What was Pas Dammim?

Pas Dammim (Hebrew: פַּס דַּמִּים, Pas Dammîm) is a place name mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in connection with the heroic deeds of David’s mighty men. The name likely means “Boundary of Blood” or “Edge of Blood,” from pas (border, edge, or extremity) and dammîm (plural of dam, meaning blood). This evocative name suggests that the area was marked by violence or conflict, perhaps known as a frequent battleground or the site of a significant bloodshed.

Pas Dammim is found in 1 Chronicles 11:13, which parallels 2 Samuel 23:9-10, in the list of David’s mighty men and their exploits. This particular location becomes memorable as the backdrop of a great battle in which one of David’s warriors, Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite, stood his ground and struck down the Philistines.

Biblical References

• 1 Chronicles 11:13 (NIV) – “He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines.”

• 2 Samuel 23:9-10 – Describes the same event, referring to the location as Ephes Dammim, likely an alternate form of the name.

Historical and Biblical Context

Pas Dammim was located in the territory of Judah, likely in the lowland region known as the Shephelah, between the hill country and the coastal plains. This strategic area was often a staging ground for conflicts between Israel and the Philistines. In fact, Ephes Dammim, a name used in 1 Samuel 17:1 where the battle between David and Goliath was staged, is probably the same location or very near it.

In 1 Chronicles 11:13, the Philistines gathered for battle in a field full of barley, a time possibly during harvest season, making the location and timing vital. While the Israelite troops fled, Eleazar took a stand, and with God‘s help, achieved a mighty victory.

Theological Implications

Pas Dammim is more than a battlefield. It represents the spiritual reality of standing firm in the face of overwhelming opposition. Eleazar’s courage reminds God’s people that even when others retreat, faithfulness and dependence on the Lord can result in divine victory.

This story teaches that:

• God honors those who stand their ground in faith.

• One man, empowered by God, can accomplish what an army fears to attempt.

• Victory belongs to the Lord, not merely to human might.

Eleazar‘s refusal to flee and his persistence until his hand “froze to the sword” (as recorded in 2 Samuel 23:10) is symbolic of the believer’s call to hold fast to the Word of God, the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17), even when others fall away.

Literary and Narrative Role

In the literary structure of 1 Chronicles 11 and 2 Samuel 23, Pas Dammim serves as a key setting in the honor roll of David’s mighty warriors. These narratives elevate personal loyalty, courage, and faith, pointing to a greater narrative about God‘s faithfulness to His people and His work through individuals yielded to His power.

The name Pas Dammim itself—“Boundary of Blood”—adds dramatic weight to the story. It paints a vivid picture of a place where the lines of life and death, fear and courage, retreat and victory, were drawn.

Cross-References

• 1 Samuel 17:1 – The valley of Elah and Ephes Dammim, where David faced Goliath.

• 2 Samuel 23:9-10 – The account of Eleazar’s bravery at the same site.

• Ephesians 6:10-18 – Spiritual armor and standing firm in spiritual battle.

• Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

What Pas Dammim Means for Christians Today

Pas Dammim reminds believers that the Christian life involves spiritual warfare. There are moments when one must take a stand in the “field of barley” even if everyone else flees. The world may offer opposition, and spiritual enemies may seem overwhelming, but victory comes through endurance in God‘s strength.

Eleazar’s story serves as a timeless encouragement to:

• Be courageous in adversity.

• Cling to God’s Word in spiritual battle.

• Trust God for victory when human strength fails.

This location, though seemingly insignificant geographically, becomes a sacred place of remembrance for how God uses faithful individuals to secure His purposes.

How Pas Dammim Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Just as Eleazar stood alone at Pas Dammim when others fled, Jesus stood alone at Calvary, winning the decisive victory over sin and death. The name “Boundary of Blood” prophetically echoes the cross, where Christ‘s blood was shed at the boundary between death and life, wrath and mercy.

Whereas Eleazar won a temporary battle for Israel, Jesus won the ultimate war for humanity. His victory is final and eternal. Pas Dammim, then, becomes a shadow of the greater redemption that would be accomplished in Christ.

Broader Biblical Themes

• Faithfulness in the face of fear

• God’s power through human weakness

• Spiritual warfare and perseverance

• Victory through obedience

• Covenant loyalty and personal courage

Reflection Questions

1. What “battlefield” are you currently facing where God is calling you to stand firm?

2. How can Eleazar’s example inspire you to be faithful even when others fall away?

3. In what ways are you holding fast to the “sword of the Spirit,” God’s Word?

4. How does remembering Christ’s victory at the cross help you face spiritual opposition?

5. Is there a place in your life that has been a “Pas Dammim” — a boundary marked by struggle but also by God‘s faithfulness?

Pas Dammim, though a little-known location, becomes a powerful emblem of spiritual courage, personal conviction, and God’s faithfulness to those who trust Him. It reminds believers that wherever the battle rages, they do not stand alone—because the Lord, mighty in battle, is with them.