“David’s Mighty Men”
“A band of brothers”
Thesis: Unknown people of significance are the real heroes for many kings, kingdoms and presidents. The sacrifice of the nobodies is critical to the victorious wins in battles, their selfless sacrifice of their lives, their precious time, their loyal hearts, and the courage to face their fears on the battlefield of life and death have bestowed on us more than we could ever imagine.
The Kingdom of God appauls these mighty men and women of faith – David himself at the end of his reign makes sure the historians of Israel remember and write about his mighty men! He highlights 37 of them out of his 600.
Romans 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual (reasonable) act of worship.” (Why because it makes sense to serve God this way!)
Veterans Day is tomorrow! Take time to honor the veterans around you for their service and sacrifice!
Illustration: Band of Brothers
A Quote from Band of Brothers: “They depended on each other. And the world depended on them.”
Introduction:
Without realizing it many of us have fallen prey to thinking that people of most significance are people like star athletes, actors, actresses, musicians, and even politicians. These are the ones we applaud and become excited to meet in person. These are the ones who we ask for their autographs and then show it off as a valuable treasured signature to others. These are the ones we take selfies with because they are famous!
But really these are not the hero’s. Heroes and heroines are the note worthy individuals who turned “Nobodies into some bodies.” They are the people who behind the scenes have given their loyalty to God, faced their fears with courage in battle, were obedient to follow the commands of God’s leaders into the battles. They have sacrificed so that others may have the freedom to live free in Christ and even in a nation. They have stayed in the shadows and never been mentioned by name. They have drifted into obscurity because their status goes unnoticed and in some cases even gets undervalued and unappreciated. By those who come after them!
But God see’s their heroism and their faithfulness and he appaulads them! Heaven honors those who worship God as living sacrifices.
These bands of brothers sisters) may be forgotten by others in the history books and by most in their country but not by their fellow warriors and fellow brothers in the struggle of life and death. Their names will be etched in their memories for ever and they will never forget the sacrifice of the unknown names of countless soldiers who have given their lives for the gift of freedom for their countries.
They are the veterans of our country – the ones who first fought for our independence in New England against the British and ran into battle with the motto, “No King but King Jesus.” (See “The Spirit of the Amercian Revolution” David Barton; “The New Heavens and the New Earth” Cushing Stout; Sibley’s Harvard Graduates, Clifford Shipton.) Many of the leaders of the American Revolution were pastors, farmers, christians, blue collar workers who live as living sacrifices for a mission greater than their own life, but the same is true of Israel’s heroe’s! The soldiers who came to the cave at Adullam after David prayed and asked God for help!
The veterans, the soldiers who have fought for our country throughout the many wars were the ones who stepped up to fight for freedom. These soldiers of honor are even the ones today fighting the wars in the world. These are the unsung heroes who are the nobodies of history – because most do not know their names - but they are the some bodies who have given us our freedom here in America today and in many other countries. Many of you here know of men and women who gave their lives and served our country faithfully. These men and women all have a band of brothers/sisters who they know by name and it’s important for us today to hear their names today when it comes to David and Israel.
Scripture Texts:
There are a few passages in the Bible which highlight the “Unknown One’s” You find these references in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11.
King David the King of Israel is on the verge of passing away. Israel’s historians have gathered around their hero King David. They are looking for a detailed history of his many triumphs, his war stories, his brilliant commands, his wise statesmanship, his expansion of Israel, and His prosperous kingdom. But no, David does not brag about himself or the other famous people in his cabinet. He recalls the names of the people he considered to be the true heroes of Israel’s rise to power and prominence in the world. These are the names of the nobodies who had a significant lasting impact on the nation of Israel. They according to my Bible where sent and equipped by God to assist, to protect, and to enable David to become king of Israel and stay the King of Israel!
Can I be very clear “The unknown” are known by God and He knows all the men and women who have sacrificed for others in His Kingdom – trust me this is why in the Bible we have this list of names to remind us that our freedom is not free it cost others their lives, their time, their wounds, their families and their hearts so that we today can enjoy a nation with liberty and freedom for all.
Don’t forget tomorrow is Veternans Day!
So lets look into Scripture today and hear “Something we have never seen or heard before in 2024.”
2 Samuel 23:1-39
23 These are the last words of David:
“The oracle of David son of Jesse,
the oracle of the man exalted by the Most High,
the man anointed by the God of Jacob,
Israel’s singer of songsa:
2 “The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me;
his word was on my tongue.
