1 Chronicles 11:10–47

This account lists David's mighty men at the beginning (vv. 10-47), while 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom... They carry out the plans God had made known beforehand. Our chapter refers to 81 mighty men; 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. There they appear as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our present chapter they have only to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed. They cannot do other than support a kingship that came out of the counsels of God Himself.

Faith and the display of God's power tend to bring out the energy and strength of those who join themselves to it. The man God is with attracts those God is working with. Their energy grows in proportion to the display of His presence and favour. Many of these had been with Saul, but when they were with him they were not mighty men... When God acts in power, He gives strength to the weak, and by the energy of faith and of His Spirit He produces an army of heroes.

The foremost of these worthies joined David while he was a fugitive and an outcast (1 Chron. 12:1-22). 1 Samuel 22:2 gives their origin, one instance among many of God taking up the despised of men and exalting them.

It is remarkable that Joab steps forward — not Abishai, not any one of those most honourable three, not Eleazar or Jashobeam, or any of the others... The truth is that Joab was an ambitious man. He did not care to expose himself more than was necessary; but when there was anything to be got, Joab was the man. Joab was ready for action then, not to suffer but to gain. So he goes forward, takes the stronghold, and becomes chief.

Then follow the true worthies of David, the true warriors, not for what was to be got, but for David.

These great acts are only the natural consequences of the presence of His power. He is giving samples, so to speak, of what the power and the glory will be when He Himself takes the kingdom. Then greater deeds will be done.

The mighty men were with David in the days of his rejection. They passed through the sorrows and the conflicts with him, and are therefore privileged to be with him in his kingdom.

And is there no voice in this for us today? Our Lord is now rejected, but the crowning day is coming by and by. Now is the time to show which side we are on... Devotedness is not seen in waiting for tasks that will bring us into publicity, into work that is spectacular. It is seen in a readiness to do the humblest, most menial work that needs doing in the service of the Lord.

David's mighty men are listed at the beginning of this account (vv. 10-47), while in 2 Samuel 23 they are listed at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom. They showed themselves valiant with him to make him king, so carrying out the plans God had already made known. … In 2 Samuel 23 they are listed as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our chapter they have only to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed. They can do nothing other than support a kingship that came out of the counsels of God Himself.

God at once surrounds David with mighty men of valour. And the tribes of Israel send their thousands, "men of war that could keep rank," or as we would say, well disciplined. Who had disciplined these men? Just before, they had abandoned their cities and hidden themselves in fear of the Philistines. God's chosen man was there, the one anointed to be king over Israel, and the kingdom was turned to him. This is the reason for their sudden gift of valour and might. It also explains some of the wonderful deeds of the famous men whom the Holy Spirit names.

In 1 Chronicles 11:11 the chief of the captains is Jashobeam a Hachmonite, or son of Hachmoni… It is difficult to reconcile the two passages. Some think that Jashobeam and Joshebbassebet are the same name, one being altered by the copyist. Some take the passage in Samuel to be incorrect. They make "Adino the Eznite" not a proper name but "he swung his spear." … The two passages may refer to different persons. Note that Jashobeam is said to have killed three hundred men, and Adino eight hundred. The first is also named in connection with David's coming to power. The second is named with "the last words of David." So Jashobeam may have died and Adino become chief in his place.

He lifted up his spear against three hundred of David's enemies, and killed them in one tremendous fight. This is the triumph that brought him into distinction, and he became "the chief of the captains." Still, the true secret of his success was his attachment to David. He had shared David's rejection and sufferings. Afterwards we find him still with David in the glory of his kingdom… There may be something distinctive in our service for the Anointed of God now, as there will be in the kingdom rewards later on. But faithful and fruitful service comes only as the love of Christ constrains us to cleave to Him.

None of these spectacular things did they aim at. They simply got a drink of water for David. How was it that such a simple bit of service carried such appreciation? The answer is that it was an act of supreme devotedness to David.

God loves to mention what is an honour to His people; and so, after each of their names, we find a record of their deeds. The Lord will do this and more for those who now and always have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

The second name is that of Eleazar ("help of God"), the son of Dodo ("his Beloved"), the Ahohite (brotherly?). Here, too, Chronicles differs from Samuel. He is not presented here as only one of three mighty men who defied the Philistines with David. If he were, you would expect the other two to appear in the action. Chronicles simply presents him as being "with David at Pas-dammim, and the Philistines assembled there" for battle. Here, however, Chronicles seems to have a gap in the text, which as a result credits Eleazar with the action of Shammah, whom it leaves out.

The two words "with David" explain why he was so successful. Others might flee in a time of stress, but not Eleazar — he was with David at "Pas-dammim," which means "the boundary of blood." There David first defeated the enemies of the God of Israel and killed the giant. It speaks of Calvary, where Christ overthrew the giant enemy that would have held us in misery for ever, and saved us with an everlasting salvation. To serve Him well we must always remember the "boundary of blood" — "the blood of His cross." It is the ground of our eternal triumph. It divides us from all that is against our Lord Jesus Christ.

He struck them down "until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword. And the LORD brought about a great victory" (2 Samuel 23:9-10). His very name, "God is help," turns us from the man to God. What could he do single-handed against the host of the enemy? His arm grows weary, but the weary hand clings to the good sword. We see no longer the feeble arm of man, but the power of God behind that weary arm, carving out victory with that sword. The man has become identified with the sword, and God can use such a one.

David's mighty men were given the privilege of owning the claims of the Lord while they fought under His banner. They received their promotion at His hands, as a token of His favour, and that favour let them share in His victories. We cannot imagine for a moment that Eleazar would envy Adino, or that Shammah claimed to be equal with Eleazar. What but spiritual pride could make a servant want the words "After me" next to his own name instead of "After him"? If the same spirit of yielding were seen more among the people of God, and each counted others better than themselves, what a reproduction of Christ there would be in this world while He is away!

Because they belonged to David, his men had to endure much toil and weariness. But love made it all light and easy to them. Their names and deeds were written down and faithfully remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten... These acts may not be seen, known, or thought of by men; but Jesus knows them, and will publicly declare them from the throne of His glory. Who would ever have known the acts of David's worthies if the Holy Spirit had not recorded them?

God Himself credits this victory to Eleazar, and he was one of the first three of David's mighty men. But the two words "with David" explain why he was so successful. Others might flee when times are hard, but not Eleazar. He was with David at "Pas-dammim," which means "the boundary of blood." There David first defeated the enemies of the God of Israel and killed the giant. It speaks of Calvary. There Christ overthrew the giant enemy that would have held us in misery forever, and saved us with an everlasting salvation. To serve Him well we must always remember the "boundary of blood" — "the blood of His cross." It is the ground of our eternal triumph. It divides us from all that is against our Lord Jesus Christ.

We too are living in a day when many have gone away. The world has seduced some, some have grown tired of the conflict, and some have just gone with the majority. How blessed if it can be said of us that we remained faithful to the Lord in the day of conflict and danger… It is not enough to enter the conflict God has called us to. We are to endure in it to the end. We are to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, and, having done all, to stand (Eph. 6:10-19).

What they were fighting over was "a plot of ground full of lentils." It was a very small part of the inheritance God had given Israel, but it held food for the people. The enemy wanted to take the field and its crop from them… Our inheritance and our "plot of ground" are heavenly. We must defend them, and our heavenly food too — the Word which God has entrusted to us… May we defend it fearlessly for the sake of the saints, for we are with David. Let us count on God who will work "a great deliverance."

Chronicles leaves Shammah out and gives his deeds to Dodo's son, Eleazar. They were very likely both there, but I would doubt it was the same occasion. In 2 Samuel this is a raid for plunder; 1 Chronicles hardly reads that way. The wording, though, is almost the same.

Here they bring in the kingdom. They "showed themselves valiant with him in his kingdom, with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of Jehovah concerning Israel" (v. 10). In this way they carried out the plans God had made known beforehand.

"He was with David at Pas-dammim." When all "the people fled from before the Philistines," they took their stand in the middle of "a plot of ground full of barley." They defeated their enemies so completely that they delivered the field from them. God puts this victory to Eleazar's credit, and he was one of the first three of David's mighty men. But the two words "with David" explain why he was so successful. Others might flee in a time of stress, but not Eleazar. He was with David at "Pas-dammim," which means "the boundary of blood." There David first defeated the enemies of the God of Israel and killed the giant. It speaks of Calvary. There Christ overthrew the giant enemy that would have held us captive in misery for ever, and saved us with an everlasting salvation.

The object they were contesting was "a plot of ground full of lentils," a very little part of the inheritance that God had given Israel, but one containing food for the people. The enemy was seeking to deprive them of the field and its crop. Shammah stood in the middle of the field and preserved it for God's people. This deed speaks to our consciences. Our inheritance and our "plot of ground" are heavenly. We must defend them, and our heavenly food too — the Word which God has entrusted to us. May we be like Shammah; may we defend it without fear for the sake of the saints, for we are with David. Let us count on God who will work "a great deliverance."

Chronicles leaves Shammah out and credits his deeds to Eleazar, the son of Dodo. They were very likely both there, but I doubt it was the same occasion. In 2 Samuel this is a raid for plunder; in 1 Chronicles it hardly seems so. The wording, though, is almost the same.

Here Chronicles seems to have a gap in the text, so it credits Eleazar with what Shammah did and leaves Shammah out. Fighting alone, as the account here seems to show, he strikes the Philistines till his cramped hand sticks to his sword-hilt. The people, who were absent from the battle, returned only to the spoil. So Jehovah through him worked a great deliverance.

After this comes a name far more important than all the rest, and with it the secret of the warrior's success: "And the LORD worked a great victory" (2 Sam. 23:8-12). This leaves His servants free to acknowledge Him as their Deliverer, and to give Him His due. It also shows us how He identifies Himself with His servants, and lends His strength to those who fight His battles against the enemy.

Eleazar and Shammah may be the instruments used of God, but it is the Lord who works the great deliverance.

