David's Mighty Men

We rarely hear of battles and war. It was not so from the beginning. The bible says during Spring time Kings used to go out for war (2 Samuel 11:1). So it was in David's time. Battle and war was something usual. If we were born then, we would be enrolled in the military without our consent, as long as you are a man!

As bible stories have been passed along, we have this perception that David may have been the only mighty man of war who lived during his time. I mean, the story about David and goliath is known almost by every one born in this world. It is an amazing story of a youth who faced a giant and defeated it by trusting upon the name of the LORD.

So great was King David that most often if not surely, we fail to recognize some key characters who were part of his kingdom: the mighty men of David. David lived at a critical time in the history of God's people, Israel. There were enemies both near and far beyond the borders. Persistent enemies like the philistines, some with huge armies like the assyrians, others with enormous military power and hardware like the Egyptians.

While reading 2 Samuel 23:8 - 39, The bible mentions David's mighty warriors. They were 37 in total. Let me take you through some who stood out for me and why.

1. Josheb-Basshebeth: he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.

2. Eleazar: he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the Israelites retreated, but Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day.

3. Shammah: When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.

4. Abishai the brother of Joab: He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. He also killed Ishbi-Benob, one of the giants whose spear weighed 300 shekels (about 60kgs) and was armed with a new sword. The giant intended to kill David after he got weary in battle.

5. Benaiah: in charge of David's bodyguard. A valiant fighter who performed great exploits. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.  And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear.

6. Uriah the Hittite: when King David tried to fix his mess with Bathsheba, he called Uriah from a military campaign that he may go home to his wife and somehow the pregnancy of Bathsheba may never be confuted. But Uriah answered, "“The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my commander Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!”

8. Elhanan: killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, who had a spear with a shaft like a weaver’s rod.

9. Jonathan: killed a huge man (giant) with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all.

I hope the picture is becoming clearer now. David was not the only man who did valiant things in Israel. There were other men with famous records. David slew goliath, but there were other men who slew giants as well. Joab was a mighty man of war as well and was in charge of the entire army of Israel.

Lessons:

1. The greatest difference between David and all his mighty men was that David was the annointed. God had annointed him to be King. Even these men knew so. None of them counted himself equal to David. After King David was almost killed in battle they swore to him, saying, “Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished.” (2 Samuel 21:17). They knew that their role was to support and serve King David.

May be its time you changed the perception you have over those God has appointed, annointed and given authority. Your pastor or bishop or mother or father or presidents.

2. Even though surrounded by all these men, David did not see them as the source of his success. He recognized God only.

He is the God who avenges me,
who puts the nations under me,
who sets me free from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes;
from a violent man you rescued me.
Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing the praises of your name.

 “He gives his king great victories;
he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed,
to David and his descendants forever.”

 

2 Samuel 22: 48 -51

 

The title "a man after my own heart" did not come just like that. David's trust was all in the LORD. Before going for battle, his first consultation was not with Joab or the valiant warriors but with God. And God proved His word true "none who trusts in Him can be put to shame".

 

What other lessons can you draw from King David. I would be glad to hear your comments. Shalom.