1. David son of Jesse was the man whom God made great, whom the God of Jacob chose to be king, and who was the composer of beautiful songs for Israel. These are David's last words:
2. The Spirit of the Lord speaks through me;his message is on my lips.
3. The God of Israel has spoken;the protector of Israel said to me:“The king who rules with justice,who rules in obedience to God,
4. is like the sun shining on a cloudless dawn,the sun that makes the grass sparkle after rain.”
5. And that is how God will bless my descendants,because he has made an eternal covenant with me,an agreement that will not be broken,a promise that will not be changed.That is all I desire;that will be my victory,and God will surely bring it about.
6. But godless people are like thorns that are thrown away;no one can touch them with bare hands.
7. You must use an iron tool or a spear;they will be burnt completely.
8. These are the names of David's famous soldiers: the first was Josheb Basshebeth from Tachemon, who was the leader of “The Three”; he fought with his spear against 800 men and killed them all in one battle.
9. The second of the famous three was Eleazar son of Dodo, of the clan of Ahoh. One day he and David challenged the Philistines who had gathered for battle. The Israelites fell back,
24-39. Other members of “The Thirty” included:Asahel, Joab's brotherElhanan son of Dodo from BethlehemShammah and Elika from HarodHelez from PeletIra son of Ikkesh from TekoaAbiezer from AnathothMebunnai from HushahZalmon from AhohMaharai from NetophahHeleb son of Baanah from NetophahIttai son of Ribai from Gibeah in BenjaminBenaiah from PirathonHiddai from the valleys near GaashAbialbon from ArabahAzmaveth from BahurimEliahba from ShaalbonThe sons of JashenJonathanShammah from HararAhiam son of Sharar from HararEliphelet son of Ahasbai from MaacahEliam son of Ahithophel from GiloHezro from CarmelPaarai from ArabIgal son of Nathan from ZobahBani from GadZelek from AmmonNaharai from Beeroth, Joab's armour bearerIra and Gareb from JattirUriah the HittiteThere were 37 famous soldiers in all.