3 The God of Israel spoke,
the Rock of Israel said to me:
‘When one rules over men in righteousness,
when he rules in the fear of God,
4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise
on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
that brings the grass from the earth.’
5 “Is not my house right with God?
Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant,
arranged and secured in every part?
Will he not bring to fruition my salvation
and grant me my every desire?
6 But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns,
which are not gathered with the hand.
7 Whoever touches thorns
uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear;
they are burned up where they lie.”
David’s Mighty Men
8 These are the names of David’s mighty men:
Josheb-Basshebeth,a a Tahkemonite,b was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killedc in one encounter.
9 Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammimd for battle. Then the men of Israel retreated, 10 but he 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. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.
11 Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. 12 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.
13 During harvest time, three of the thirty chief men came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 15 David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 16 So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. 17 “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this!” he said. “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” And David would not drink it.
Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.
18 Abishai the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah was chief of the Three.e He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. 19 Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them.
20 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab’s best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 21 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. 22 Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men. 23 He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
24 Among the Thirty were:
Asahel the brother of Joab,
Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem,
25 Shammah the Harodite,
Elika the Harodite,
26 Helez the Paltite,
Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa,
27 Abiezer from Anathoth,
Mebunnaif the Hushathite,
28 Zalmon the Ahohite,
Maharai the Netophathite,
29 Heledg son of Baanah the Netophathite,
Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin,
30 Benaiah the Pirathonite,
Hiddaih from the ravines of Gaash,
31 Abi-Albon the Arbathite,
Azmaveth the Barhumite,
32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
the sons of Jashen,
Jonathan 33 son ofi Shammah the Hararite,
Ahiam son of Shararj the Hararite,
34 Eliphelet son of Ahasbai the Maacathite,
Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,
35 Hezro the Carmelite,
Paarai the Arbite,
36 Igal son of Nathan from Zobah,
the son of Hagri,k
37 Zelek the Ammonite,
Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,
38 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite
39 and Uriah the Hittite.
There were thirty-seven in all.
1 Chronicles 11:9-47:
9And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD Almighty was with him.
10These were the chiefs of David’s mighty men—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the LORD had promised—11this is the list of David’s mighty men:
Jashobeam, a Hacmonite, was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.
12Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. 13He 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. 14But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory.
15Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 16At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 17David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 18So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. 19“God forbid that I should do this!” he said. “Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?” Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it.
Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.
20Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. 21He was doubly honored above the Three and became their commander, even though he was not included among them.
22Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab’s best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 23And he struck down an Egyptian who was seven and a half feet tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s rod 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. 24Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men. 25He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
26The mighty men were:
Asahel the brother of Joab,
Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem,
27Shammoth the Harorite,
Helez the Pelonite,
28Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa,
Abiezer from Anathoth,
29Sibbecai the Hushathite,
Ilai the Ahohite,
30Maharai the Netophathite,
Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite,
31Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin,
Benaiah the Pirathonite,
32Hurai from the ravines of Gaash,
Abiel the Arbathite,
33Azmaveth the Baharumite,
Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
34the sons of Hashem the Gizonite,
Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite,
35Ahiam son of Sacar the Hararite,
Eliphal son of Ur,
36Hepher the Mekerathite,
Ahijah the Pelonite,
37Hezro the Carmelite,
Naarai son of Ezbai,
38Joel the brother of Nathan,
Mibhar son of Hagri,
39Zelek the Ammonite,
Naharai the Berothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,
40Ira the Ithrite,
Gareb the Ithrite,
41Uriah the Hittite,
Zabad son of Ahlai,
42Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, who was chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him,
43Hanan son of Maacah,
Joshaphat the Mithnite,
44Uzzia the Ashterathite,
Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite,
45Jediael son of Shimri,
his brother Joha the Tizite,
46Eliel the Mahavite,
Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam,
Ithmah the Moabite,
47Eliel, Obed and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.
T.S. - In these passages of Scripture “David’s Band of Brothers” – “His Mighty Men” listed by name and some even have some details added about their heroic life stories. They are placed here to be remembered and honored for their sacrifice for their country. How did David recruit these mighty men?
I. When you are under pressure- pray - but don’t be surprised by how God answers your prayers and who he sends to your aid (I Samuel 22:1-5, Psalm 34).
a. David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. 2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. 3 From there David went to Mizpah in Moab and said to the king of Moab, “Would you let my father and mother come and stay with you until I learn what God will do for me?” 4 So he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him as long as David was in the stronghold. 5 But the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah.” So David left and went to the forest of Hereth.
b. How would you like to lead what God sent David to lead (Verse 2?)
i. His family- You know the family where Dad forgot he had another son. You know the one where the older brother accuses David of having a conceited and wicked heart.