So it is now. At times almost all have turned away from standing for the truth. Then some brave servant of the Lord has stood against the enemy, his hand clinging to the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and has won a great victory. Many a child of God coming after has reaped precious fruit from it.

God loves to mention what is an honour to His people; and so, after each of their names we find a record of their deeds. The Lord will do this and more for those who now and ever have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

This account lists David's mighty men at the beginning (vv. 10-47). 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom. They showed themselves valiant with him in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king. So they carried out the plans which God had already made known... Our chapter refers to 81 mighty men, 30 of them recorded without being named, while 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. There they are supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our present chapter they have only to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed.

The choice lay between Saul and David. Saul is a picture of the man ruled by his own flesh; David is a picture of Christ. Saul is in the palace. He sits on the throne. The kingdom is at his feet. David is in the cave of Adullam. A band of men has gathered round him. Affection draws them, and they are devoted to his cause.

Now that David is the outcast one and hidden in the cave of Adullam, will Jonathan join him there, and own him in the day of his rejection? Sadly, in the record of those whose loyalty and devotedness drew them to David in the cave, Jonathan's name is missing! Saul, his house, and the city pulled the other way, and were too strong. The men who gathered to David in Adullam were, it is true, a mixed group; but they gathered to the right person, and in the right place, as the outcome proved. No matter where Jonathan was, he was not with David, and so he was not with God.

These three mighty men came to David at harvest time, to the cave of Adullam (13). It seems as if they left the world in the day of its plenty, to identify themselves with David in the day of his poverty and reproach.

There are a few, and only a few, who care so much for David that they will link their destiny with his. They do it at a moment when, to sight at least, all is as dark as dark can be... If they are to share his triumphs and honours later, they will share his reproach and shame now... They are in the place to know his wishes. Had they not been in the cave with David, they never would have heard his longing for water from the well of Bethlehem. And they never would have been in Adullam, if David had not himself eclipsed all else in their affections.

This valley lies south of Jerusalem. There the Philistines gathered against Israel, and there David twice defeated them decisively. Older English translations twice call it the "valley of the giants" (Joshua 15:8; 18:16).

The Philistine armies stood in tight ranks between the stronghold and the well. The three did not stop to count what it would cost to satisfy David's desire.

Why this remarkable omission of their names in the account of their exploit? It is because here it is no longer a matter of energy and perseverance, but one of the devotion of faith. And this devotion flows naturally from the hearts of servants who know and appreciate their Master. By its very nature devotion is something obscure. What man has the right to boast of devotion?

He lay in the stronghold. The armies of the Philistines were camped in Bethlehem, the place where he was born and brought up, every bit of it known and loved by him. As he lay in the stronghold, tired and thirsty, these three devoted men heard David say, "Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!"

The garrison of the Philistines had taken possession of Bethlehem while David was in exile in the cave of Adullam. Saul did not have the energy to drive the Philistines out of Bethlehem, the house of bread. And David expressed a longing for a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem.

Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread," is a very fitting name for the place from which the Saviour should come as a man — He who was the living bread that came down from heaven.

The choice lay between Saul and David — Saul a picture of the man of the flesh, and David a type of Christ. Saul is in the palace. He sits on the throne. The kingdom is at his feet. David is in the cave of Adullam with a band of men gathered round him, drawn by affection, and devoted to his cause.

These three mighty men "came to David in the harvest time to the cave of Adullam." It seems as if they left the world in the day of its plenty. They chose to identify themselves with David in the day of his poverty and disgrace.

David was in the stronghold, while a garrison of the Philistines occupied the place of David's early home. David thinks of the well by the gate of Bethlehem. He had no doubt often drawn water there in his youth. Now he expresses his longing for a refreshing drink from that well… It is not a command that needs obedience. It is not a call to service. It is only the expression of his longing desire. And yet this expressed desire calls out this devoted act of love in a way that no command would have done.

No command was spoken, duty was not appealed to. A need expressed like that could never have found its way to the cold heart of duty. And if it had, there were plenty of reasons ready to keep it quiet. The Philistines had a garrison in Bethlehem and the well was inside the guarded gate, and the way there was very risky. David's thirst could not be quenched without great danger — and why quench it? It would please him, but it would not advance his people or his kingdom. … "David has not told us to attack Bethlehem. It is only his personal need, so why should we risk our lives to meet it?" Is that not the language of duty? But is it the language of love? … Does our Lord have no need now? Is He not thirsting now for what can only be gained by the self-sacrifice of His people?

If the victories we have considered had the blessing of the people in view, this touching act of service was entirely for the benefit of the King.

David's heart was deeply moved by this simple act. The men had won that water at the risk of their lives. So he poured it out to the Lord as a drink offering, because it showed how devoted these dear men were. It was the motive behind the action that turned that simple act into one which placed those three men at the very top of the roll of honour of the kingdom. That was when the fighting was all done, when power was established, and the day of rewards had come.

Then follow the true worthies of David, the true warriors, not for what was to be got, but for David. To the end of the chapter we see in detail not only their great deeds in cutting down the enemy, but their intense love for David... He knew his native place, and longed after the water that he had, no doubt, often drunk. He said this without a thought of anything further.

There was no command issued. No one in particular was singled out and commissioned to go. There was the simple expression of the desire, and this is what gave the opportunity for genuine affection and true devotedness. A specific command to someone would only have given an occasion for ready obedience. But the expression of a desire brought out that warm attachment to the person of David which is so lovely to see.

This expressed wish of David never was a command, and was never meant to be. If we are to reach any worthy thoughts about it, we must distinguish between two things: the commands that are laid upon us — and there are such — and His "word," which shows us what is in His heart. In receiving that word we come into intelligent communion with Himself. The Lord Himself makes this distinction in His last words with His disciples (John 14:21, 23). Commands may be given to servants only, who are never let into the secrets of the heart. But words spoken to friends also claim a response, and will find one from the truly devoted. Not "what must I do?" but "what may I do?" is the language of attachment to His Person. Only so can we be in sympathy with the act of the mighty three.

Whether in David's day or in our own, one thing marks such mighty deeds: they are for the benefit of people as well as for the glory of the King. But when we come to the three mighty men who drew the water from the well, we have a very different form of service. If the victories we have considered had the blessing of the people in view, this touching act of service was wholly for the benefit of the King.

Our David has cravings and longings of heart which also need the water of the well of Bethlehem for their satisfaction. They are not passing desires. As His nature is, they are lasting, perfect, necessary to His perfection. Is it not living water that He longs to receive from us, water whose spring is at the outgoing of the Father's "house of bread"? In it He finds only the fruit of the travail of His soul, and with it alone He can be satisfied.

Is not David's "Oh, that one would give me" a faint anticipation of the Lord's dying request, "Do this in remembrance of Me"?

The three chiefs mentioned in 2 Sam. 23:13-17 must have been near enough to David to know the desires of his heart. His words were not a commandment, but the expression of his heart's desire. Do we live near enough to the Lord to know the desires of His heart?... Sometimes we find people of God saying, It does not say we are not to do this or that. They try to satisfy their natural desires on the plea that God has not forbidden the thing they want. Should we not seek to carry out not only the commandments of the Lord, but also the desires of His heart?

David gave no command. He picked out no one and sent no one. He simply said what he wanted, and that is what made room for real affection and true devotion. A command to a named man would only have given him the chance to obey. But a spoken wish drew out that warm attachment to David himself, which is so lovely to see.

Common sense would have said that water from some other place would have satisfied David's thirst just as well. And that would have been true. Water is water wherever it is, and there was nothing special about the water of the well of Bethlehem.

The Philistine army lay camped in tight ranks between the stronghold and the well. These three devoted men did not count the cost of the simple act of pleasing David. They wanted to please him. Nothing pleased them so much as pleasing him. Devotion put strength into their arms that day as they broke through the startled ranks of the Philistines and got the water for David.

When we come to the three mighty men who drew the water from the well, we have a very different kind of service. If the victories we have looked at had the blessing of the people in view, this touching act of service was wholly for the benefit of the King.

It was no plan of war. It lay right outside the expedition. It was love. But David's act was more beautiful still. There are others too — not among the three mightiest, yet men who were most honourable. God loves to mention what is an honour to His people, and so after each of their names we find a record of their deeds. The Lord will do this and more for those who at any time have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

It was a sacrifice too costly for anyone except the LORD Himself. So David would not let anything interrupt its sweet smell as it rose to the throne of God.

His godly act showed two things. He judged the water too valuable for himself, and fit for the Lord alone. It also showed that the fear of the Lord was always before him. But One greater than David — the Son of God, David's Son according to the flesh — does drink the springing water that is brought to Him now, before He takes the throne of His glorious kingdom and dominion.

David poured out the water, won at the risk of their lives, to the Lord as a drink offering. It showed the devotion of these dear men. It was the motive behind the action that turned that simple deed into one which placed those three men at the very top of the glory roll of the kingdom — when the fighting was over, the kingdom was secure, and the day of rewards had come.

We, too, may fight the Lord's battles, but how much do we know of this higher service that does something for the heart of Christ alone? "Oh, that one would give me," says David. Are there not times when we can give something to the One who gave everything for us?… Do we count it a rare privilege to give Christ something that brings joy to His heart?

It was a sacrifice too costly for anyone except the Lord Himself. So David would not allow the sweet scent of it to be interrupted on its way up to the throne of God.

The king valued their devotion, but he did not want to take advantage of it: "Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men?" He draws out the devotion of his men, and his own character is to give himself up for them. The water offered to him only passes through his hands, to be presented as a drink offering to the Lord. Everything done for Christ is done for God. God accepts it as an excellent sacrifice, offered up by Christ.

No command was issued. No one in particular was picked out and sent. There was simply the expression of a desire. This is what gave the opportunity for genuine affection and true devotedness. A specific command to someone would only have given occasion for ready obedience. But the expression of a desire drew out that deep attachment to the person of David which is so lovely to see.

Many would have been ready to risk their lives carrying out some service for the good of the kingdom. But these mighty men were ready to face death for something that served only David's desire.

