Who was Hiddai in the Bible?

Hiddai, also called Hurai, was one of King David's elite warriors known as the 'Thirty Mighty Men.' He was from the brooks of Gaash and is listed for his valor and military prowess in 2 Samuel 23:30 and 1 Chronicles 11:32.

Why is Hiddai significant in the Bible?

Hiddai's significance lies in his inclusion among David's most trusted and capable warriors, highlighting the loyalty and military strength that supported David's kingdom. His mention, though brief, underscores that God uses faithful individuals in various roles to establish His purposes.

What does 'from the brooks of Gaash' mean for Hiddai?

The phrase 'from the brooks of Gaash' identifies Hiddai's hometown or region, likely a rugged, mountainous area. This geographic detail adds a personal dimension to his identity, suggesting he was a hardy individual well-suited for the challenges faced by David's men.

Hiddai

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleDavid's warrior

Hiddai (also called Hurai) from the brooks of Gaash was one of David's mighty men, known for his valor and military prowess.

Hiddai

Biography

Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash was one of David's thirty mighty warriors, listed in 2 Samuel 23:30 and, under the variant name Hurai, in 1 Chronicles 11:32. The designation "from the brooks of Gaash" likely refers to a region near Mount Gaash in the hill country of Ephraim, a locale also noted in connection with Joshua's burial site (Judges 2:9). Like many of his peers in the list of mighty men, Hiddai is preserved almost entirely by name and origin, with no individual exploit attached to his record. Nevertheless, his enrollment in this select corps of warriors testifies to a career of proven valor in the service of Israel's greatest king during the turbulent decades of David's rise and reign.

Significance

Hiddai's presence in the parallel lists of 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11, where he appears under a variant name, provides a minor but instructive case study in biblical textual transmission. More theologically, his place among David's warriors affirms that the Davidic kingdom was sustained by a community of loyal servants whose identities, though rarely elaborated, were deemed worth preserving. The Spirit-inspired decision to record these names affirms that God sees and honors faithful service even when public history overlooks it. This principle finds its fullest expression in the teaching of Jesus, who assures his disciples that service rendered in faithfulness is known and rewarded by the Father (Matthew 6:4).

Authority Records

Wikidata

Verse Appearances (2)

2Sam

2Sam 23:30

1Chr

1Chr 11:32

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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