1. I am sure they came with positive words for David.
ii. They were the distressed – depressed – in debt –and in trouble
1. The Hebrew word -matsowq- means everyone who was in distress- ones disabled by their anguished hearts and emotions.
a. It means as Swindoll states, “What a group! ‘Everyone who was in distress’ came. The Hebrew word here, zuk, means not only ‘in distress’, but ‘under pressure, under stress.’”(74)
i. All those who hated Saul and his leadership!
2. So here came hundreds of stressed-out people to help David – I am like the King in Gath – I don’t need more insane people running around here -send them away!
iii. The ones in debt-nasha- those taxed heavily and under huge credit card debts.
1. These where the ones who Swindoll states, “Could not pay their bills.”
2. So we have all the ones who cannot manage money and are under extreme agony because of their financial state in the current administration – the garbage of society came to David.
iv. Then the discontented ones, and angry ones
1. The word here is -mar nephesh -meaning they where the bitter ones-the angry ones.
a. Not only depressed – stressed out people but angry people!
2. Swindoll notes,” …means to be in bitterness of soul, to have been wronged and mistreated.”
c. Can you imagine this scenario- they start showing up in groups- David starts to notice that his cave is filling up with the malcontents of Israel. I am sure he looked at God and said “Really Lord!”
i. The rejects, the complainers – I’m sure he started jumping for joy!
1. No I don’t hink he did!
ii. Believe it or not these where the future leaders of the nation of Israel – the one’s who would later on be called “David’s mighty men of valor.”
1. Here this God took the rejects of society and turned them into the Might Warriors of David!
2. Can I get an Amen to God!
iii. David was not alone God sent him men who needed to be trained and raised up for the Lord!
iv. How in the world do you lead a bunch like this?
1. Ritter gives us some insight from Psalm 34 how David did this (3,4):
a. Many believe that this Psalm was penned in the cave after the 400 malcontents showed up.
b. He led them in praise- Psalm 34:1
c. He assured them of God’s protection- Psalm 34:7
d. He drew their attention to the Lord so they would trust him.
i. To the distressed – Psalm 34:8
ii. To those in debt – Psalm 34:9
iii. To the discontent – Psalm 34:18
2. Ritter also gives us helpful advice on how to help people like this, “ When presented the opportunity in the refuge of preparation, seize the opportunity to pour your life into people. God brings them into our lives for the purpose of being influenced for His glory and purpose. Discouraged people don’t need critics. They hurt enough already. They need encouragement. They need a word. They need a place to heal and a confidant; a comrade in arms, a caring, willing, and available someone (4).
a. Amazing how God heals us as we help others!
3. Ritter also reminds us of Psalms 78:72 “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”
II. Let’s take a journey back in time to the cave at Addulum and discover who these mighty men were:
a. Huffman words the journey back in time this way: “Would you come with me on a journey? This is a journey in time and space, a journey back in Bible times to the days of David, a journey deep into the rocky wilderness of Judaea. Where we are going there are no trails so we will need a guide. In fact, there are very few men who even know the exact place of our destination. Our guide is a bronzed warrior, lean, tough, and strong. His neck and arms are weather-beaten from a thousand nights spent out in the open air. His face is scarred from battle. His hands are calloused from grasping his crude weapon, a scythe, sharpened carefully to make a keen edge. His bronzed face is illuminated by a deep intensity that glows from his eyes. His gaze is not fierce, as we might expect from a man of his occupation. Rather his face has a glow of quiet confidence. His countenance is not hawkish, but rather sincere and inviting. He desires to lead us to his abode. He beckons us to follow him to the hideout of his chieftain. Our guide leads us out of Bethlehem toward the southeast. Soon we depart from the main roads and set off into the hills. This is wilderness, a land of hills, caves, and rugged valleys. What could be found in these desert wastes, these rocky chasms, these haunts of owls, vultures, and jackals? Our guide knows the unmarked path well. He leads us onward confidently and purposefully. Our destination is the stronghold of Engedi, a rocky oasis in the hills above the western shore of the Dead Sea. Our purpose in this journey is to catch a glimpse of a rare breed of men. The Bible calls them, (gibborim), “Mighty Men.” These are men loved by David, feared by the Philistines and Amalekites, and admired by the Israelite women and children they defend. These men are exalted here in the Scripture as examples of what Biblical manhood ought to be. To appreciate their character, we must wash out of our minds all modern notions of success. We must erase from our mind the picture of the “swell” dad of the twentieth century, sitting on his couch watching football while his kids play video games. The contrast between our modern culture and the days of the mighty men of David could not be more extreme. In the Mighty Men of David, we find manhood and true heroism. God has recorded these men for us that we might learn and profit by their example. Today, we live in a world full of selfishness, a world devoid of righteousness. Often, it