“Naarai the son of Ezbai,” — 1 Chronicles 11:37 (KJV)
A Father of the Mighty
Ezbai is a name that appears in the sacred register of David’s Mighty Men (the Gibborim). He was the father of Naarai, one of the elite warriors who served in King David’s inner circle of military heroes.
While the text does not detail Ezbai’s personal exploits, his inclusion in 1 Chronicles 11 is prestigious. This chapter lists the “chief of the mighty men whom David had,” those who “strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom.” For a man to have his son listed among this group suggests a family heritage of valor, loyalty, and martial skill.
The Problem of the Parallel
In the study of biblical genealogies, Ezbai presents an interesting textual detail when compared to the parallel list in 2 Samuel 23:35.
- In 1 Chronicles, he is Ezbai, father of Naarai.
- In 2 Samuel, the corresponding figure is Paarai the Arbite.
Scholars often note that these variations occurred during the transcription of ancient Hebrew manuscripts, where similar-looking letters (like the Hebrew Aleph and Ayin) could lead to different phonetic spellings. Whether the original name was Ezbai or Paarai, the identity remains fixed: he was the patriarch of a family that stood by the Lord’s Anointed during the formative years of the Kingdom of Israel.
The Theological Significance
Ezbai represents the “Foundation of Valor.” His presence in the record offers a few key insights:
- Generational Strength: Great heroes like Naarai rarely arise in a vacuum. Ezbai represents the preceding generation that raised sons to be “mighty men” for the cause of God’s kingdom.
- The Honor of the Name: In Hebrew culture, being identified as “the son of [Name]” was a way to share the honor of a son’s achievement with his father. Ezbai is immortalized in the Word of God because of the faithfulness and strength of his household.
- The Accuracy of the Record: The preservation of such specific names in the “Mighty Men” lists demonstrates the historical reality of David’s reign. These were real men with real lineages who risked their lives for the establishment of the throne of Israel.
Summary
Ezbai was a man of the tribe of Judah or Benjamin whose son, Naarai, became a legend in the annals of Israel’s military history. Though Ezbai himself may have lived a quiet life, he is forever linked to the “mighty acts” of David’s reign, serving as a reminder that the strength of a nation is built upon the families that support its leaders.