2 Samuel 23:8–39

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 Josheb-basshebeth are the same name, varied by a copyist. Others take the passage in Samuel to be incorrect, and 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 killed eight hundred. Jashobeam is also named when David came into power, and Adino in connection with 'the last words of David.' So Jashobeam may have died, and Adino become chief in his place.

Out of all this it is hard to gather any meaning we can fully rely on. The spiritual meaning is what should give us the largest help among difficulties as great and as many as we find here.

The first, Josheb-basshebeth, had brandished his spear against eight hundred men. He killed them at one time. He did not stop until there were no opponents left. Hence his pre-eminence, for his name translated means: "He who sits in the first place."

The picture here is of Christian warfare at its highest. For an account of that warfare we must go to the letter to the Ephesians. First, Ephesians brings us into the place itself — the very place of the conflict. God "has raised us up" with Christ from the dead, says the apostle, and "seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." This is beyond doubt the "sitting in the seat" that the highest warfare, the Christian warfare, requires. Keeping this place — abiding in it — is the great necessity for spiritual triumph. The place every believer has. The practical abiding in it — how little is this to be seen!

Where did their perseverance come from? Alone, they would have weakened. But all three were "with David" and under his eyes during the fight. He inspired them with courage and patience in their efforts.

Joab held the top position as head of the army until the end of David's reign. Yet the list of David's mighty men leaves him out. He may have performed more brilliant actions than all the others. He showed much courage, and even a certain outward devotion to the king. But these qualities in themselves do not give anyone a place in God's register. What marked David's mighty men was this: grace had joined them to the Lord's anointed. Joab served David for his own interest, and his actions never sprang from fellowship with his head. His name is passed over in silence.

His service stands out in all its worth, and the detail is exact. The record gives the exact character of his victories. And no doubt one day we will see this: many servants of Christ have defeated many hard-hearted enemies of God by the power of the gospel. They have brought them as willing captives to the feet of Jesus. All this service and its detail will not be forgotten.

Eleazar holds the second place of honour (vv. 9-10). He did not retreat when the rest of Israel retreated. He carried on the battle with the Philistines alone, and for so long that his hand stuck to the sword he was using. By his energy of faith the Lord accomplished a great victory. The Lord honours the faith of a man who will not let the enemy frighten him, even when no one else stands with him.

He expected no help from the men of Israel, because he did not count on man's strength. Being with David (v. 9) was enough for him to defy the Philistines. He struck them and did not stop until "his hand was weary" (v. 10). There may be limits in the fight of faith, because God uses imperfect instruments, and they can reach the limits of their strength. But Eleazar kept on until "his hand clung to the sword" (v. 10). It was impossible to separate him from the weapon he was using. May Eleazar's victory be ours as well! Our weapons are not the weapons of the flesh; we have the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Let us use it in such a way that we are, so to speak, one with it even after the battle.

The same is true of any faithful and devoted follower of Christ. Through long experience in the ways of God, and by sticking closely to His word, he answers the arguments of men and defeats the enemies of God's people. The more he uses "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," the more sure he is that it is enough for every situation. His delight in the law of the Lord will match his desire for it. He feels its worth more each day. His heart keeps the mark of the word of God, just as the hilt of the sword left its mark in Eleazar's hand.

His very name, "God is help," turns from the man to God. What could he do on his own against the enemy's whole army? His arm grows weary, but the weary hand clings to the good sword. We no longer see the weak arm of a man. We see the power of God behind that weary arm, carving out victory with that sword. The man has become one with the sword, and God can use a man like that.

The Spirit records his persevering faithfulness. We are told that he "struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword." It is also noted that he won a great victory, and that because of him others came after only "to strip the slain." 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 him has reaped precious fruit from it.

There is no greater sight than Paul — deserted, alone, in prison — keeping by grace his confidence in the Lord and in the truth entrusted to him. Though faint, he was still pressing on; and though he was weary in his lonely fight, his hand still clung to his sword (see 2 Sam. 23:10).

The small seeds of different kinds of vetch used for food. When ground, the meal can be made into a tasty red stew. Genesis 25:34; 2 Samuel 23:11. Lentils were part of the food supply for David and his followers when Absalom rebelled. 2 Samuel 17:28. They were also used in a time of scarcity, and among the poor, as an ingredient in their bread.

