes of the King.
Some had stories recorded. Others were remembered only by name. Still others are completely anonymous to us. But in every case, their courage counted, their faithfulness mattered, and their service was seen—not always by man, but always by God.
The same is true today. Not every father will have his name in lights. Not every husband, mentor, or elder will receive public praise. But in the kingdom of Christ, the measure of a man is not how widely he is known—it is how deeply he is loyal to the King.
David’s mighty men didn’t become legends overnight. They were forged in hardship, tested in battle, and united under the leadership of a worthy king. Fathers, we are called to the same path—not with sword and spear, but with faith and love.
David’s mighty men weren’t perfect. Many came to him in distress, debt, and discontent (cf. 1 Samuel 22:2)—not unlike the broken men who find strength in Jesus today. But under the leadership of a godly king, they became legends. Our King—Jesus—is building a mighty band of men too. Are you one of His?
“Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in His sight.” — 2 Samuel 10:12
You may not slay a lion in a snowy pit. You may not rush into battle beside a crowned warrior. But you can rise up every day, fight for your family, stand firm in faith, and serve your King with quiet, courageous consistency.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21
That’s the only accolade that matters in the end.
Be defenders like Abishai. Be courageous like Benaiah. Be devoted like the Three who drew water. Be faithful like the ones whose names history forgot. Fatherhood is not about being perfect—it’s about being present, being prayerful, and being faithful.
Your King sees.
Your children are learning.
Your legacy is being written.
By Jeremy Sprouse
Jeremy has been married to Erynn since August 1999. They are blessed with six children: Jaden, Isaiah, Isaac, Ean, Joseph, and Evelyn. Jeremy preaches for the Patrick St. church of Christ in Dublin, TX and is the author of To Train Up a Knight.
Knights of The Father 