is the Christian world which bears the blame…The root problem of society today is that Christians are not what they ought to be. Selfish, carnal, lazy, and apathetic, they lack the character qualities that shall be discussed in this (journey). They are not mighty men. following our guide into the rocky wilderness of Judaea. These are the barren wastelands west of the Dead Sea. We hike many tortuous miles through the winding gullies and over the jagged boulders. What could be found here? There is no path. There are no signs by which we might find our destination. Saul has tried to find the very place we are seeking, but to no avail. Our guide leads us steadily onward. He knows our destination well. Our course of travel leads us over twenty miles of rocky wilderness. There are a multitude of dry gullies, places that fill with water only when the rains come. In these shadowy valleys, occasionally we come across the carcass of an antelope, torn by a lion. Once in a great while, we may see a wolf scurry across the face of a rock, or a snake slither from the rock upon which he is warming himself. Apart from these tokens of life, ours is a lonely journey. Civilization is left far behind. The temperature gradually grows warmer as the sun waxes hot. It is also warmer because we are gradually descending in elevation from the Judean hills down toward the Dead Sea. After endless miles of rocks, hills, and valleys we finally are approaching our destination. Our guide does not seem the least bit exhausted from the tortuous hike. He is used to such marches, and even quickens his pace as we near our destination. Finally, our quest is over. The sun is sinking over the western hills. The stars begin to glisten in the twilight. The shadows lengthen. Suddenly, a lone sentry appears out of the darkness of the rocks and challenges our approach. In his hand is a rough ox goad, sharpened to a point on one end. Our guide gives the countersign and we are admitted to the abode of mighty men. Passing through a gap in the rocks, we come upon a surprising sight. There are several hundred warriors scattered about the landscape, all in groups around their fires. In the side of the hill, covered by brush we can see the entrance to a cavern in the rocks. This is the stronghold near Engedi, which means “the spring of the wild goats,” one of the wilderness abodes of David. At the mouth of the cave, we come upon a tight circle of men. The only light is from a small fire in the center of the ring. The red glow illuminates the face of their commander. David’s face is tight and grim. Yet there is a deep glow of hope in his soul. This is a man that God calls, “a man after mine own heart.” (Acts 13:22) Outwardly, David has nothing in this world. He is an outcast, hated by the Philistines, hunted by King Saul, hiding in caves and rocks in the southern wilderness. What does David have to cling to? Whence this glow in his eyes? All David has is a distant memory, a memory of a day, years ago, when a prophet named Samuel had visited his boyhood home and poured a horn of oil upon his head. Deep in his soul, David believes the promise of Samuel, that Jehovah had chosen him to one day be king over Israel. But here in the wilderness of Judaea, the crown seems far away. He is an outlaw, a fugitive, hated by the Philistines, distrusted by the Israelites, and hunted by Saul. Around David sit his men. In this study, it is not upon David, but chiefly upon them that we focus our attention. Consider these mighty men of David. No one could call them an army, for no two men are dressed alike. Their arms are brown. Their hands are calloused, not from the plow, but from the sword. Their faces are weathered from a thousand nights spent in the wilderness. They are armed with all sorts of weapons… These men are elevated by God, loved by David, and honored in the Scripture with the immortal title, “David’s Mighty Men.” The Hebrew word is (gibbor). Lest we think that God has no stomach for warfare, lest we think that He is a marshmallow, a jovial uncle, let us consider Isaiah 42:13. “The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man (gibbor), he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.” Thus we see that God Himself takes this same title that was used of David’s warriors.
i. Huffman, John. David's Mighty Men . Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.
b. Finish the story with David’s Mighty 3 – As we approached the inner circle at the entrance to the cave – we hear men sharing about their days as shepherds in the wilderness and their young leader David says – “Oh how I would love a drink again from the well at the gate of Bethlehem!” He sighs – three chief warriors look at each other in slilence but there is a look and soon all three disappear – as we wake the next morning here comes the three (Josheb – Eleazar – and Shammah carrying a flask of water for David from the weel at Bethlehem, their spears and swords and close are bloody – they look as if they fought through the gates of hell and back for their leader – they hand him the water he weeps – he raises the water to the God of Heaven – he offers it as a sacrifice to God for the heroism and the kindness of his three soldiers who risked their lives to get hima drink from the well of Bethlehem – all the men around him bow to ground to honoe Jehovah for the water and sparring the lives of these three faithful warriors – the men look at their leader honoing God in this moment – thye love him even more – they will be living sacrifice for this godly man and serve him even to death!
