12. but Shammah stood his ground in the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. The Lord won a great victory that day.
13. Near the beginning of harvest time three of “The Thirty” went down to the cave of Adullam, where David was, while a band of Philistines was camping in the Valley of Rephaim.
14. At that time David was on a fortified hill, and a group of Philistines had occupied Bethlehem.
15. David felt homesick and said, “How I wish someone would bring me a drink of water from the well by the gate at Bethlehem!”
16. The three famous soldiers forced their way through the Philistine camp, drew some water from the well, and brought it back to David. But he would not drink it; instead he poured it out as an offering to the Lord
17. and said, “Lord, I could never drink this! It would be like drinking the blood of these men who risked their lives!” So he refused to drink it.Those were the brave deeds of the three famous soldiers.
18. Joab's brother Abishai (their mother was Zeruiah) was the leader of “The Famous Thirty”. He fought with his spear against 300 men and killed them, and became famous among “The Thirty”.
19. He was the most famous of “The Thirty” and became their leader, but he was not as famous as “The Three”.
20. Benaiah son of Jehoiada, from Kabzeel, was another famous soldier; he did many brave deeds, including killing two great Moabite warriors. He once went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.
21. He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man who was armed with a spear. Benaiah attacked him with his club, snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with it.
22. Those were the brave deeds of Benaiah, who was one of “The Thirty”.
23. He was outstanding among them, but was not as famous as “The Three”. David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
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.