mighty men
Who are David’s “mighty men”?
2 Samuel 23:8-39
After defeating Goliath in battle, news of David’s victory spread, and he became famous. King Saul made David one of his generals. The LORD gave David success in all his battles.
In time, King Saul became so jealous of David’s success that he wanted to kill him. So David fled into the wilderness.
Lots of men joined David. They were inspired by his courage and his trust in God. Knowing the LORD was with David, they wanted to be on his side. Deeply committed, they fought with David in battles and hoped he’d one day become king of Israel.
A bunch of “mighty men” supported David. His three mightiest warriors were Josheb, Eleazer, and Shammah. Even when outnumbered by the Philistines, and left all alone, they kept fighting until they gained victory. David was blessed to have them on his side.
One day these three warriors were with David in his wilderness stronghold. Being thirsty, David wistfully said: “I wish I could have a drink from the well near the gate of Bethlehem.” So, these three broke through the Philistines lines, drew water from the well, and took it back to David. But David could not drink it. It was so precious, that he poured it out to the LORD as an offering.
David had other mighty men in his team. Like his cousin, Abishai who killed hundreds in battle and became one of David’s generals. And Benaiah who killed great two mighty warriors from Moab, and an Egyptian giant. He ended up in charge of David’s bodyguard.
In 2 Samuel 23:8-39, thirty seven of David’s mighty men are mentioned by name. They wanted to be part of what God was doing through David. They supported David in his trials; and celebrated with David in his successes. These mighty men helped David accomplish great things for God.
We all need friends to help us grow, to watch out for us, to give us good advice, and to help us find strength in God. By working together with trusted friends – like David and his mighty men – we can accomplish a lot more for God that we can do on our own.
God wants us to have good friends, and to be good friends to others. When Jesus is leading us and filling us with his love, we can encourage and help others to succeed in whatever God has in store for their lives; and they can support us.
Pastor Rolly Stahl
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