¹² And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.

³ making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace:

¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. ¹⁷ If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us.^[a]

⁹ Next to him among the three warriors was Eleazar son of Dodo son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle. The Israelites withdrew,^(A)

²³ He was renowned among the Thirty, but he did not attain to the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.^(A)

¹⁸ Now Abishai son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Thirty.^[a] With his spear he fought against three hundred men and killed them and won a name beside the Three.^{(A) 19} He was the most renowned of the Thirty^[b] and became their commander, but he did not attain to the Three.

¹⁶ Then the three warriors broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it; he poured it out to the Lord,