This verse introduces Shammah, another of David's mighty warriors, and recounts one of his heroic feats. Let's break it down:
"After him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite." This identifies Shammah as the next hero in the list of David's mighty men. "Hararite" likely indicates his origin, possibly a region or town.
"The Philistines had gathered together into a troop..." The Philistines, long-time enemies of Israel, had assembled a raiding party or military unit.
"...where there was a plot of ground full of lentils..." This is the setting of the heroic act. The location is a field abundant with lentils, a valuable food crop.
"...and the people fled from the Philistines." The Israelites, presumably villagers or farmers who were tending the field, were overwhelmed by the Philistine troop and ran away. This emphasizes the danger and the seemingly hopeless situation.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for a classic "one man against the odds" story. The people panicked and fled before the Philistine troop, leaving behind their valuable lentil crop. The following verse (verse 12) will describe Shammah's heroic stand against the Philistines, which resulted in victory
This verse introduces Shammah, another of David's mighty warriors, and recounts one of his heroic feats. Let's break it down:
"After him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite." This identifies Shammah as the next hero in the list of David's mighty men. "Hararite" likely indicates his origin, possibly a region or town.
"The Philistines had gathered together into a troop..." The Philistines, long-time enemies of Israel, had assembled a raiding party or military unit.
"...where there was a plot of ground full of lentils..." This is the setting of the heroic act. The location is a field abundant with lentils, a valuable food crop.
"...and the people fled from the Philistines." The Israelites, presumably villagers or farmers who were tending the field, were overwhelmed by the Philistine troop and ran away. This emphasizes the danger and the seemingly hopeless situation.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for a classic "one man against the odds" story. The people panicked and fled before the Philistine troop, leaving behind their valuable lentil crop. The following verse (verse 12) will describe Shammah's heroic stand against the Philistines, which resulted in victory