The thing they were fighting over was "a plot of ground full of lentils." It was a very small part of the inheritance that God had given Israel, but it held food for the people. The enemy was trying to take the field and its crop away from them. Shammah stood in the middle of the field and kept 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. God's people run from the enemy like cowards, admitting to their shame that unbelief has the right to treat the Word of God as nothing.

In the conflicts of the Lord's people we see these different forms of service. There are times when the Lord calls for an attack on the forces of evil, as with Adino. There are times when there is spoil to be gained through conflict, as on the day of Eleazar's victory. And there are times when we are called to stand our ground and act on the defensive, as on the day of Shammah's mighty deed.

Shammah "remained behind." Shammah "endured." There are perhaps few things harder than to endure. When others have given up, staying behind is not easy. I suppose Shammah's friends and fellow soldiers told him it was hopeless. They would say that staying where he was meant certain death, and that a field of lentils was not worth remaining behind for. And you and I have been given a field of lentils to defend, and our Lord has placed us in the middle of it. Our field of lentils may be our home, or the office, or the shop. It may be the small, weak company of two or three gathered to our Lord's own Name, that others have despised and left for something bigger and more attractive.

Peter had failed. Even Barnabas, who had stood so bravely with Paul in Jerusalem, had turned aside through fear. Paul is left to fight the battle single-handed. It reminds us of Shammah in 2 Samuel 23:11-12. All the people of Israel were afraid and ran away as the Philistines came. But Shammah stood in a piece of ground full of lentils, and he defended it all alone, single-handed: "and the Lord worked a great victory."

Shammah's service could not go unnoticed either. It was only a piece of ground full of lentils that he defended and secured for David, yet he was determined not to yield even that right of David to the enemy. It is worth noticing that the courage and faithfulness of this man came out at a time when the people, instead of standing firm, actually "fled from the Philistines." But in both verse 10 and verse 12 the Holy Spirit carefully records that "the Lord worked a great victory." God accepts the brave deeds of His servants and puts them to their account. Yet it is all done in His strength, and by the grace He gives, so that all the glory is due to Him.

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, and we must defend them as well as our heavenly food, the Word which God has entrusted to us.

This illustrates the faithfulness of a believer in fighting to keep the food of the word of God from being stolen from God's people. May we stand firmly and decidedly against anything that will deprive the saints of God of the food of His word that is so necessary for their sustenance.

In the conflicts of the Lord's people we see these different forms of service. There are times when the Lord calls for an attack upon the forces of evil, as in the case of Adino. There are occasions when there is spoil to be gained through conflict, as in the day of Eleazar's victory. So too there are times when the Lord calls us to stand our ground, and act on the defensive, as it was in the day of Shammah's mighty deed.

Shammah, one of David's mighty men, stood in the middle of a plot of lentils and delivered it out of the enemy's hand. He withstood the enemy, secured the plot, part of God's inheritance given to His people, and stood there in possession. In this warfare there is no chance to take off our armour; our foes are cunning and watchful... if we overcome him in the Lord's strength, we should watch in case he tries to win back from us the ground he was forced to give up.

Shammah "remained behind." Shammah "endured." There are, perhaps, few things more difficult than to endure. When others have given up, to remain behind, is not easy. I suppose Shammah's friends and fellow-soldiers told him it was hopeless, it was certain death to stay where he was, and anyway for a field of lentils it was not worth remaining behind... And you and I have been given a field of lentils to defend... Our field of lentils may be our home, or the office, or the shop. It may be the small, weak gathering of two or three in our Lord's own Name, which others have looked down on and left for something greater and more attractive.

The vigilance of Shammah in defending the piece of ground full of lentils recalls the anxiety of the apostle of the Gentiles that the truth of the gospel should remain with them, and his zeal in defending it (Gal. 2:5). It recalls the warning of Jude also to believers, "to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints," a needful warning even in that day; for the enemy was already in the field. And is there not a voice for us in this too? What "the piece of ground" produced in such quantity, lentils, is the same food that Esau ate when he was faint. He then revived, "rose up, and went his way" (Gen. 25:30).

It is worth noting also that the courage and faithfulness of this man came out at a time when the people, instead of standing true, actually "fled from the Philistines." But in both verse 10 and verse 12 the Holy Spirit carefully notices that "the LORD worked a great victory." God does accept the brave deeds of His servants, and puts them to their account. Yet it is all done in His strength, and by the grace He gives, so that to Him all the glory is due.

After this a name is added of far more importance than all the rest, and with it the secret of the warrior's success: "And the LORD worked a great victory." ... It also shows how He identifies Himself with His servants, and lends His strength to those who fight His battles against the enemy.