Common sense would have said that water from some other place would have done just as well for David's thirst. That would have been perfectly true. Water is water wherever it is, and there was nothing special about the water of the well of Bethlehem.

It is no longer a matter of energy and endurance here, but of the devotion of faith. And this devotion flows naturally from the hearts of servants who know and appreciate their Master. By its very nature devotion is something hidden. What man has the right to boast of devotion?

How little those three mighty men imagined that their act of loving devotion would be recorded forever in Scripture, to be read by millions. They never thought of this. If they had acted to get a name or a place for themselves, it would have stripped their act of all its beauty. It would then have deserved to be despised and forgotten. But no — they loved David. This was the spring of their activity. They proved that he was more precious to their hearts than life itself.

God loves to mention what is an honour to His people, and so after each of their names we find a record of their deeds. The Lord will do this and more for those who now and always have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

We too may fight the Lord's battles. But how much do we know of this higher service that does something for the heart of Christ alone? "Oh, that one would give me," says David. Are there not times when we can give something to the One who gave everything for us?

Scripture gives us specimen pages from the book of eternity, where the finger of God has engraved the names of His servants and the record of their work. Turn to the twenty-third chapter of 2 Samuel, and to the sixteenth of Romans, and you will find two such pages: the names and deeds of David's warriors, and the names and deeds of Paul's friends at Rome. Both show what we are sure is true of all the saints of God and the servants of Christ, from first to last. Each one has his own special place on the roll, and each one his place in the Master's heart. It will all come out by and by. Among David's mighty men, we have "the first three," "the three" and "the thirty." Not one of "the thirty" ever reached a place among "the three." Nor did one of "the three" ever reach to "the first three."

He faced no less than three hundred of David's enemies alone! And he did not stop until he had killed them all! He went through hardship and trial with David during the time of David's rejection. We may be sure he learned much, and that he enjoyed a near place to the king in his glory. David might well say to him what another will say to His mighty men by and by: "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

The deeds of valour of these three men did not reach those of the first three. First there is Abishai. Like Joseb-Bassebeth, he brandished his spear against three hundred men and killed them. But he did not have the same perseverance of faith.

After the first three, we have Abishai. He might have claimed a place of special distinction because of his natural relationships. He was brother to Joab, the captain of the army, and closely related to the king. But natural relationships do not secure a place in the kingdom for him, or for us. Abishai secures his distinguished place by his own strength. His great feat did not reach the height of the Tachmonite's, yet he was still marked by the same spirit of power. We cannot attain to the faithfulness and spiritual power that marked the Apostle Paul and other great servants of the Lord. But by the same divine grace we can be marked by the same spirit in our own measure. (Another mighty deed of Abishai's is found in 2 Samuel 21:16-17. He came to David's help when one of the giants tried to kill him, and he killed the giant.)

Abishai is called "the brother of Joab" because he was like him in many ways, showing similar traits. But if he shared his brother's graceless hardness of heart, he was still ready to obey David's word. That kept him from most of Joab's mistakes. So, although he "did not attain to the first three", we find honour and distinction given to him without reserve. He was chief of the three — that is, the second three — and he was "more honourable" than the other two. This came of heeding the word of David and holding fast to him. When a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ heeds His word and keeps near to Him, much that is pleasing to God will be found in his service, even though there may be a great deal to try him.

Abishai, the brother of Joab, has a significant place as chief of these three men. Joab himself receives no honour at all in this final summing up of David's mighty men. He was a capable warrior who gained many victories, but his one fatal flaw was that his motives proved selfish. It was not God's honour that he sought, but his own.

David's mighty men are listed at the beginning of this account (vv. 10-47), while 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom... 2 Samuel lists them as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our present chapter they have only to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed.

After the first three, we have Abishai. He might have claimed a place of special distinction because of his family ties. He was brother to Joab, the captain of the army, and a close relative of the king. But family ties do not secure a place in the kingdom for him, or for us. Abishai secures his distinguished place by his own prowess. His great feat did not reach the height of the Tachmonite's, yet the same spirit of power marked him. We cannot attain to the faithfulness and spiritual power that marked the Apostle Paul and other great servants of the Lord. But the same spirit can mark us in our own measure, by the same divine grace.

Abishai is called "the brother of Joab", for he was like him in many ways and showed similar traits. Even if he shared his brother's graceless hardness of heart, he was still ready to obey David's word, and that kept him from most of Joab's mistakes. So although he "attained not to the first three", we find honour and distinction given to him without reserve. "He was chief of the three" (that is, the second three), we are told, and he was "more honourable" than the other two. This was the result of heeding the word of David while staying close to him.

These three men's deeds of valour did not reach those of the first three. First there is Abishai. Like Joseb-Bassebeth, he brandished his spear against three hundred men and killed them. But he did not have the same perseverance of faith.

Each one has his own special place on the roll, and each one his place in the Master's heart; and all will come out by and by. Among David's mighty men, we have "the first three", "the three" and "the thirty". Not one of "the thirty" ever attained a place among "the three". Nor did one of "the three" ever reach to "the first three".

There are others, however — not, it is true, among the three mightiest, but who were most honourable. God loves to mention what is an honour to His people; and so, after each of their names we find a record of their deeds. The Lord will do this and more for those who now and always have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

Our Lord is now rejected, but "The crowning day is coming by and by." Now is the time to show which side we are on. Now is the time to prize the cross as great reward. Devotedness is not seen in waiting for tasks that will bring us into publicity, into work that is spectacular. It is seen in a readiness to do the humblest, most menial work that needs doing in the service of the Lord.

Benaiah means "Whom God has built"; Jehoiada, "Jehovah knows"; and Kabzeel, "God has gathered." Put these meanings together, and we learn this. Benaiah was the son of one whom the Lord knew ("I know my sheep"). God Himself had built him up in the truth. And he knew his place in God's assembly (Kabzeel).

In 2 Sam. 23:20; 1 Chr. 11:22, we read that Benaiah killed two "lion-like men," which some prefer to translate "two sons of Ariel." The Hebrew is literally "two lions of God."

He is specially singled out for his victories over (1) two men of Moab; (2) a lion; and (3) an Egyptian. How these three remind us of (1) the flesh; (2) Satan; and (3) the world. In the service of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is a great day when we accept the condemnation of the cross upon sin in the flesh. From then on we walk and war after the Spirit.

He went down into a pit to slay a lion; surely a lovely picture of the One who went down into the lower parts of the earth, having gone down into death... When Benaiah went down into the pit it was "the time of snow," everything was in the grip of winter, there was not a trace of life to be seen. It was the same with the blessed Lord Jesus. He went down into death to destroy him who had the power of death, and there was not a breath for God in the whole universe... Benaiah came up out of the pit victorious, having killed the lion. In the same way the blessed Lord rose out of death. He had burst its iron gates and destroyed its power forever.

It was on a snowy day this happened; the circumstances of the conflict were all against Benaiah; yet he was victorious. When Adam fell, the circumstances of Eden were all in his favour. But Christ met the foe in the temptations, in Gethsemane, and at the cross. How very different His circumstances were from those of the first man when he fell before the enemy!

On a snowy day he did not hesitate to go down into a pit and kill a lion. The faithful are like him now. Sometimes they have to enter the closest conflict with Satan under the most distressing circumstances, and they overcome him by the sword of the Spirit. He also killed an Egyptian with the Egyptian's own spear. We may sometimes see the same thing now. A worldly man opposes the servants and the truth of God, and the very weapon he used against them defeats him. So God turns the wrath of man to praise Him.

Benaiah walks faithfully in his master's steps, and his great affection for David leads him to reproduce his model's traits. Such a walk finds its reward: "David set him in his council" (v. 23), a place of confidence, intimacy, and communion. Benaiah shares his master's secrets, learns his plans from him, and sees the king's face at all times. What a blessed portion!

The Egyptian was a huge man, and he carried a spear like a weaver's beam. Yet Benaiah defeated him with only a staff in his hand. He pulled the spear from him, turned it against its owner, and killed him. It is through the cross of Christ that we get the victory over the world by faith in the Son of God who makes known the Father's love to us. The world lifted up its hand against Christ. Yet the death He died defeated the world for faith. So one could write, "far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

David beheaded Goliath with Goliath's own sword. In the same way Benaiah "snatched the spear out of the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear." The spear, like the sword, is a symbol of the power of death. As another writer has said, "Death is the best weapon in the arsenal of God when it is used by the power of life." This was Benaiah's experience in his fight with the world — the Egyptian. Take the whole history, and we learn that this child of grace… meets and overcomes the flesh, Satan, and the world. This too was of grace; but, while it was of grace, it shows the path and the possibility open to every believer.

Do we not see the glory of the world, and its bondage for the people of God in Egypt? But we read of One who said, "I have overcome the world" (John 16:33)… Benaiah kills the Egyptian with his own spear. In the same way we read of the Lord's great triumph in Hebrews: "that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death" (Heb. 2:14). If the Lord has overcome the world, He can enable us to overcome it also.

He killed the Egyptian just as David had struck down Goliath. David had taken the giant's sword to cut off his head, and Benaiah put the Egyptian to death with his own spear. Benaiah walks in his master's steps, and his great love for David leads him to reproduce his model's traits. Such a walk finds its reward: a place of confidence, intimacy, and communion. Benaiah shares his master's secrets and sees the king's face at all times. If we love the Lord Jesus, and follow and serve Him, we will be rewarded with a nearness like that of John, the disciple Jesus loved, whose place was closest to Him.

He also killed an Egyptian with his own spear. The same thing can sometimes be seen now. A worldly man opposes the servants and the truth of God, and the very weapon he used against them defeats him. So God turns the wrath of man to praise Him.

Jehoiada, Benaiah's father, was leader of the Aaronites (1 Chron. 12:27). The family came from Kabzeel, one of the furthest cities of the tribe of Judah, toward the border of Edom to the south (Joshua 15:21). In 1 Chron. 27:5 the record calls him "a chief priest". Solomon's rise to the throne brought strife and jealousy. Even Joab turned aside after Adonijah. Through it all, Benaiah was always true and loyal.

