שמואל א, פרק י״ז, פסוק י״ג

During a time of national emergency, the focus shifts to the family of Jesse and the drafting of his sons into battle. The departure of the three oldest brothers to the front lines sheds light on their significant military standing, as well as the complex dynamics within their family regarding King Saul and their youngest brother, David [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. These brothers were accustomed to following Saul. This was not their first time joining the king, but they went out specifically for this current war [רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. Their position right behind Saul was a mark of high rank, showing that their great importance earned them a place immediately next to the king himself [מצודת דוד].

The brothers are listed in strict birth order: Eliab the firstborn, Abinadab the second [מצודת ציון], and Shammah the third [רד״ק]. However, their loyalty to Saul masked a deep family tension. Their choice to follow the king stemmed from jealousy and a refusal to accept the recent anointing of David as the future king. They actively preferred Saul's leadership over their own brother. The specific mention of these three names is deliberate, as they are the exact same three sons who previously passed before Samuel the Prophet and were explicitly rejected by God [אלשיך].

At the same time, emphasizing the seniority of these brothers highlights David's extraordinary humility. Even though he had been anointed king right in front of them, he never let pride take over and did not act with authority over his family. He carefully respected Eliab, fulfilling the Commandment to honor an older brother, and extended that same deep respect to Abinadab and the rest of his siblings. Despite his royal destiny, David remained humble and unassuming in the presence of his older brothers [חומת אנך].