III. David’s “Band of Brothers” who were they?
a. Note: His mighty men of valor did feats of heroism which helped to place David as King of Israel and to raise this country up into a super power of its day. They where God’s soldiers sent and equipped by God to fulfill His divine will and purpose.
i. The first soldier highly decorated is Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite (Adino):
1. 800 men in one battle were slain by his sword – it is calculated that this battle would have lasted for 13 hours. This was hand to hand combat and is really an amazing scene of heroism.
ii. The second medal of honor winner is Eleazar the son of Dodo:
1. While most of Israel’s men hid in their fox holes Eleazar attacked the Philistines who were a mean bunch of state of the art warriors wheeling iron weapons of the day. He stayed on task defending Israel and defeating the Philistines until his fellow soldiers had to pry his hands off of his sword.
iii. The third hero of Israel is Shammah son of Agee:
1. In a fight against the same arch enemies the Philistines while the rest of the soldiers fled he stood his ground and stopped an assault on Israel by the Philistines. He brought a great victory for Israel that day.
a. The three are known for exploit of getting David water from the well by Bethlehem!
b. They fought through the Philistine army got the water and returned with the flask of water for David! David is blown away by their living sacrifice:
i. 2 Samuel 23:13 During harvest time, three of the thirty chief men came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 15 David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 16 So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. 17 “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this!” he said. “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” And David would not drink it.
1. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.
ii. Huffman notes: “This was not disrespect or ungratefulness. It was the highest honor that could be paid them. The blood of a slain lamb was poured out on the ground to signify that the blood belonged to the Lord. With the same tender affection in the heart of the priest pouring out the lamb’s blood, David poured out this water upon the rocks with words of the deepest gratitude. The Bible gives this simple summary at the end of verse 19, “These things did these three mightiest.”
1. Huffman, John. David's Mighty Men . Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.
b. Huffman adds this thought: God honors those who yield to authority and are loyal to God ordained authority.
i. The God of Heaven sides emphatically with obedience to authority. Whether you agree with your dad or not, whether your boss is a Christian or not, as long as he is not violating the higher law of God, we are bound to be submissively obedient to the one God has placed over us. You may consider yourself more spiritual, more experienced than your authority. It does not matter. Your duty, still, if you are the servant, is to be obedient. No doubt Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah were all more experienced than their young commander. Yet, at the cost of their lives, they were obedient anyway. May God give us “mighty men” such as these. Huffman, John. David's Mighty Men . Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.
ii. Huffman notes: These three men not only obeyed David’s commands, they went far beyond that. They even discerned his wishes and then ran to fulfill them. This kind of obedience is true obedience, Biblical obedience, Christ-like obedience. Huffman, John. David's Mighty Men . Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.
c. Some of the other unknown soldiers brought to life again by an appreciative leader – names long forgotten - but not by their leader.
i. Two other noted commanders and heroic warriors of Israel:
1. Abishai became known for killing three hundred enemy soldiers in one battle with a spear. Which would be much harder to do than with a sword.
a. He was the chief of the three above.He is known for his courage!
b. Huffman: “Courage is often wrongly defined as freedom from fear. But if there were nothing to fear, why would we need courage at all?”
c. Courage, then, is not a freedom from fear, rather it is standing your ground in spite of your fears. Such men were the mighty men of David. Huffman, John. David's Mighty Men. Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.
i. 2 Samuel 23:18 Abishai the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah (He is David’s nephew) was chief of the Three He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. 19 Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them.
ii. The Lessons from Abishai’s Story - Abishai’s story offers valuable lessons for us today:
1. Loyalty and Devotion**: Abishai’s unwavering loyalty towards David serves as a reminder of the significance of standing by those we believe in, even in challenging circumstances.
2. Bravery and Courage**: Abishai’s fearlessness in the face of adversity teaches us the importance of facing our fears head-on and standing up for what we believe is right.
3. Leadership Skills**: Abishai’s leadership abilities highlight the importance of making sound decisions, being strategic, and inspiring others through action.
4. Respect and Mercy**: Abishai’s respect for David’s authority and his willingness to spare Saul’s life demonstrate the value of treating others with respect and showing mercy, even in moments of conflict.