The record singles him out for his victories over (1) two men of Moab; (2) a lion; and (3) an Egyptian. How these three remind us of (1) the flesh; (2) Satan; and (3) the world. It is a great day when, in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ, we accept the condemnation of the cross upon sin in the flesh. From then on we walk and war after the Spirit.

Interpreting the meaning of Scripture names needs great caution. Even so, they often hold very instructive lessons. In this passage the combination of the different names is very remarkable. Benaiah means "Whom God has built"; Jehoiada, "Jehovah knows"; and Kabzeel, "God has gathered." Put these meanings together, and we learn much. Benaiah was the son of one whom the Lord knew ("I know my sheep"). God Himself had built him up in the truth. And he knew his place in God's assembly (Kabzeel). … Taking the whole history, we learn that this child of grace, built up on his most holy faith, and gathered out onto the ground of God's assembly, meets and overcomes the flesh, Satan, and the world. This too was of grace; but, while of grace, it reveals the path and possibility for every believer.

There are others however — not, it is true, among the three mightiest, but who were most honourable. God loves to mention what is an honour to His people; and so, after each of their names, we find a record of their deeds. The Lord will do this and more for those who now and always have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

Benaiah was with David when many were against him. He was also with him when the crowds owned him king and bowed before him. His fellowship with the anointed of God seems to have been unbroken. It held in hardship and in prosperity, in the cave and on the throne, in the wars with countless enemies and in the government of God's people. No wonder David set him over his guard. He would be glad to have such a man close to himself.

When David was at rest in his kingdom, their names and deeds stood on record, remembered faithfully. None were forgotten. That record surely leads the reader's mind on to the time when the Lord Christ will reward His faithful servants. They are the ones who, out of love to His person and by the energy of His Spirit, have done acts of service for Him in the time of His rejection. Men may never see, know, or even think of these acts. But Jesus knows them, and He will declare them openly from the throne of His glory. Who would ever have known the acts of David's worthies if the Holy Spirit had not recorded them?

David's mighty men come at the beginning of this account (vv. 10-47), while 2 Samuel 23 puts them at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom. They "gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel" (v. 10). So they carried out the plans which God had already made known.

He fought the enemies from outside, Moab and Egypt, and killed two Moabite heroes. Like David he fought a lion all by himself. He killed the Egyptian just as David had struck down Goliath. David used the giant's own sword to cut off his head; in the same way Benaiah killed the Egyptian with the man's own spear. Benaiah walks faithfully in his master's steps, and his great affection for David leads him to reproduce his model's traits. Such a walk finds its reward: "David set him in his council," a place of confidence, intimacy, and communion. Benaiah shares his master's secrets, knows his plans, and sees the king's face at all times. What a blessed portion! If we love the Lord Jesus, follow Him obediently and serve Him, our reward will be a nearness like John's. He was the beloved disciple, whose place was close to the heart of Jesus.

In David's time Benaiah already held a leading place in service (1 Chr. 27:5). He had followed the footprints of his master step by step in everything, and later became chief captain over the entire army. Was he not worthy of it? Yet this man has no ambition other than to remain faithful to his king and to imitate him. He is not like Joab who takes the stronghold of Zion to gain the first place. No, he is humble, for his whole purpose is to reproduce David in his conduct.

Benaiah was with David when many were against him, and he was with him when the crowds owned him king and bowed before him. His communion with the anointed of God seems to have been unbroken. It held in trouble and in prosperity, in the cave and on the throne, in the wars with countless foes and in the government of God's people. No wonder David set him over his guard. He would be glad to have such a man close to himself.

Why does the inspired writer not place "Tryphaena, Tryphosa," and "the beloved Persis" under one head? Why not give them the same position? The reason is beautiful. Of the first two he could only say that they were "workers in the Lord," while of the last he had to add that she "worked hard in the Lord." Can anything be more discriminating? It is "the three" — "the first three" — and "the thirty" over again. There is no careless jumbling of names and services together; no haste; no inaccuracy. Each one gets his own place, and receives his own measure of praise.

Though one as servants, "each will receive his wages according to his labour". The reward will not be according to the position that man may have given the servant, nor according to man's thoughts of his service, but according to God's estimate of his labours.

"With David" in his rejection and fightings; "with David" as captain of his bodyguard; "with David" in his kingdom in positions of honour; he was now raised to be captain of the army of Israel with David's son Solomon, sharing in his glorious reign when wars were past. Tried and proved trustworthy, he richly reaped a blessed reward. In the glories of the coming day, those who follow our Lord Jesus Christ now will be "with the Lord" whom they have loved and served. How welcome that will be to their hearts!

David's mighty men are listed at the beginning of this account (vv. 10-47), while in 2 Samuel 23 they come at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom. They "gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel" (v. 10). So they carried out the plans God had already made known… Our chapter refers to 81 mighty men, and 30 of them are not named. 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. There they appear as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our present chapter they have only to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed. They cannot do anything but support a kingship that came out of the counsels of God Himself.

There were "the thirty," "the three," and "the first three." Each one gets his own specific place on the page of the book of responsible, practical life, according to what he was or what he had done. What is more, the record tells us exactly what each one did and how he did it. Nothing is forgotten. Everything is faithfully recorded, and no one can ever get another's place. Each does his own work, fills his own niche, and gets his own reward.

Asahel's name stands at the top of the list of the thirty captains. His career as a soldier was short, as we have seen. But we cannot help noticing that David's sister's sons head the three lists. Joab was chief and captain; Abishai the chief of the second three; and Asahel first of the thirty. This was not mere partiality. Rather it proves that the sense of a known relationship with the Anointed of God produces a good soldier.

Asahel's career was cut short through too much zeal, not balanced by the necessary grace and wisdom. What might have been a brilliant path of service ended suddenly, when the spear of one of God's own people killed him. That man was a distinguished soldier, and Asahel insisted on chasing him despite a warning given in time. It is not for the servants of Christ to seek the hurt of any of God's children. Learn a lesson from Asahel's sad mistake. David never chased Saul, though Saul often sought David's life.

Elhanan. Son of Jair, or Jaare-oregim: he killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite. 2 Sam. 21:19; 1 Chr. 20:5.

They were the men who loved David, stood by him, and showed their loyalty and devotion to the King. Others are listed too, and we read of no definite deeds from them… When He comes as the righteous Ruler, to bring in the morning without clouds, He will remember those who were loyal and devoted to Him while people rejected Him. No name and no deed, even the smallest, will then be forgotten.

Last we find the "thirty," less famous than the six men before them, though the Lord forgets none of His own… When David looked over the list of His servants, his eyes must have paused with sorrow at the name of Uriah the Hittite, which ends the list. Uriah was among the mighty men, and not the least of those hearts devoted to the king and his people. And David had had him put to death to satisfy his own lust! His name stayed there as a testimony against the one whom he had served. But David condemned himself and exalted the grace that had restored him. So he would never have dreamed of erasing that name from the book where it was recorded.

This account lists David's mighty men at the beginning (vv. 10-47), while 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom… This chapter leaves out a few names that Samuel mentions, and adds a great many. So our chapter refers to 81 mighty men (it records 30 of them without naming them); 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. In Samuel they appear as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our chapter they only have to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed. They can do nothing other than support a kingship that came out of the counsels of God Himself.

Shammoth. A Harorite, one of David's mighty men. 1 Chr. 11:27. Perhaps the same as Shammah the Harodite in 2 Sam. 23:25.

Pelonite. Designation of Helez and Ahijah, two of David's mighty men. Why they are so called is not known. 1 Chr. 11:27, 36; 1 Chr. 27:10. In 2 Sam. 23:26 Helez is called "the Paltite."

We know the thirty (thirty-one) only by their names, and we can say little about them until they have been studied more closely… In lists like this one, dry and barren as our neglect has let them remain, we may expect to find many textual errors… Let the people of God study His word; dig deep, and expect much. Then we shall soon have few such complete gaps in our knowledge as we now have to regret here.

The list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11 gives a wonderful illustration of devotedness. The choice lay between Saul and David — Saul an illustration of the carnal man and David a type of Christ. Saul is in the palace. He sits on the throne. The kingdom is at his feet. David is in the cave of Adullam. A band of men has gathered round him, drawn by affection and devoted to his cause.

The man who has God with him attracts those in whom God is working. Their energy grows in step with the showing of His presence and favour. Many of these men had been with Saul. While they were with him they were not mighty men… These were only the chief of the mighty men David had. When God acts in power, He gives strength to the weak. By the energy of faith and of His Spirit He produces an army of heroes.

Because they were joined to David, his men were called to go through much toil and weariness. But love made it all light and easy to them. Their names and deeds were recorded and remembered without fail when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten… Men may never see, know, or think of these acts. But Jesus knows them, and He will declare them openly from the throne of His glory. Who would ever have known the acts of David's worthies if the Holy Spirit had not recorded them?

The thirty mighty men who were with David had a near place to him. No doubt they learned lessons from him, and those lessons secured the distinctions that became theirs. They owed all to David. They would rightly esteem Joab and the other captains, but David was pre-eminent in all their hearts and minds. He was God's anointed one. There must be no rival. All others are fellow-helpers in the war.

David's mighty men are listed at the beginning of this account (vv. 10-47), while they are listed at the end in 2 Samuel 23. Here they bring in the kingdom. They "gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel" (v. 10). So they carried out the plans which God had made known beforehand. So this chapter refers to 81 mighty men, 30 of them recorded without being named. 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. There they are listed as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. Here they only have to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed.

The Lord of hosts is marshalling the strength and power of Israel. And the Holy Spirit gives a list of tried men of might. They are set before us in the glow of their own bravery. The foremost of these worthies joined David while he was a fugitive and an outcast (1 Chron. 12:1-22); their origin is given (1 Sam. 22:2) and is one instance among many of God's taking up the despised of men and exalting them.

Designation of Ikkesh, father of Ira, one of David's mighty men. 2 Sam. 23:26; 1 Chr. 11:28; 1 Chr. 27:9. The Tekoites were inhabitants of Tekoa: they helped to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, but "their nobles did not put their necks to the work of their Lord." Neh. 3:5, 27.