David was in the cave of Adullam at this time, rejected and disowned, though he was the conqueror of Goliath and the deliverer of Israel. There are a few, and only a few, who care so much for David that they will tie their future to his. And they do so at a moment when, at least to the eye, everything is as dark as it can be. How does it show? Where he is, there they will be. David is the one they are thinking of; they want to be near him. They refuse everything except what connects them with him. If they are to share his triumphs and honours later, they will share his reproach and shame now.

These three mighty men "came about harvest time to David at 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.

David is now the outcast, hidden in the cave of Adullam. Will Jonathan join him there and own him in the day of his rejection? Sadly, Jonathan's name is missing from the record of those whose loyalty and devotion drew them to David in the cave! ... 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. The cave gave birth to the mighty men of renown who are recorded in 2 Samuel 23.

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 out from David shines on these four hundred men around him. In the day of glory, which is already approaching, every eye will recognize and every mouth will acclaim what grace made of them in the day of trouble.

Why this remarkable leaving out 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 springs naturally from the hearts of servants who know and value their Master. By its very nature devotion is something obscure. What man has the right to boast of devotion? ... Danger did not frighten them when they went to draw water from the well at Bethlehem. The one they loved was thirsty here at harvest time. ... God records this devotion in His book.

It is not a command that demands obedience; it is not a call for service; it is only the expression of his longing desire. And yet this spoken desire calls out this devoted act of love in a way that no command would have done.

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, which means the house of bread. David expressed the longing for a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem.

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. A band of men has gathered round him. Affection draws them, and they are devoted to his cause.

David was in the cave of Adullam, rejected and disowned at this time, though he was the conqueror of Goliath and the deliverer of Israel. There are a few, and only a few, who care so much for David that they will link their destiny with his. And they do it at a moment when, to all appearances, everything is as dark as it can be.

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 the longing for a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem.

David was anointed in the house of Jesse the Bethlehemite. So Bethlehem was apparently the place of David's birth. This explains why Luke 2:11 calls it the city of David. It was also the birthplace of Jesus. Though the town was little among the clans of Judah, that fitted His humiliation better. Bethlehem means "house of bread." It is a very fitting name for a place from which the Saviour should come as a man — He who was the living bread that came down from heaven.

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

They want to be with him. They refuse everything except what connects them with him. And while all around outside is dark, they within will keep him company. 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.

The Philistine army camped in tight ranks between the hold and the well. These three devoted men did not count the cost of the simple act of satisfying David's desire. They wanted to please David. Nothing pleased them so much as pleasing him.

Next we find him in the cave of Adullam, a name meaning a witness. Here a strange company gathers around the rejected king. It was made up of 400 men, and he became their captain. Some of them were in distress, others in debt, and others discontented. It was a blessed scene, pointing forward to Him to whom all can come who are in distress, who feel their debt, their sinfulness, their sorrow and their need. And a greater One than David is here. Our Lord is rejected, but those who admit their need acknowledge Him, and He has power to meet it all in the riches of His grace. They and their captain, the Lord's anointed, were outside the camp. Such a place there is today for all who know Him, who is rejected by men. "Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp and bear the reproach He endured" (Hebrews 13:13). And later those who had gathered around David in the cave, and suffered with him, were remembered in a special way (2 Samuel 23:8-39). "If we endure, we will also reign with him" (2 Timothy 2:12).

David was in the stronghold, while a Philistine garrison held the place of David's early home. David thinks of the well by the gate of Bethlehem. He had no doubt often drawn water from it in his youth, and now he expresses his longing for a refreshing drink from that well. "Oh," he says, "that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!" It is no command that needs obedience. It is no call for service. It is only the expression of his longing desire. And yet this expressed desire calls forth this devoted act of love in a way that no command would have done.

There was no command issued. No one in particular was singled out and commissioned to go. There was the simple utterance of the desire, and this it was which gave the opportunity for genuine affection and true devotedness.

David was in the cave of Adullam, rejected and disowned at this time, though he was the conqueror of Goliath and the deliverer of Israel. David is the one they are thinking of; they want to be with him. If they are to share his triumphs and honours later on, they will share his reproach and shame now... If they had 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 at all, if David had not overshadowed everything else in their affections.

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.

Prudence would have said that water taken from some other spot would have satisfied David's thirst just as well. That would have been quite true. Water is water wherever it is, and there was no special virtue in the water of the well of Bethlehem.