5. In Conclusion: Abishai’s significance in the Bible cannot be overlooked. As a loyal and courageous warrior, he played a vital role in David’s life and the military victories of Israel. Abishai’s story provides valuable insights into loyalty, bravery, leadership, and mercy, reminding us of the timeless lessons found within the scriptures.
a. The above from https://whocandowhat.com/who-was-abishai-in-the-bible/#:~:text=Abishai%20was%20the%20son%20of%20David%E2%80%99s%20sister%2C%20Zeruiah%2C,who%20were%20also%20renowned%20warriors%20in%20David%E2%80%99s%20army.
iii. Huffman: Consider courage for a moment. If courage was merely a feeling, if it was fearlessness, then why would God command it?
iv. Huffman: This brief account shows characteristic brevity in the life of Abishai. There are no details, no fluff, no exaggerations, and no extras. Abishai is a man of action, a man of few words. It was one against three hundred, and Abishai is victorious. The outcome of the battle is summed up in just three words, “He slew them.”
1. Huffman, John. David's Mighty Men . Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.
ii. Benaiah was quit the warrior. He killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day. He stuck down two mighty opponents of Moab. He took out an Egyptian who was over 7 feet tall who had huge spear with a club.
1. He became chief of David’s Body Guard and served David for over 40 years:
a. 2 Samuel 23: 20 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab’s best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 21 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. 22 Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men. 23 He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
i. The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), 2 Sa 23:20–23.
2. Benaiah intrigues me! 40 years of fighting beside David in victory, in defeat, through rebellions against David’s leadership as King – from years in wilderness as Saul hunted them down to even David’s own son Absalom rebellion and cue. He was loyal and obedient to follow and protect David from his enemies to his death.
a. You might miss the truth about Benaiah he was a Levi – yes from the lineage of priests which descended from Aaron. Bennaih left the priesthood to serve David as an executioner and the Captain of David’s Body guard.
b. He was David’s secret service leader for 40 years of ups and downs! He never deserted David through all the turmoil and the upheaval he remained faithful even to the point of serving David’s son Solomon.
3. He is metioned very often in Scripture being at the side of David’s yet few know his story! He is there at every pinnacle moment of David’s reign.
a. Huffman notes: He is perhaps the supreme Biblical example of a lifetime of loyalty. We are introduced to this man for the first time in Scripture in II Samuel 8:18. “And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief rulers.” We are introduced here to an obscure character.
i. Huffman, John. David's Mighty Men . Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.
ii. But he appears over and over in the history of King David’s reignand in major points of David’s reign and he is mentioned early on in Solomons reign.
b. Huffman states, “The shining character quality we see is loyalty. Disregarding his own personal interests, Benaiah’s life is one long forty year record of stainless loyalty and devotion to the commander God had called him to serve.”
c. Huffman observes: Benaiah’s name means, “he whom Jehovah has built.” He is further described as the son of Jehoiada. Jehoiada was a splendid man in his own right. His name means “he who is known of Jehovah.” Jehoiada was a priest and his name is listed among the men of David’s court. He is mentioned in I Chronicles 27:5 as being the leader of the Aaronites.
d. Huffman notes: Benaiah, probably as a young man, leaves the peaceful life of a priest and takes up the life of a warrior.
i. Ecclesiastes 3:8 says, “A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” In the mind of Benaiah, this is the time of war. God’s plan for the ages is at stake. All God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob hang in the balance. David is God’s man.” Huffman, John. David's Mighty Men . Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.
4. What do we learn from studying the life of Benaiah?
a. We see in the life Benaiah four marks of loyalty:
i. A loyal man is willing to serve in a humble place.
ii. A loyal man puts himself at the command of his (God’s chosen) authority.
1. Huffman: The world admires the independent, the man that does what he feels, the free spirit. God honors the loyal. There is nothing manly in independence. There is nothing manly in making your own choices. The Biblical thing, the manly thing, the thing that sets you with David’s mighty men, is loyalty.
iii. A loyal man is steadfast even when his cause is not popular.
1. In the rebellion to David’s leadership – the popular vote went to the others not David at times some of his leaders abandoned him but never Benaiah!
a. Don’t miss this point.
2. Huffman notes: David has reigned for a total of 40 years. During all that time, we find Benaiah consistently loyal. We move ahead again to I Kings 1:5-6. In the twilight of David’s years, we find the nation again facing a delicate crisis. David is on his deathbed. But he has expressed his wish that Solomon be the next king upon the throne. In direct, willful defiance of his father’s order, another son of David’s makes his move for the throne. Absalom now being dead, a younger son named Adonijah sought to overthrow his father’s wishes and sit upon the throne.
a. If you recall Benaiah went with his men by the order of David to execute Sheba – after he led a rebellion.
iv. A loyal man lays aside his own interests for the interests of the one God has called him to serve.
