Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Naarai is a lesser-known figure in the Bible, mentioned in the context of King David's mighty warriors. His name appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 1 Chronicles and 2 Samuel, which detail the exploits and the roster of David's elite group of fighters. Biblical References: Naarai is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 11:37, where he is listed among the valiant men who served King David. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Helez the Pelonite, Naarai son of Ezbai." This passage is part of a larger section that enumerates the mighty men who were instrumental in establishing and securing David's kingdom. In 2 Samuel 23:35, a parallel account of David's mighty men is provided, but Naarai is referred to by a different name: "Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite." This discrepancy in names is not uncommon in ancient texts, where variations in spelling and pronunciation can occur due to transliteration and translation differences over time. Role and Significance: Naarai, as one of David's mighty warriors, was part of an elite group known for their bravery, skill in battle, and loyalty to King David. These men were crucial in the military successes that helped establish David's reign over Israel. The mighty men, including Naarai, were celebrated for their heroic deeds and are often seen as exemplars of courage and faithfulness. Historical and Cultural Context: The period of David's reign was marked by numerous military campaigns and the consolidation of the tribes of Israel into a unified kingdom. The mighty men, or "Gibborim," were a select group of warriors who played a pivotal role in these efforts. Their exploits are chronicled in the books of Samuel and Chronicles, highlighting their importance in the biblical narrative. Naarai's inclusion in this list underscores the diversity and strength of David's forces. Each warrior brought unique skills and backgrounds, contributing to the overall success of David's military endeavors. The mention of Naarai, though brief, signifies his valued position among these legendary figures. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the account of David's mighty men, including Naarai, illustrates themes of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. David's success as a king is often attributed to his faithfulness to God and the support of loyal and capable followers like Naarai. The narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, loyalty, and courage in the service of God's purposes. Conclusion: While Naarai may not be as prominent as other biblical figures, his role as one of David's mighty warriors highlights the collective effort and dedication required to achieve God's plans for Israel. His mention in the scriptures, though brief, is a testament to his valor and the significant impact of David's mighty men in biblical history. Smith's Bible Dictionary Naarai(handmaid), one of the valiant men of David's armies. (1 Chronicles 11:37) In 1 Chron. he is called the son of Ezbai, but in (2 Samuel 23:35) he appears as "Paarai the Arbite." Kennicott decides that the former is correct. (B.C. about 1015.) Easton's Bible Dictionary Youthful, a military chief in David's army (1 Chronicles 11:37), called also Paarai (2 Samuel 23:35). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia NAARAIna'-a-ri (na`aray): Son of Ezbai, one of David's heroes (1 Chronicles 11:37). In the parallel passage (2 Samuel 23:35), he is called "Paarai the Arbite." The true forms of the name and description are uncertain (see Budde, Richter u. Samuel, and Curtis, Chronicles). Strong's Hebrew 5293. Naaray -- one of David's heroes... 5292, 5293. Naaray. 5294 . one of David's heroes. Transliteration: Naaray Phonetic Spelling: (nah-ar-ah'-ee) Short Definition: Naarai. ... Naarai. ... /hebrew/5293.htm - 6k Thesaurus Naarai (1 Occurrence)...NAARAI. na'-a-ri (na`aray): Son of Ezbai, one of David's heroes (1 Chronicles 11:37). ... Multi-Version Concordance Naarai (1 Occurrence). ... /n/naarai.htm - 7k Na'arai (1 Occurrence) Paarai (1 Occurrence) Na'arah (3 Occurrences) Ezbai (1 Occurrence) Carmelite (6 Occurrences) Arbite (1 Occurrence) Hezor (1 Occurrence) Hezro (2 Occurrences) Carmel (33 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Naarai (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 11:37 Subtopics Related Terms |