Jeremiah the prophet belonged to the family of "the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin." His village of Anathoth lay a little over three miles northeast of Jerusalem. It had been given to the priests, descendants of Aaron, of the family of the Kohathites (Josh. 21:18; 1 Chron. 6:60). Abiathar the priest was from Anathoth (1 Kings 2:26).

The first men pointed out as having come to him were from among the brothers of Saul — that is, from the tribe of Benjamin. This is a proof that God and the knowledge of His will had more value in their eyes than parentage and the advantages which flow from it. They were men of the greatest skill in handling the bow and the sling, the weapons with which Saul was killed in the battle in which he was overthrown.

Many other names are also ranked among David's worthies without any special mark of devotedness, or of victories being recorded.

There are others however — not, it is true, among the three mightiest, but who were most honourable. God loves to mention what is an honour to His people. The Lord will do this and more for those who now and always have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

Notice that the greatest warrior, the wisest counsellor, and one of the chief religious officials are all absent from the list of the king's worthies. We mean Joab, Ahithophel, and Abiathar.

So we see that the unassuming, devoted, and afflicted Uriah the Hittite (v. 39), and many more, stayed true to David in the time of trial. But there were others who stood foremost in Israel for their strength, wisdom, or official religiousness. When the kingdom was set up in glory, they were judged and brought low instead of commended and exalted.

There are others, however — not among the three mightiest, but who were most honourable. God loves to mention what is an honour to His people; and so, after each of their names, we find a record of their deeds. The Lord will do this and more for those who now and ever have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

If God honours and glorifies David, He does not forget the men whom the energy of David's faith had drawn around him. The Holy Spirit lists the mighty men of David and tells of their deeds of valour and devotion. Those deeds win them a name and a place when God writes up the people (Psalm 87). Joab is not among them.

A title for Sibbechai and Mebunnai, two of David's mighty men, probably of the family of Hushah.

The Ahohite, one of David's guard. He seems to be the same man as Zalmon in 2 Sam. 23:28.

The Hushathite who killed Saph, or Sippai, a Philistine giant.

It does not matter if our David is absent, as He was in the two battles at Gob; the same Spirit that urged Him on is still with us. Perhaps we may stand alone, as Sibbechai the Hushathite stood alone against Saph. The beaten giant always comes back in another form. What does that matter? Perhaps Gob, the place where he was defeated, will become a battlefield for us a second time — a discouraging situation. What does it matter if we must retrace the same steps when we thought we had finished with a treacherous struggle?

Last of all we find the "thirty." They are less famous than the six men before them, though the Lord forgets none of His own.

There were "the thirty," "the three," and "the first three." Each gets his own place on the page of the book of responsible, practical life. That place matches what he was or what he had done. We are told in detail what each one did and how he did it. Nothing is forgotten. All of it is recorded faithfully, and no one can ever get another's place. Each does his own work, fills his own niche, and gets his own reward.

Who had trained these men, who shortly before had abandoned their cities and hidden themselves in fear of the Philistines? God's chosen man was there, anointed to be king over Israel, and the kingdom was turned to him. This is the reason for their sudden gift of valour and might. It is the reason too for some of the wonderful deeds of the famous men whom the Holy Spirit names.

David was the anointed of God, and the throne of Israel was his. But it was during the time of his rejection that hardship and war tested and proved the sterling qualities of his mighty men. So it is today; our Lord Jesus Christ, the Anointed of God, is rejected by the world... We know that His final exaltation is certain. Like David, He will reign supreme. Then those who suffer with Him now will reign with Him.

The list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11 gives a wonderful illustration of devotedness. The choice lay between Saul and David — Saul a picture of the man ruled by his sinful nature, and David a picture of Christ. Saul is in the palace. He sits on the throne. The kingdom is at his feet. David is in the cave of Adullam with a band of men gathered round him. Love drew them, and they are devoted to his cause.

Maharai. The Netophathite, one of David's mighty men. 2 Sam. 23:28; 1 Chr. 11:30; 1 Chr. 27:13

Baanah. Father of Heleb, or Heled, one of David's mighty men. 2 Sam. 23:29; 1 Chr. 11:30.

All these found a sure refuge with David, just as people find refuge today with a rejected Christ. But they found much more. David is able to create, to form, the most wretched beings in his own image. The reflection of his moral beauty falls on those who have nothing to bring him but their misery. In the dark cave of Adullam, the light shining from David shines on these four hundred men around him. What grace made of them in the day of trouble will be seen by all eyes and praised by every mouth in the day of glory that is already near.

Because they were linked with David, his men had to go through much toil and weariness. But love made it all light and easy to them. And their names and deeds were recorded and faithfully remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten… Men may not see, know, or even think of these acts. But Jesus knows them, and He will declare them openly from the throne of His glory. Who would ever have known what David's heroes did if the Holy Spirit had not recorded them?

Israel had many thousands of people — circumcised members of the congregation, children of Abraham. Yet only a few stood out for personal devotion and wholehearted consecration. Even among those few there were marked differences. There were "the thirty," "the three," and "the first three." Each gets his own place… Nothing is forgotten. All of it is faithfully recorded, and no one can ever take another's place. Each does his own work, fills his own niche, and gets his own reward.

They were the men who loved David, stood by him, showed their loyalty and devotion to the King. And others are given, of whom we read no definite deeds… Before the judgment seat of Christ everything will be made clear. He will come as the righteous Ruler and bring in the cloudless morning. Then He will remember those who were loyal and devoted to Him while He was rejected. No name and no deed, even the smallest, will then be forgotten.

A wonderful illustration of devotedness is given in the list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11. The choice lay between Saul and David — Saul a picture of the natural, fleshly man, and David a picture of Christ. Saul is in the palace. He sits on the throne. The kingdom is at his feet. David is in the cave of Adullam with a band of men gathered round him, drawn by love for him and devoted to his cause.

City of Benjamin, the native place of Saul. Judges 19:12-16; Judges 20:4-43; 1 Sam. 10:26... The same city is called 'GIBEAH OF BENJAMIN,' 1 Sam. 13:2, 15, 16... and 'GIBEAH OF SAUL,' 1 Sam. 11:4; 1 Sam. 15:34; 2 Sam. 21:6; Isa. 10:29.

It was a great grief to Saul, the king of Israel, that his son Jonathan was an admirer and friend of David, his enemy. Just as painful to him was the desertion of three thousand men of his own tribe of Benjamin to David. They overcame the ties and duties of family, and threw in their lot with the persecuted David. They could have chosen to stay with Saul. He was the Lord's anointed, and safety and strength seemed to be on his side.

Son of Ribai a Benjamite, and one of David's mighty men. 2 Sam. 23:29. Called ITHAI in 1 Chr. 11:31.

Many other names are also listed among David's worthies, with no special mark of devotedness and no victories recorded.

There are others, however. They are not among the three mightiest, but they were most honourable. God loves to mention what is an honour to His people, and so, after each of their names, we find a record of their deeds. The Lord will do this and more for those who now and ever have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

Each one has his own special place on the roll, and each one his place in the Master's heart; and all will come out by and by. Among David's mighty men we have "the first three," "the three" and "the thirty." Not one of "the thirty" ever reached a place among "the three." And not one of "the three" ever reached "the first three."

One of David's valiant men, a Pirathonite. 2 Sam. 23:30; 1 Chr. 11:31; 1 Chr. 27:14.

Because they were joined to David, his men had to face much toil and weariness, but love made it all light and easy to them. Their names and deeds were recorded and faithfully remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten... This leads our minds on to the time when the Lord Christ will reward His faithful servants — those who, out of love for Him and by the power of His Spirit, have done acts of service for Him while He was rejected. Men may never see, know, or think of these acts. But Jesus knows them, and He will declare them publicly from the throne of His glory. Who would ever have known the acts of David's worthies if the Holy Spirit had not recorded them?

So we can see that these genealogies had a far higher character than might appear at first. I have no doubt that most of us have read them and thought it was high time to skip over them. I have no doubt we have often wondered why they were written at all, and why they should be in the Bible... But I am quite sure that very few people have a clear, definite judgment about why God has attached so much importance to these genealogies.

David's mighty men are listed at the beginning of this account (vv. 10-47), while in 2 Samuel 23 they come at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom... So our chapter mentions 81 mighty men, 30 of them recorded without being named. 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. There they are counted as the supporters David needed to confirm his throne. In our chapter they only have to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed.

A hill in the district of Mount Ephraim. Joshua was buried on its side. Joshua 24:30; Judges 2:9. Hiddai, or Hurai, came from "the brooks [valleys, margin] of Gaash." 2 Sam. 23:30; 1 Chr. 11:32.

One of David's mighty men, 1 Chr. 11:32; he is called Abi-Albon in 2 Sam. 23:31.

Notice an even more remarkable detail. Uriah the Hittite closes the list in 2 Samuel 23 as a witness against David's sin and fall. Here he appears hidden among the other mighty men (v. 41). His name is not held up as the accuser of David and of what was the shame of his kingdom. In the same way, this account passes over in complete silence everything to do with the terrible fall of the Lord's anointed.

There are others, though — not among the three mightiest, it is true, but still most honourable. God loves to mention what is an honour to His people, and so after each of their names we find a record of their deeds. The Lord will do this and more for those who now and always have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

Because David's men were linked with him, they had to endure much toil and weariness, but love made it all light and easy to them. Their names and deeds were recorded and remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten... Men may not see, know, or even think of these acts; but Jesus knows them, and will declare them openly from the throne of His glory.

About 3,000 years ago David became God's king in Israel, and he had many devoted servants. Yet it seems clear that no service was worth more in his eyes than that of the brave men who threw in their lot with him while Saul hunted and persecuted him. Sometimes they served him in very small things, yet that was the service he rewarded so richly when the kingdom at last became his.

Our Lord is now rejected, but "The crowning day is coming by-and-by." Now is the time to show which side we are on... Devotedness is not waiting for tasks that will put us in the public eye, or for work that is spectacular. It is being ready to do the humblest, lowliest work that needs doing in the service of the Lord.

