Praise be to the wonderful and mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today, we gather to explore the lives of the mighty men who stood by David, demonstrating unparalleled courage and wisdom. These men were not just warriors; they were extraordinary individuals chosen by God to accomplish great feats. Let us delve into their stories and learn from their examples of faith and bravery.
Adino: The Foundation of King David
The Bible only records that David was a man after God's own heart. Whenever God raises up a man to do His work, there is always a principle at work. Anywhere you can find God's people doing God's work, this principle is evident.
These people are called the three and the thirty men. David had a big army, but the elite group was the three and the thirty men. To participate in that group, you need to show unparalleled courage in battle and great wisdom in leadership.
In those days, honor came in doing exploits for the king. All these mighty men, when they brought exploits from the battle, brought honor to the king. Adino, the first chief, was given his position because he lifted up his spear and slain 800 people in one single battle. One versus 800. He was an extraordinary man of God. The name Adino means Foundation of King David. This man killed 800 people and established David's kingdom. He was not an ordinary man in an ordinary situation; he was extraordinary in an extraordinary situation. The first mighty man is Adino.
Eleazar: God is Helper
Let's read verses 9 and 10. The next one was Eleazar. The meaning of his name is God is Helper. He was one of the mighty men. When the Philistines gathered to fight the Israelites, the Bible says all the Israelites ran away, but Eleazar arose. The Bible says he smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword. God gave great victory that day. The Bible says his hand was stuck to the sword. This has to stick to our hands, the word of the Lord. In Hebrews 4:12, it says it is quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. It can divide asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Shammah: The Lord Gave Great Victory
The third one is Shammah. Let's read verses 11 and 12. The Lord gave great victory. It was not his sword, it was not his wisdom; the Bible clearly says that the Lord gave great victory. The Philistines had set up camp in a field full of lentils. Lentils are seeds that you can boil and eat. Because the Philistines occupied that place, all the Israelites ran away. Shammah, one of David's mighty men, stood in the middle of the ground. He stood in the middle of a problem and defended the ground because the lentils were food for the people. The location that he defended was not of any strategic importance at all. In 2 Samuel 23, it says there is no name for the place; it is just called a piece of ground. Often, we get discouraged by what others are doing and get influenced by that, but Shammah did what was right.
Ephesians 6:10-13 says, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Are we going to stand against these things? Shammah stood his ground.
The Three Mighty Men’s Loyalty to David
These were the three mighty men of David: Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah. What is the other thing that they did for David? Let's read 2 Samuel 23:15-17. David longed for water from the well of Bethlehem, and the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water from the well of Bethlehem. David did not drink the water but poured it out before the Lord, saying, "Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?" Therefore, he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men.
They were commanded by David to bring water, but it was not their duty compelling them to go and bring water for David. It was because they loved David that they risked their own lives. They went into the camp of the Philistines and brought the water for David. Why did they love David so much? Let's see 1 Samuel 22:1-2. David therefore departed and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.
There were three classes of people who came to David: those in distress, those in debt, and those who were discontented with life. Life had not been good to them, and that is why people loved David. Many of us may sail in the same boat today. Life is bringing distress every day, debts that we cannot pay, and unhappiness. But I'm here to encourage you that Jesus has paid it all for you in advance. Do not jeopardize your relationship with God because of your distress, debts, or unhappiness.
Let's say the names of the three mighty men: Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah.
Benaiah: The Lion Slayer
Benaiah was another of David's mighty men. He was no ordinary soldier. The Bible says he struck down two Moabite lion-like men. He also struck down an Egyptian who was more than seven feet tall. Lastly, he went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. David and Samson killed lions, but Benaiah chased a lion into a pit and killed it. He met the worst enemy in the worst place under the worst conditions.
The devil is like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. Of all the people Benaiah fought, the lion was the most dangerous. Benaiah fought the lion in a place where he was very close to it, with no escape and slippery ground. But he was still mighty enough to kill it. We too face our own lions, our own battles.
Let us not underestimate the devil. He is not a character in a story; he is real and dangerous. We face various challenges in life, including financial difficulties, but we must remember that God is with us.
