Shammah, son of Agee the Hararite, was one of David's three mighty men. He is best known for his heroic stand when he alone defended a field of lentils against the Philistines while the rest of the people fled. His bravery was counted among the greatest feats in David's circle of elite warriors.
Shammah is regarded as one of David's three mighty men, along with Jashobeam and Eleazar. These three distinguished themselves through extraordinary bravery.
8These are the names of David's mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahkemonite, chief of the three; he wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed on a single occasion.
9Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodo son of Ahohi, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who had gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew.
10He stood his ground and struck down the Philistines until his hand grew weary and froze to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day, and the troops came back to him only to strip the dead.
11Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had massed at Lehi, where there was a field full of lentils, and the troops fled from the Philistines.
When the Philistines gathered at a plot of land full of lentils and the people fled, Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field, defended it, and struck down the Philistines. The Lord brought about a great victory that day.
11Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had massed at Lehi, where there was a field full of lentils, and the troops fled from the Philistines.
13He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the troops fled before the Philistines.
The Three Mighty Men Fetch Water from the Well of Bethlehem
In connection with the three heroes, it is told how they broke through the Philistine camp to fetch water from the well at Bethlehem's gate, which David longed for. David refused to drink the water and poured it out for the Lord.
13Three of the thirty chief men went down at harvest time to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was camped in the Valley of Rephaim.
16So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and carried it back to David. But he would not drink it; he poured it out to the LORD.
17"Far be it from me, LORD, to do this," he said. "Is this not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?" And he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.
Shama's steadfastness when everyone else fled shows his deep loyalty to David and his calling as a warrior. His example was preserved as a testimony of courage and faithfulness.
11Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had massed at Lehi, where there was a field full of lentils, and the troops fled from the Philistines.