The designation of Azmaveth, one of David's thirty valiant men.

The Shaalbonite, one of David's thirty mighty men.

Many other names are also ranked among David's worthies with no special mark of devotedness and no record of victories.

The list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11 gives a wonderful illustration of devotedness. The choice lay between Saul and David — Saul an illustration of the carnal man and David a type of Christ. Saul is in the palace. He sits on the throne. The kingdom is at his feet. David is in the cave of Adullam with a band of men gathered round him, drawn by affection and devoted to his cause.

It was not simply that they purged themselves from Saul and his supporters. They did that. But what put them among the mighty men was their actual coming "to David." They were not to be thinking about what they had left behind. They were with David, ready for the battles that cleared the way to the throne. Their work had a positive character about it, and so success was sure, even though it took energy and conflict. Can we truly say we are separated to Christ? Are we with those who are with Him?

Out of the many thousands of Israel — circumcised members of the congregation, children of Abraham — only a few stood out for personal devotedness and wholehearted consecration. Even among those few there were marked differences. There were "the thirty," "the three," and "the first three." Each gets his own place in the book of responsible, practical life. That place matches what he was or what he had done. We are even told exactly what each man did and how he did it. Nothing is forgotten. It is all recorded faithfully, and no one can ever take another's place. Each does his own work, fills his own niche, and gets his own reward.

Because they were linked with David, his men had to face much toil and hardship. But love made it all light and easy to them. Their names and deeds were written down and remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. Not one was forgotten. Second Samuel 23 gives the reader that precious list, and it leads the mind on to the time when the Lord Christ will reward His faithful servants — those who, out of love for Him and by the energy of His Spirit, have served Him in the time of His rejection. Men may never see, know, or even think of these acts. But Jesus knows them, and He will declare them openly from the throne of His glory. Who would ever have known the acts of David's worthies if the Holy Spirit had not recorded them?

Whatever we make of Jonathan, who loved David so much, other names are missing from the list of mighty men altogether. And Scripture is not entirely silent about the reason why. Notice that the greatest warrior, the wisest counsellor, and one of the chief religious officials are all missing from the list of the king's worthies. We mean Joab, Ahithophel, and Abiathar.

Hashem. A Gizonite, the father of some of David's mighty men. 1 Chronicles 11:34. He seems to be the same man as Jashen in 2 Samuel 23:32.

Gizonite. The title given to Hashem, whose sons were among David's guard. Where the name comes from is not known. 1 Chronicles 11:34.

The list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11 is a wonderful picture of devotion. The choice lay between Saul and David — Saul a picture of the man who lives for himself, and David a picture of Christ. Saul is in the palace. He sits on the throne. The kingdom is at his feet. David is in the cave of Adullam. A band of men have gathered round him. Love has drawn them, and they are devoted to his cause.

Many other names are also counted among David's mighty men, with no special mark of devotion and no victories recorded.

Because they belonged to David, his men had to go through much toil and weariness. But love made it all light and easy to them. Their names and their deeds were written down and remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. No one was forgotten… Who would ever have known what David's mighty men did if the Holy Spirit had not recorded it? Who would have known about the three who drew water from the well of Bethlehem? Who would have known about the lion killed in a pit on a day of snow?

It is true that the name Jonathan does appear in verse 32. But we cannot tell whether this is the Jonathan who loved David as his own soul. And if it is, there is no particular record of his devotion. The reason is plain. Jonathan was earnest and whole-hearted in his attachment to David up to a certain point. But he never broke with his family and the royal court to bear David's reproach, and he never took the place of rejection outside the camp… His deep love for David is beyond question. Yet holding on to the house of Saul by family ties teaches us a solemn lesson: it seems to have cost him his life, and it kept him from full service to the man after God's own heart.

This account lists David's mighty men at the beginning (vv. 10-47), while 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom… So our chapter refers to 81 mighty men, 30 of them recorded without being named. 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. There they are listed as supporters whom David needed to make his throne secure. In our chapter they have only to acknowledge what God had done in setting David up as His anointed.

Of the thirty (thirty-one), known only by their names, little can be said also till they have been more minutely studied… It is just in such lists as this also, dry and barren as they have been suffered to remain through our negligence, that we may expect to find textual errors abounding… Let the people of God study His word; dig deep, and expect much.

Right now we know very little about how far people are true to the Lord. But the time will come when everyone will be shown for what they are… Those who are thought much of now may be missing altogether from the list of the faithful. And many whose service is valued at little now may then shine out to the abundant praise and honour of the Lord Jesus.

A Hararite, father of Ahiam, one of David's mighty men. 1 Chr. 11:35. Called SHARAR in 2 Sam. 23:33.

Father of Eliphal one of David's mighty men. 1 Chr. 11:35.

This account lists David's mighty men at the beginning (vv. 10-47), while 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom. They "gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel" (v. 10), so carrying out the plans God had made known beforehand. A few names mentioned in Samuel are left out here, and a great many are added. Our chapter refers to 81 mighty men (30 of them recorded without being named); 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. There they are listed as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our present chapter they have only to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed.

Of the thirty (thirty-one), known only by their names, little can be said until they have been studied more closely. Chronicles, as everyone knows, gives much the same list (1 Chron. 11), with additions at the end. Yet it differs a great deal when we come to details. It is just in lists like this — dry and barren, since we have let them stay that way through our own neglect — that we may expect to find many textual errors… Let the people of God study His word; dig deep, and expect much.

There are others, however — not among the three mightiest, it is true, but men who were most honourable. God loves to mention what is an honour to His people, and so after each of their names we find a record of their deeds. The Lord will do this and more for all who now and ever have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

Out of the many thousands of Israel — circumcised members of the congregation, children of Abraham — only a few stood out by personal devotedness and wholehearted consecration. Even among those few there were marked differences. There were "the thirty," "the three," and "the first three." Each man gets his own place on the page of the book of responsible, practical life, according to what he was or what he had done… Nothing is forgotten. All of it stands faithfully recorded, and no one can ever get another's place. Each does his own work, fills his own niche, and gets his own reward.

And shall there be no voice in this for us today? Our Lord is now rejected, but "The crowning day is coming by-and-by." Now is the time to show which side we are on. Now is the time to prize the cross as great reward. Devotedness is not waiting for tasks that will bring us into publicity, into work that is spectacular. It is a readiness to do the humblest, lowliest work that needs doing in the service of the Lord.

David's mighty men are listed at the beginning of this account (vv. 10-47), while they are listed at the end in 2 Samuel 23. Here they bring in the kingdom. They "showed themselves valiant with him in his kingdom, with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of Jehovah concerning Israel" (v. 10)... A few names mentioned in Samuel are left out here and a great many are added. So our chapter refers to 81 mighty men (30 of them recorded without being named); 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. In 2 Samuel they are listed as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our present chapter they have only to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed.

The Lord of hosts is marshalling the strength and power of Israel. And the Holy Spirit gives a list of tried men of might. They are presented in the halo of their own prowess. The foremost of these worthies joined David while he was a fugitive and an outcast (1 Chron. 12:1-22); their origin is given (1 Sam. 22:2) and is an instance among many of God's taking up the despised of men and exalting them.

Designation of Helez and Ahijah, two of David's mighty men. Why they are so called is not known. 1 Chr. 11:27, 36; 1 Chr. 27:10. In 2 Sam. 23:26 Helez is called 'the Paltite.'

Designation of Hepher. 1 Chr. 11:36. Perhaps the same as Maachathite in 2 Sam. 23:34.

David's men were called to undergo much toil and fatigue, because of their association with him. But love made it all light and easy to them. Their names and exploits were recorded and faithfully remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten... These acts may not be seen, known, or thought of by men; but Jesus knows them, and will publicly declare them from the throne of His glory. Who would ever have known the acts of David's worthies if the Holy Spirit had not recorded them?

And shall there be no voice in this for us today? Our Lord is now rejected, but "The crowning day is coming by-and-by." Now is the time to show which side we are on. Now is the time to prize the cross as great reward. Devotedness is not seen in waiting for tasks that will bring us into publicity, into work that is spectacular. It is a readiness to do the humblest, most menial work that needs to be done in the service of the Lord.

Son of Ezbai and one of David's mighty men. 1 Chr. 11:37. Perhaps, as in the margin, the same as PAARAI the Arbite in 2 Sam. 23:35.

Father of Naarai, one of David's mighty men. 1 Chr. 11:37.

There his own family came to him for protection, since they were no longer safe in Bethlehem. Others came too, four hundred of them, men of no standing — "in distress," "in debt" and "bitter in soul" (1 Sam. 22). His position has changed… We must turn to 1 Chron. 11:10-47 to understand the true worth of this little band gathered to David in the cave.

They did not only cut themselves off from Saul and his supporters. They did that; but what put them among the mighty men was their actually coming "to David." They were not to dwell on what they had left behind. They were with David, ready for the battles that opened the way to the throne. Their work had a positive character, and so success was secured, even though it took energy and conflict.

There are others, however. They were not among the three mightiest, but they were most honourable. God loves to mention what is an honour to His people, and so after each of their names we find a record of their deeds. The Lord will do this and more for all who have ever lived and suffered for His name.

Many other names are also counted among David's worthies, with no special mark of devotion and no victories recorded.

Of the thirty (thirty-one), known only by their names, we can say little until they have been studied more closely. Chronicles gives much the same list (1 Chron. 11), with additions at the end, yet it differs a great deal in the details… Let the people of God study His word; dig deep, and expect much.

The thirty mighty men who were with David held a place close to him. No doubt they learned lessons from him that won them the honours they came to hold. They owed everything to David. They would rightly value Joab and the other captains, but David held the first place in all their hearts and minds. He was God's anointed one. There must be no rival.

Because they belonged to David, his men faced much toil and weariness, but love made it all light and easy to them. Their names and deeds were written down and kept in memory when David was at rest in his kingdom. Not one was forgotten… Men may never see these acts, know them, or give them a thought; but Jesus knows them, and He will declare them openly from the throne of His glory.