This is a refreshing picture of the faith that delights to please the Lord in a spirit of willing self-sacrifice. David, however, valued their devotion more than he wanted the water. He judged that he was not worthy of such great devotion. So he poured the water out as a drink offering to God, who alone is worthy of such sacrifices.

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. 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?

Little did those three mighty men imagine that God would record their act of loving devotion on the eternal page of inspiration, for millions to read there. They never thought of this... Had they acted to get a name or place for themselves, it would have robbed their act of all its charm.

The three mightiest needed no command! David desired the water, that was enough! Is there not something He desires from our hearts? Should we not stand with those who share His rejection? That may mean being in "the cave," to use the picture — the place where His mighty men learn in His company what He longs for.

No command went out. David singled out no one and sent no one. He simply said what he wanted, and that opened the way for genuine affection and true devotion. A direct command would only have given someone a chance for ready obedience. The spoken desire drew out that deep attachment to David himself, which is so lovely to see.

David's expressed wish was never a command, and was never meant to be. If we are to reach any worthy thoughts at all, we must tell two things apart in the same way. There are commands laid on us, and such commands do exist. And there is His "word," which shows us what is in His heart. In receiving it we come into intelligent communion with Himself. The Lord makes this same distinction plainly in His last words to His disciples (John 14:21, 23). Commands may be given to servants only, and servants are never let into the secrets of the heart. But words spoken to friends also ask for a response, and the truly devoted will give it. Attachment to His Person does not ask, "What must I do?" but "What may I do?"

Such mighty deeds matter greatly in their own time and place. But whether in David's day or in ours, one thing marks them: they benefit people, as well as bringing glory to the King. The three mighty men who drew the water show us a very different kind of service. 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.

They did not calculate or hesitate. Once they knew David's desire, meeting it was the only thing in their minds. There may have been objectors; some may have said, "Why this waste?" That meant nothing to them. Carrying out David's desire was their only thought. Yet look around and ask, "Where do I see this?" and the honest answer troubles you. Too many believers, if not most, are only benefactors of people. They neither know the desires of Christ nor seek to know them. They are thinking of man and his good, not of Christ and His glory.

It was a sacrifice too costly for any except the LORD Himself. So David would not let the sweet fragrance of it be interrupted on its way up to the throne of God.

David however appreciated their devotion more than he desired the water. He considered that he was not worthy of so great devotion, and he poured the water out as a drink offering to God, who alone is worthy of such sacrifices.

If we act in this spirit — if we have this spirit — we shall find the world a hostile world to Christ. And not the world only. Right in the way, blocking the road to the well of Bethlehem, we shall find the Philistine camp: the crowd of natural men who have pushed their way into spiritual things. We must be ready to break through the defences of tradition, formality and worldliness dressed up as religion, if we are to satisfy the Lord's longing for us.

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

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.

The waters won this way were too precious for their gracious and loving master to drink. He calls the water their blood, or their life, because they had not counted their lives dear to themselves. The waters were as their life to him.

God records this devotion in His book. The king valued it, but did not want to take advantage of it: "Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?" He draws out the devotion of his men, yet his own character is to devote himself for them. The water offered to him only passes through his hands. He presents it as a drink offering "to the Lord," for whatever is done for Christ is done for God. God accepts it, offered up by Christ, as an excellent sacrifice. A simple cup of water given to "one of these little ones" for Christ's sake passes from His heart to the heart of God Himself.

I am not thinking now of the brave men who broke through the Philistine army and brought David the water of Bethlehem he longed for. I speak of the grace that refused to touch it once they brought it. I speak of the faith that could look at that water, much as he had longed for it, and see the blood of those mighty men who had risked their lives. Oh for more of this self-renouncing power of faith!

Why is there this striking omission of their names in the account of what they did? It is because here it is no longer a matter of energy and perseverance, but of the devotion of faith. By its very nature devotion is something hidden. What man has the right to boast of devotion?

When we answer that desire, we are not fighting the Lord's battles. We are not gaining spoil. We are not defending the truth. We are doing something wholly for Christ. We are ministering to His heart by responding to His love. May we know better what it is to draw water from the well and pour it out before the Lord for the joy of His heart.

No wonder this simple act stirred David's heart. No wonder he poured the water out to the Lord as a drink offering. The three had won it at the risk of their lives, and it showed the devotion of these dear men. What turned that simple act into something greater was the motive behind it. It set those three men at the very top of the kingdom's roll of honour, when the fighting was over, the kingdom was secure, and the day of rewards had come.