1. At the rebellion of Adonijah at the end of David’s life he calls his three trusted leaders:
a. He tells them Solomon is to be the next King - you go anoint him King – do not participate in the other kinging of Adonijah – It’s not Adonijah to be king but Solomon! This is the will of God.
2. Huffman: Benaiah is not a young man anymore. Yet the old warrior stands erect before his dying monarch. Muscles still ripple in his brown arms. He is the veteran of a thousand battles. His hands are calloused, not from grasping the plow, but from handling the sword which hangs gracefully even now at his side. Benaiah has been with David in defeat and in victory. He was at David’s side when David was fleeing from Absalom. He was at David’s side when David reentered Jerusalem triumphant. Benaiah will not leave his king now. He stands erect,
a. Huffman, John. David's Mighty Men . Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.
3. Then Benaiah speaks. We have his answer recorded for us in the pages of Holy Scripture so that we might be likewise loyal. Laying aside every ambition, any promotion, laying aside likely his very life, Benaiah gives a very noble and eloquent answer in verses 36-37. And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so too. As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David. (I Kings 1:36-37) David knows what Benaiah was saying. No doubt there is not a dry eye in the room. All know what is at stake. David is passing from this life to the next. This is a transfer of authority. Benaiah is vowing to David that he will serve young Solomon with the same loyalty, the same devotion, the same spirit with which he served David for forty years. Solomon is not yet the wise king we know of today. When Benaiah speaks these words, Solomon is hardly a grown man. He is untested, unknown, and untrusted.
a. Huffman, John. David's Mighty Men . Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.
4. Joab Davids long time commander of the army has defected from David to Adoniji – they do as David says Solomon is made King and Adonijah runs to the tabernacle for safety – he knows his life is on the line. Solomon spares his life to have him betray him againso he dispatches Benaiah to execute him - he does as his King orders him to do.
a. And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died. (I Kings 2:25) David’s mighty man rises to the occasion again and again.
i. Huffman, John. David's Mighty Men . Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.
5. The two warriors meet - Joab and Benaiah. They are old comrades at arms. Both are great generals. Both have splendid military records. Both had served David for 40 years. There was only one difference between the two men. Joab served for his own glory. Joab deserted David at his death bed.
6. Remember David is on his deathbed, and because of Joab’s murderous pride, David had instructed young Solomon to “let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace” (I Kings 2:6). In obedience to his father’s instructions, once again, Solomon calls upon David’s old champion, Benaiah, to carry out justice.
7. Benaiah seeks out Joab – Joab runs to the Tabernacle for mercy at the horns of the altar – this is were Benaiah finds him – Joab should not be in there it’s the place for priests – he is not a priest like Benaiah – he is a general a commander who deserted his King on his death bed for personal gain – Joab pleads for mercy but Benaiah carries out the order and slays him right there at the altar!
a. I Kings 2: 31-33
T.S. – I am sure most of you here today have never heard these soldier’s names before but they are honored in the Bible as mighty men of God – and for being loyal to their nation’s leader “David”.
IV. Lessons to be learned from these real life stories of heroism and honor:
a. These men where fierce warriors but they were also loyal to David and God – don’t miss that point - and when he wanted a glass of water from a well – just wishful thinking his men went as living sacrifices to get him the drink of water he desired.
i. The top three noted above fought through the Philistines line to get David a drink. David was so humbled by what they did – their selfless devotion to Israel and to him as their King - he poured the water out to the Lord as an offering.
1. David knew these men were gifted by God for such a time as this and he wanted to thank the Lord for giving him such dedicated loyal brothers in wartime.
ii. The truth was David and his soldiers were devoted to one another and loved each other – like only a band of warrior brothers can do – they knew that their job was a God ordained one and they stayed committed to the vision.
1. In the Band of Brothers movie series there is a quote – that I would like to highlight this morning:
a. “They depended on each other. And the world depended on them.”
i. You could say that about these soldiers listed in our texts today.
b. But the list in 2 Samuel 23 goes deeper than the three and the other 2 – it lists 37 men in all by name.
i. We need to remember that when David first ended up on the run we are told that 400 men followed him – then later in Scripture his army had grown to 600 men.
