“Now these are the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel. This is an account of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam, a Hachmonite, was chief of the three. He wielded his spear against 300 whom he killed at one time.
“And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite. He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered there for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the men fled from the Philistines. But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and killed the Philistines. And the Lord saved them by a great victory.
“Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David at the cave of Adullam, when the army of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. And David said longingly, ‘Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!’ Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David…
“And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two heroes of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen.”
“These are… among the mighty men who came to David [and] helped him in war… mighty and experienced warriors, expert with shield and spear, mighty men of valor [who] helped David,.. had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do,.. seasoned troops ready for battle.” 1 Chronicles 11:10-18,22; 12:1,8,22,32-33
David’s mighty men had come a long way. Time spent with their king had transformed and emboldened them, and created a remarkable loyalty and zeal. Under David, life for them turned from self-focus to kingdom-purpose: now every breath pulsed with passion to make their king great and serve him at any cost. Be it strategizing, fighting, or working good deeds behind the scenes, they were all in. (1 Samuel 22:2)
What adjectives describe our allegiance to God? Lazy, half-hearted, reluctant, or eager, bold, mighty? Do we shrink back from the spiritual fight and the risk of standing up or out for our King, citing fear of getting hurt, criticized, worn out, or left out? Knowing the Lord fights on our behalf, what keeps us from taking up arms for Him? If we acknowledge Him as King, how robust is our stewardship, how faithful our fealty? How far are we willing to defend His name? He certainly is worthy of full devotion. (Exodus 14:13-14; Luke 9:26; Romans 1:16-17)
Sovereign God, make me a mighty warrior for You. Arm me with singleness of purpose, spiritual weapons, and a ready willingness to take a strong stand for Your kingdom. Grant me daily a single mind to exalt and make You known as King. (1 Chronicles 12:33,38; Ephesians 6:10-18)
As the rain and snow 