Abishai is called "the brother of Joab" because he was like him in many ways and showed the same traits. Even if he shared his brother's graceless hardness of heart, he was still ready to obey David's word. That obedience kept him from most of Joab's mistakes. So although he did not reach the first three, honour and distinction are given to him without reserve.

Abishai listened to the word, and it kept him from this sin, though he thought God had delivered David's enemy into his hand. We may face a similar test today, but the word of the Lord will preserve us.

He might have claimed a place of special distinction because of his family ties. He was brother to Joab, the commander 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 courage... We cannot reach the faithfulness and spiritual power that marked the Apostle Paul and other great servants of the Lord. But the same divine grace can mark us with the same spirit, in our own measure.

Abishai, the brother of Joab, has a significant place as chief of these three men. Sadly, this final summary of David's mighty men gives Joab himself no honor at all. 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 honor that he sought, but his own.

These three men's deeds of valor did not attain to 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.

Out of the many thousands of Israel... 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 gets his own specific place... according to what he was or what he had done. We are also told exactly what each one did and how he did it. Nothing is forgotten. It is all recorded faithfully, and no one can ever get another's place.

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... Some who are thought much of now may be missing then from the list of the faithful. Many whose service is valued little now may shine out then to the abundant praise and honour of the Lord Jesus... At the end the worthy men appear, each according to the real worth of his service and the character of his devotedness to David.

He faced no fewer than three hundred of David's enemies alone! He did not stop until he had killed them all! After the hardship and trial he went through with David during the time when David was rejected, we may be sure he learned much and enjoyed a place near the king in his glory. David might well say to him, as another will say to His mighty men one day, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

After the first three, we have Abishai. He might have claimed a place of special distinction because of his family ties. He was Joab's brother, and Joab was the commander of the army. He was also a close relative of the king. But natural relationships do not secure for him, or for us, a place in the kingdom. Abishai secures his distinguished place because of his own prowess. His great feat did not reach the height of the Tachmonite's. Even so, he was marked by the same spirit of power. We cannot reach the faithfulness and spiritual power that marked the Apostle Paul and other great servants of the Lord. But the same divine grace can mark us with the same spirit, in our own measure. Another mighty deed of Abishai's appears in 2 Samuel 21:16-17. He rescued David when one of the giants tried to kill him, and he killed the giant.

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.

Abishai, "the brother of Joab", is so described because he was like him in many ways, showing similar traits. But even if he shared his brother's graceless hardness of heart, he was still ready to obey David's word. That obedience kept him from most of Joab's mistakes. So although he "did not attain to the first three", the record gives him honour and distinction 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. When a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ heeds His word and keeps near to Him, there may still be a great deal to try him. Even so, his service will hold much that pleases God.

Abishai, the brother of Joab, has a significant place as chief of these three men. Sadly, Joab himself is not mentioned as being given any honour at all in this final summing up of David's mighty men. He was a capable warrior who won many victories. But he had one fatal flaw: his motives proved selfish. He did not seek God's honour, but his own. David knew this, and told Solomon that Joab must be put to death (1 Kings 2:5-6). Joab's treachery could not be overlooked because of his many victories.

It is not a question of working for rewards, for a crown or for a place, though we fully believe in the doctrine of rewards. No! The very moment we make rewards our object, we are below the mark. We believe that service rendered with the eye on the reward would be defective. But we also believe that Christ will reward every bit of true service in the day of His glory. Each servant will get his place in the record and his place in the kingdom, according to the measure of his personal devotedness here.

We must be very careful when we interpret the meaning of Scripture names. Yet they often hold very instructive lessons. In this passage the combination of the different names is remarkable. Benaiah means "Whom God has built"; Jehoiada, "The Lord 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"). He had been built up in the truth by God Himself. And he knew his place in God's assembly.

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. 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.

In 2 Samuel 23:20 and 1 Chronicles 11:22 we read that Benaiah killed two "lion-like men." Some prefer to translate this "two sons of Ariel." The Hebrew is literally "two lions of God."

Moab means "progeny." That which is born of the flesh is flesh. Since these men were lion-like, this was the flesh under full Satanic power. He also killed a lion in the middle of a pit in the time of snow. Peter compares Satan to a roaring lion, and so Benaiah was able to overcome Satan himself on his own ground.