David's mighty men are listed at the beginning of this account (vv. 10-47), while in 2 Samuel 23 they are listed at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom. They "showed themselves valiant with him in his kingdom, with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel" (v. 10, in the writer's older translation). So they carried out the plans God had made known beforehand. Then they are listed. Among the first three, Shammah is mentioned but not named. A few names from Samuel are left out here, and many more are added. So our chapter lists 81 mighty men, and 30 of them are recorded without being named. 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. There they stand as supporters whom David needed to secure his throne. In our chapter they only have to acknowledge what God had done in making David His anointed.

God at once surrounds David with mighty men of valour. And the tribes of Israel send their thousands, "men of war that could keep rank" — well disciplined, as we would say. Who had disciplined these men? Just before, they had abandoned their cities and hidden in fear of the Philistines. God's chosen man was there, anointed to be king over Israel, and the kingdom was turned to him. This is the reason for their sudden gift of valour and might.

Finally we find the "thirty," less renowned than the six preceding men, although the Lord forgets none of His own.

Each one has his own special place on the roll, and each one his place in the Master's heart. It will all come to light later on. Amongst David's mighty men, we have "the first three" — "the three" and "the thirty." Not one of "the thirty" ever attained a place among "the three;" nor did one of "the three" ever reach to "the first three."

Because they belonged with David, his men had to go through much toil and weariness. But love made it all light and easy for them. And their names and deeds were written down and remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten… Men may never see these acts, know them, or think of them. But Jesus knows them, and He will declare them openly from the throne of His glory. Who would ever have known the acts of David's worthies if the Holy Spirit had not recorded them?

Devotion is not waiting for tasks that put us in the public eye, for work that looks spectacular. It is a readiness to do the humblest, lowliest work that needs doing in the service of the Lord… On the coming day when everything is shown, reading the Scriptures to a blind person may be valued more highly than the work of a popular preacher who can draw the crowds.

Chronicles lists David's mighty men at the beginning of this account (vv. 10-47), while 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom... In 2 Samuel 23 they appear as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our chapter they have only to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed.

Nor were "the sons of the stranger" overlooked at a time when the Lord so generously blessed Israel. For the Spirit of God, "when He registers the peoples," graciously includes in the list of David's mighty men Zelek the Ammonite (1 Chron. 11:39), Uriah the Hittite (verse 41), and Ithmah the Moabite (verse 46). In this connection we would also mention the name of Ittai the Gittite, whose faithfulness to David, when he was a fugitive (2 Sam. 15:19-23), rebuked an ungrateful nation, and brought him the reward of a place among the chief commanders of David's army (2 Sam. 18:2).

One of the four cities of the Hivites which deceived Joshua into making a treaty of peace. It was given to Benjamin... The inhabitants of the city were called BEEROTHITES.

For many long years he had been at the head of David's armies, honoured among the people of God, victorious over their enemies. But all this activity was without value, either in the eyes of God or in David's. He had no place among David's mighty men, an honour his armour-bearer received (2 Sam. 23:37)... He thought that he had served his lord, the king, faithfully; in fact, he had always sought his own advancement.

Because they belonged to David, his men had to go through much toil and weariness. But love made it all light and easy to them. Their names and deeds stood on record, faithfully remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten... These acts may not be seen, known, or thought of by men; but Jesus knows them, and will publicly declare them from the throne of His glory. Who would ever have known the deeds of David's worthies if the Holy Spirit had not recorded them?

And shall there be no voice in this for us today? Our Lord is now rejected, but "The crowning day is coming by and by." Now is the time to show which side we are on. Now is the time to prize the cross as great reward. Devotion is not seen in waiting for tasks that will put us in the public eye, in work that is spectacular. It is seen in a readiness to do the humblest, most menial work that needs doing in the service of the Lord.

Designation of Ira and Gareb, two of David's mighty men, described as among "the families of Kirjath-jearim," which links them with Judah.

This account lists David's mighty men at the beginning (vv. 10-47), while 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom… So our chapter mentions 81 mighty men (30 of them recorded without being named); 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. There the list shows them as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our chapter they have only to acknowledge what God had done in making David His anointed, and they can do nothing but support a kingship that has come out of the counsels of God Himself.

Many other names are also ranked among David's worthies, with no special mark of devotedness and no victories recorded.

He delights to record every little act of service, every little loving gift. He never forgets the smallest thing; and not only does He not forget it Himself, but He takes special pains that untold millions shall read the record… He will go into what may look to us like tedious detail — even what people might call needless repetition — rather than leave out one name of any of His servants, or one item of their work.

What characterized David's mighty men therefore was the association that grace had given them with the Lord's anointed. Joab never had such a relationship; this book has shown that clearly. He served David for his own advantage, and his actions never sprang from fellowship with David, his head. Scripture passes his name over in silence.

We may notice that the greatest warrior, the wisest counsellor, and one of the chief religious officials are all absent from the list of the king's worthies. We refer to Joab, Ahithophel, and Abiathar.

A wonderful illustration of devotedness is given in the list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11. The choice lay between Saul and David—Saul a picture of the worldly man and David a type of Christ. Saul is in the palace. He sits on the throne. The kingdom is at his feet. David is in the cave of Adullam with a band of men around him. Affection has drawn them, and they are devoted to his cause.

When the time of conflict and stress was over, how their hearts would rejoice! They had been given the honour of sharing those days of struggle with David. And when the day of Christ's glory dawns in heavenly beauty, the joy will be great for those who have shared today in the conflicts for His Name's sake and for the good of all His own.

David's mighty men are listed at the beginning of this account (vv. 10-47), while in 2 Samuel 23 they are listed at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom... Chronicles leaves out a few names that Samuel mentions, and adds a great many. So our chapter refers to 81 mighty men (30 of them recorded without being named); 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. Samuel lists them as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. Here they only have to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed.

Let us note an even more remarkable detail. Uriah the Hittite, who closes the list in 2 Samuel 23 as a testimony against David's sin and fall, appears here hidden among the other mighty men (v. 41). His name is not highlighted as the accuser of David and of what was the shame of his kingdom.

The account of David and Bathsheba fills two chapters in Samuel (2 Sam. 11 - 12). Chronicles passes it over, except for the first step down that steep slope: "But David remained at Jerusalem." Sovereign grace moves straight on to David taking the crown off the head of the king of Rabbah. That crown was gold, set with precious stones, and it was placed on David's head. This is not the restoration of the soul of a failing saint. It is God restoring David to his official position as the picture of the One who is yet to come.

The Lord forgets none of His own. When David looked over the list of His servants, with what sorrow his eyes must have paused at the name of Uriah the Hittite, the last name in that list. He was among the mighty men, and not the least of those hearts devoted to the king and his people. And David had had him put to death to satisfy his own lust! His name stayed there as a testimony against the one whom he had served. This single name of Uriah reminded David of his whole past of shame and discipline. But he condemned himself and honoured the grace that had restored him, so he would never have dreamed of erasing that name from the book where it was recorded.

Nor were "the sons of the stranger" overlooked at a time when the Lord so generously blessed Israel. For the Spirit of God, "when He registers the peoples," graciously includes Zelek the Ammonite (1 Chron. 11:39), Uriah the Hittite (verse 41), and Ithmah the Moabite (verse 46) in the list of David's mighty men.

This brave man was not an Israelite by birth. He was a Hittite, by nature an enemy of Israel. Yet he had come to Israel, he was loyal to the king of Israel, and he valued the ark of the LORD above everything else in the land he had adopted.

They were the men who loved David, stood by him, and showed their loyalty and devotion to the king. Other names appear too, and we read of no definite deeds for them... Before the judgment seat of Christ everything will become clear. When He comes as the righteous Ruler, to bring in the morning without clouds, He will remember those who were loyal and devoted to Him in His rejection. No name and no deed, even the smallest, will then be forgotten.

This account lists David's mighty men at the start (vv. 10-47). 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom. They "gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel" (v. 10)… Our chapter refers to 81 mighty men, and it records 30 of them without naming them. 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. There the list presents them as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our present chapter they have only to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed. They can do nothing else but support a kingship that came out of the counsels of God Himself.

The list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11 gives a wonderful illustration of devotedness. The choice lay between Saul and David—Saul an illustration of the natural man and David a picture of Christ. Saul is in the palace. He sits on the throne. The kingdom is at his feet. David is in the cave of Adullam. A band of men has gathered round him. Affection draws them, and they are devoted to his cause.

The inheritance of the two and a half tribes on the east side of Jordan gives us matter for sober reflection. Note that Reuben and his companion Gad choose their inheritance on the east side of Jordan. Reuben had been displaced from his rights as firstborn, and so he suggests a coming short of the full purposes of God in the calling of His people… Notice that it is the cattle of these two tribes that keeps them east of Jordan, on the wilderness side — right on the border of the world, we might say. How often do business and earthly interests keep the children of God from entering fully and in practice into their heavenly calling!

There is something deeply solemn for the soul in being allowed to go over such a record. Man forgot these names long ago. God has remembered every one of them, with every detail of their pathway through this world. Some day mankind will lose our names too. But God will never forget us or our ways.

Because they were joined to David, his men had to go through much toil and weariness. But love made it all light and easy to them. Their names and deeds were recorded and faithfully remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten. That record will no doubt lead the reader's mind on to the time when the Lord Christ will reward His faithful servants. They did acts of service for Him out of love to His person and by the energy of His Spirit, in the time of His rejection. Men may never see these acts, know them, or think of them. But Jesus knows them, and He will declare them openly from the throne of His glory.

David's mighty men appear at the beginning of this account (vv. 10–47), while in 2 Samuel 23 they appear at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom. They showed themselves valiant with him to make him king, "according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel" (v. 10). In this way they carried out the plans God had made known beforehand. A few names mentioned in Samuel are left out here, and a great many are added. So our chapter refers to 81 mighty men (30 of them recorded without being named); 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. There they appear as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our present chapter they have only to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed...

