19 Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them.
19 Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.
19 He was the most renowned of the thirty
19 He was the most respected of the Thirty and was their captain, but never got included among the Three
19 Was he not the most honored of three? Therefore he became their captain. However, he did not attain to the first three
19 Abishai was the most famous of the Thirty and was their commander, though he was not one of the Three.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:19
Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:8-39
(Read 2 Samuel 23:8-39)
David once earnestly longed for the water at the well of Bethlehem. It seems to be an instance of weakness. He was thirsty; with the water of that well he had often refreshed himself when a youth, and it was without due thought that he desired it. Were his valiant men so forward to expose themselves, upon the least hint of their prince's mind, and so eager to please him, and shall not we long to approve ourselves to our Lord Jesus, by ready compliance with his will, as shown us by his word, Spirit, and providence? But David poured out the water as a drink-offering to the Lord. Thus he would cross his own foolish fancy, and punish himself for indulging it, and show that he had sober thoughts to correct his rash ones, and knew how to deny himself. Did David look upon that water as very precious which was got at the hazard of these men's blood, and shall not we much more value those benefits for purchasing which our blessed Saviour shed his blood? Let all beware of neglecting so great salvation.