1. So there are many more lives, many more faces who are still unknown to us in history but their lives made an eternal difference for the nation of Israel and for God’s plans for salvation on the earth.
ii. In this list we have a song about the faithful heroes that King David says made him and Israel successful. I find it amazing that David focused his praise on the “no-names” who made Israel’s rise to fame possible. It was the sacrifice of these unknown soldiers that brought freedom and liberty to Israel.
1. David knew it and he never forget it.
2. I am sure this is why they loved him and served him and God.
a. Chuck Swindoll states, “God kept His covenant with David by providing these fighting men and rejecting anyone less worthy (2 Samuel 23:4-6) (Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives, page 8).
iii. These few names in the Bible remind us of the many rows of white crosses along the wind-swept hills of Normandy.
1. It reminds me of the cemeteries at Gettysburg, Bunker Hill, Pearl Harbor and other famous places of battle.
a. Swindoll reminds us all, “We’re free today because, in June 1944, during the three month battle of Normandy, nearly fifty-three thousand “nobodies” paid the ultimate price to defeat Nazi tyranny…Visitors to the patch of land near Colleville-sur Mer, France, frequently weep quietly because there the real heroes of the war are silently honored” (Page 8, 9).
iv. King David in out texts today is paying tribute and honor to his soldiers. He is doing a Memorial Day tribute to the unknown ones who need to be known by all of Israel.
1. In these passages - he is saying they are, “Nobodies who are the some bodies who deserve all the credit for our great nation.”
2. I say that today we too need to pay tribute to the Veterans: Because these men/women made this nation possible and these men’s and women’s sacrifices made this nation free!
a. We too need to remember them and honor their names and their memories.
b. They are the people of significance that need to be honored so that we do not forget that freedom is not free. It costs!
T.S. – King David honored his faithful band of brothers and we too need to do the same today for our nation’s veterans.
V. The reality is the no-names – the soldiers of history for America have made a lasting impact on this country and in all of our lives.
a. Their sacrifice and dedication have bestowed upon us the freedoms we have today.
i. We cannot take these freedoms for granted or we cease to value the lives that have been given for our personal freedoms today.
ii. We need to honor this country and God for the blessings given to us and show her and its Veterans proper respect.
b. I want to personally remember a no-name person who is a somebody to me today: Veterans Day is tomorrow, and I want to honor the veterans.
i. His name is Lawrence Joseph McCartney he is my Grandfather better known as “Bro” – he died a few years back but not before making a decision to surrender his heart to Jesus. Here is what he did for our country, for me, for my kids and for my grandkids today:
1. He served in the Navy for 5 years during World War 2 – he was in the battle of Midway on the USS Duffy Destroyer. He was stationed in Guam during World War 2. He was instrumental in capturing 6 Japanese sailors who provided the War effort with necessary intelligence.
2. He also served in the Air Force for 23 years:
a. My Grandfather did three terms in Vietnam with the Air Force.
b. His first term was with Bombers, his second term put him in charge of the service of a group of F-16 fighters in Vietnam.
c. My Grandfather was decorated by the Air Force for figuring out a major problem with one of their jet engines which had caused many casualties.
d. My Grandfather was the chief mechanic on Gary Powers U2 Spy plane which was shot down over Russia.
e. He retired out of the Air Force after serving the Navy and Air Force for 28 years.
f. He retired with the rank of an E-9 out of Castle Air Force base in California.
Closing thought:
Today we honor the men and women who have given their lives for this country in our service:
There are three character traits that I see modeled by people of significance: a band of brothers and sisters in wartime.
1. A selfless mindset:
a. People who make the most difference in life are the ones who seldom get the credit or acclamation. They also never complain about the role and the impact they made on this nation and on others. They willingly were devoted to the cause at hand and gladly served their God and their country.
2. A mission perspective:
a. These people focus on things that matter most.
b. They value freedom, honor and sacrifice.
c. They value others over themselves.
3. A commitment to unity:
a. These people nurture unity and harmony with others.
b. They set aside petty differences and choose to forgive offense from others for the greater good of all.
c. They understand the connection that occurs between a “Band of Brothers.” On the battlefield.
Let me close with a few quotes from the movie series “Band of Brothers.”
A Quote from Band of Brothers: “They depended on each other. And the world depended on them.”
I say, “We need to depend on each other so that our community and country can depend on us.”
Quote from Band of Brothers: “There Was A Time When The World Asked Ordinary Men To Do Extraordinary Things.”
I say, “Once again today we need ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things for their neighbors and for our country.”
Thank you for sacrificing for us and for giving us our freedom!