God at once surrounds David with mighty men of valour... Who had trained these men? Just before, they had left their cities and hidden themselves out of fear of the Philistines. God's chosen man was there, who was anointed to be king over Israel, and the kingdom was turned to him. This is the reason for their sudden gift of valour and might.

They were the men who loved David, stood by him, showed their loyalty and devotion to the King. Others are listed too, and we read of no definite deeds from them... At the judgment seat of Christ everything will come to light. He will come as the righteous Ruler, to bring in the morning without clouds. Then He will remember those who were loyal and devoted to Him in His rejection. No name and no deed, even the smallest, will then be forgotten.

God loves to mention what is an honour to His people... The Lord will do this and more for those who now and ever have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

Nor were "the sons of the stranger" overlooked at a time when the Lord so generously blessed Israel. For the Spirit of God, when He writes up the people, graciously includes in the list of David's mighty men Zelek the Ammonite (1 Chron. 11:39), Uriah the Hittite (verse 41), and Ithmah the Moabite (verse 46).

What we find here is the faith of many, a precious fruit of grace. This faith submits to the Lord's anointed and acknowledges him at a time when the eye of flesh could not discern him in his lowly condition. It is the same today for believers. Our David has not yet received a visible kingdom, but those who acknowledge Him while He is still the rejected king have a special place in the divine annals and are "more honourable than their brothers."

The mark of such devotion is not seen in waiting for tasks that will bring us into publicity, into work that is spectacular. It shows instead in a readiness to do the humblest, most menial work that needs to be done in the service of the Lord.

In this account David's mighty men are listed at the beginning (vv. 10-47); in 2 Samuel 23 they come at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom. They "gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel" (v. 10), and so carried out what God had already made known… A few names mentioned in Samuel are left out here, and many more are added. So our chapter refers to 81 mighty men, 30 of them recorded without being named. 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. There they are counted as the supporters David needed to secure his throne. Here they have only to acknowledge what God had done in making David His anointed.

A city of Bashan in the kingdom of Og, east of the Jordan. The half-tribe of Manasseh received it, and later it was set apart for the Levites.

God did not overlook "the sons of the stranger" at a time when the Lord blessed Israel so richly. For the Spirit of God, "when He registers the peoples," graciously includes in the list of David's mighty men Zelek the Ammonite (1 Chron. 11:39), Uriah the Hittite (verse 41), and Ithmah the Moabite (verse 46).

Others are named, and we read of no definite deeds from them… Before the judgment seat of Christ everything will be brought to light. He is coming as the righteous Ruler, to bring in the morning without clouds. Then He will remember those who were loyal and devoted to Him while He was rejected. No name and no deed, even the smallest, will be forgotten.

Joab held the top position as head of the army until the end of David's reign, yet the list of mighty men leaves him out. He had perhaps performed more brilliant actions than all the others. He had much courage, and even a certain outward devotion to the king. But qualities like these do not in themselves give anyone a place in God's register. Otherwise the Word would list almost all the great heroes of humanity… Psalm 87 teaches us what God means by "mighty men." The glory of the heroes of the nations was past, and it did not reach beyond their short lives, even though they had filled the earth with the fame of their names. But "of Zion it shall be said, 'This one and that one were born in her'" (v. 5). That was the character of David's mighty men: by their origin they counted as belonging to the city of royal grace.

David was the anointed of God, and the throne of Israel was his. But it was during the time of his rejection that hardship and war tested and proved the true worth of his mighty men. So it is today. Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Anointed of God, is rejected by the world. It does not yet acknowledge Him as Lord of all. And to us "it has been granted that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake" (Phil. 1:29).

Because of Saul he is still a fugitive, and we find him in the cave of Adullam. There his own family come to him for protection, since they are no longer safe in Bethlehem; and others come too, four hundred of them, men of no reputation — "in distress," "in debt" and "bitter in soul" (1 Sam. 22). We must turn to 1 Chron. 11:10-47, to understand the true worth of this little band gathered to David in the cave.

The choice lay between Saul and David — Saul a picture of the man ruled by his own nature, and David a picture of Christ. Saul is in the palace. He sits on the throne. The kingdom is at his feet. David is in the cave of Adullam with a band of men around him, drawn to him by love and devoted to his cause.

Who had disciplined these men, who just before had abandoned their cities and hidden themselves for fear of the Philistines? God's chosen man was there, anointed to be king over Israel, and the kingdom was turned to him. That is why they were suddenly given courage and strength... these great acts are only the natural result of the presence of His power. He is giving samples, so to speak, of what the power and the glory will be when He Himself takes the kingdom. Then greater deeds will be done.

They were the men who loved David, stood by him, showed their loyalty and devotion to the King. Others are also named, and of them we read no definite deeds... Before the judgment seat of Christ everything will be brought to light. When He comes as the righteous Ruler, to bring in the cloudless morning, He will remember those who were loyal and devoted to Him while He was rejected. No name and no deed, even the smallest, will then be forgotten.

The title of Joha, one of David's mighty men. 1 Chr. 11:45. Its meaning is not known.

There are others too — not among the three mightiest, it is true, but still most honourable. God loves to mention what is an honour to His people; so after each of their names we find a record of their deeds. The Lord will do this and more for those who now, or at any time, have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

Joab, who held the top position as head of the army until the end of David's reign, is left out of his mighty men. Perhaps he had performed more brilliant deeds than all the others. He had much courage and even a certain outward devotion to the king, but such qualities in themselves do not give anyone a place in God's register. Otherwise the Word would list almost all the great heroes of mankind... The glory of these national heroes was over, and it never reached beyond their short lives, though they had filled the earth with the fame of their names... Such was the character of David's mighty men: by their birth they were counted as belonging to Zion, the city of royal grace.

Because they belonged to David, his men had to go through much toil and weariness, but love made it all light and easy to them. Their names and deeds were written down and remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten... Men may never see, know, or even think of such acts; but Jesus knows them, and will declare them openly from the throne of His glory.

This account lists David's mighty men at the beginning (vv. 10-47), while 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom... A few names mentioned in Samuel are left out here, and a great many are added. So our chapter refers to 81 mighty men, 30 of them recorded without being named; 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. There they appear as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our present chapter they only have to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed.

Uriah the Hittite closes the list in 2 Samuel 23 as a witness against David's sin and fall. Here he appears hidden among the other mighty men (v. 41). His name is not held up as the accuser of David and of what was the shame of his kingdom. In the same way, this chapter says nothing at all about the terrible fall of the Lord's anointed.

The "sons of the stranger" were not overlooked at a time when the Lord blessed Israel so richly. For the Spirit of God, "when He writes up the people," graciously includes in the list of David's mighty men Zelek the Ammonite (1 Chron. 11:39), Uriah the Hittite (verse 41), and Ithmah the Moabite (verse 46). We would also mention Ittai the Gittite. His faithfulness to David, while David was on the run (2 Sam. 15:19-23), rebuked an ungrateful nation, and his reward was a place as one of the chief commanders of David's army (2 Sam. 18:2).

The law of Moses says that no Moabite "may enter the assembly of the LORD. Even to the tenth generation, none of them may enter the assembly of the LORD forever" (Deut. 23:3). Yet Ruth chose to be counted with Israel, and Jehovah accepted her. Truly, "What is impossible with man is possible with God."

May we not say that this seventh chapter of Numbers is one of those sample pages from the book of eternity? On it the finger of God has engraved the names of His servants, and the record of their work... Turn to 2 Samuel 23 and Romans 16, and you will find two similar pages. In the first we have the names and the deeds of David's mighty men; in the second, the names and the deeds of Paul's friends at Rome... Each one has his own special place on the roll, and each one his place in the Master's heart.

The choice lay between Saul and David—Saul an illustration of the fleshly man, and David a picture of Christ. Saul is in the palace. He sits on the throne. The kingdom is at his feet. David is in the cave of Adullam, with a band of men gathered round him, drawn by affection and devoted to his cause.

Our Lord is now rejected, but "The crowning day is coming by and by." Now is the time to show which side we are on... Devotion is not waiting for tasks that put us in the public eye, or for work that looks spectacular. It is a readiness to do the humblest, lowliest work that needs doing in the service of the Lord.

This account lists David's mighty men at the start (vv. 10-47), while 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end. Here they bring in the kingdom... Our chapter leaves out a few names that Samuel mentions, and adds a great many. So it refers to 81 mighty men (30 of them recorded but not named); 2 Samuel 23 names 37. In Samuel they appear as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In our chapter they only have to acknowledge what God had done in establishing David as His anointed. They cannot do other than support a kingship that came out of the counsels of God Himself.

Many other names are also ranked among David's worthies, with no special mark of devotedness and no victories recorded.

We know the thirty (thirty-one) only by their names, and little can be said about them until we study them more closely. Chronicles, as is well known, gives almost the same list (1 Chron. 11), with additions at the end, yet differs a great deal when we come to details. It is just in such lists as this, dry and barren as we have allowed them to remain through our neglect, that we may expect to find many errors in the text. Let the people of God study His word. Dig deep, and expect much. Then we shall soon have few such complete gaps in our knowledge as we have to regret here.

Other names are completely absent from the list of mighty men, and Scripture is not quite silent about why. Notice who is missing from the list of the king's worthies: the greatest warrior, the wisest counsellor, and one of the chief religious officials. We refer to Joab, Ahithophel, and Abiathar.

Because they belonged to David, his men were called to go through much toil and weariness. But love made it all light and easy to them. Their names and deeds were recorded and faithfully remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten... Men may never see, know, or even think about these acts. But Jesus knows them, and He will declare them openly from the throne of His glory. Who would ever have known the acts of David's worthies if the Holy Spirit had not recorded them?

And is there no voice in this for us today? Our Lord is now rejected, but "The crowning day is coming by-and-by." Now is the time to show which side we are on. Now is the time to prize the cross as great reward. Devotedness does not wait for tasks that put us in the public eye, or for work that looks spectacular. It is a readiness to do the humblest, most menial work that needs doing in the service of the Lord.