17. “The lord forbid that I should drink this!” he exclaimed. “This water is as precious as the blood of these men who risked their lives to bring it to me.” So David did not drink it. These are examples of the exploits of the Three.
18. Abishai son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, was the leader of the Thirty. He once used his spear to kill 300 enemy warriors in a single battle. It was by such feats that he became as famous as the Three.
19. Abishai was the most famous of the Thirty and was their commander, though he was not one of the Three.
20. There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel. He did many heroic deeds, which included killing two champions of Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it.
21. Once, armed only with a club, he killed an imposing Egyptian warrior who was armed with a spear. Benaiah wrenched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with it.
22. Deeds like these made Benaiah as famous as the Three mightiest warriors.
23. He was more honored than the other members of the Thirty, though he was not one of the Three. And David made him captain of his bodyguard.
24. Other members of the Thirty included:Asahel, Joab’s brother;Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem;
25. Shammah from Harod;Elika from Harod;
26. Helez from Pelon;Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa;
27. Abiezer from Anathoth;Sibbecai from Hushah;
28. Zalmon from Ahoah;Maharai from Netophah;
29. Heled son of Baanah from Netophah;Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah (in the land of Benjamin);
30. Benaiah from Pirathon;Hurai from Nahale-gaash;
31. Abi-albon from Arabah;Azmaveth from Bahurim;
32. Eliahba from Shaalbon;the sons of Jashen;Jonathan