2 Samuel 23:8
Context23:8 These are the names of David’s warriors:
Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was head of the officers. 1 He killed eight hundred men with his spear in one battle. 2
2 Samuel 23:18
Context23:18 Abishai son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, was head of the three. 3 He killed three hundred men with his spear and gained fame among the three. 4
1 tn The Hebrew word is sometimes rendered as “the three,” but BDB is probably correct in taking it to refer to military officers (BDB 1026 s.v. שְׁלִישִׁי). In that case the etymological connection of this word to the Hebrew numerical adjective for “three” can be explained as originating with a designation for the third warrior in a chariot.
2 tc The translation follows some LXX
3 tc The translation follows the Qere, many medieval Hebrew
4 tn Heb “and he was wielding his spear against three hundred, [who were] slain, and to him there was a name among the three.”