How many mighty warriors did David have?

David, the second king of Israel, is known for his military prowess and his leadership of a group of mighty warriors. These warriors, known as the "mighty men" or the "Gibborim," played a crucial role in David's rise to power and his success as a ruler. While the number of mighty warriors in David's army is not explicitly stated in the Bible, there are several accounts that provide some insight into their numbers and achievements.

One of the most detailed accounts of David's mighty warriors is found in 2 Samuel 23, which lists the names and accomplishments of 37 of David's most notable warriors. These warriors are described as having performed incredible feats of strength and bravery, including killing entire armies single-handedly and defending strategic positions against overwhelming odds. Among the most famous of these warriors are Eleazar, who fought alongside David against the Philistines and killed so many soldiers that his hand became stuck to his sword, and Shammah, who defended a field of lentils against a Philistine army and slew them all.

While the list in 2 Samuel 23 provides an impressive roster of David's most renowned warriors, it is important to note that it is not a comprehensive list of everyone who served in his army. In fact, the Bible suggests that there were many more mighty warriors who fought alongside David and contributed to his military success. In 1 Chronicles 12, for example, a group of warriors from the tribe of Gad is described as having joined David's army at a crucial moment and helped to secure his position as king.