Benaiah's killing of the lion in the pit surely speaks to us of one who has overcome the wicked one... This happened on a snowy day. The circumstances of the fight were all against Benaiah, yet he was victorious. When Adam fell, the circumstances of Eden were all in his favour. But when Christ met the foe — in the temptations, in Gethsemane, at the cross — how different the circumstances were from those of the first man when he fell before the enemy.

He went down into a pit to kill a lion. This is surely a lovely picture of the One who descended 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, without a trace of life anywhere. So it was with the blessed Lord Jesus when He went down into death to destroy the one who had the power of death... Benaiah came up out of the pit victorious, having killed the lion. In the same way the blessed Lord rose out of death, having burst its iron gates and destroyed its power for ever.

He did not hesitate on a snowy day to go down into a pit and kill a lion. He is like the faithful today. They sometimes have to enter into the closest conflict with Satan under the most distressing circumstances, and overcome him by the sword of the Spirit.

Benaiah walks faithfully in his master's steps. His great affection for David leads him to copy 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, is told his plans, and sees the king's face at all times.

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 own"). God Himself had built him up in the truth. And he knew his place in God's assembly (Kabzeel).

The third exploit we see here is Benaiah's victory over the Egyptian. 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, just as 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.

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... We get the victory over the world through the cross of Christ. It comes by faith in the Son of God, who makes the Father's love known to us. The world lifted up its hand against Christ. Yet the death He died defeated the world for faith.

He also killed an Egyptian, a handsome man — the picture of the world at its most attractive... The spear, like the sword, is a symbol of the power of death. As another writer has remarked, "Death is the best weapon in the arsenal of God when it is wielded by the power of life." This was Benaiah's experience in his conflict with the world (the Egyptian).

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

He killed the Egyptian just as David had struck down Goliath. David took the giant's own sword and cut off his head; in the same way, Benaiah put the Egyptian to death with his own spear. Benaiah walks faithfully in his master's steps, and his deep love for David leads him to copy the traits of the man he follows. Such a walk finds its reward: "David set him in his council" (v. 23), a place of confidence, intimacy, and communion.

Next we find Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. He fought the enemies from outside, Moab and Egypt. He 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 had cut off the giant's head with the giant's own sword, and in the same way Benaiah put the Egyptian to death with his own spear. Benaiah walks faithfully 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, closeness and fellowship. Benaiah shares his master's secrets, knows his plans, and sees the king's face at all times. If we love the Lord Jesus, and obey and serve Him, we will be rewarded with a nearness like that of John, the beloved disciple, whose place was at Jesus' side.

Satan acts upon the flesh, and the two men of Moab were "lion-like", but the one who was "with David" killed them both. The lion himself lived in a pit, and no doubt went about looking for what he could devour when he was not in his stronghold. Benaiah would win the gratitude of many for his victory on that snowy day.

Do we not see the glory of the world, and its slavery for the people of God, in Egypt? The Egyptian is killed with his own spear. We read the same in 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. Of this we have divine assurance in 1 John 5:4-5.

A good many years ago, I remember a well-known man saying this: "You see Benaiah going down to where the lion was. The Lord Jesus went down into death in the same way, to meet the power of the enemy. Who is going to be triumphant? Who is coming up out of the pit? Is it to be Benaiah or the lion? It was Benaiah! So it was with Christ: He rose triumphant from the grave, and He annulled the power of the enemy." It happened on a snowy day. Everything about the fight was against Benaiah, yet he won. When Adam fell, everything in Eden was in his favour. But when Christ met the foe — in the temptations, in Gethsemane, at the cross — the circumstances were nothing like those of the first man when he fell before the enemy.

Abishai secures his distinguished place by his own courage and skill. His great feat did not reach the height of the Tachmonite's, yet the same spirit of power still 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 divine grace can mark us with the same spirit, in our own measure.

David's men had to bear much toil and weariness because they belonged to him. 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 worthy men if the Holy Spirit had not recorded them? Who would have known of the slaying of a lion in a pit, in the time of snow?

Benaiah is another one of the second three, a man who showed unusual courage whether he fought men or beasts. We are not told the name of the third man in this group. But verse 23 reminds us that the first three receive higher honour than the second three or all that follow them.

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

Like David, he fought a lion all by himself. He killed the Egyptian just as David had struck down Goliath, and just as David had taken the giant's sword to cut off his head, so Benaiah put the Egyptian to death with the Egyptian'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" (v. 23), a place of confidence, intimacy, and communion. Benaiah shares his master's secrets, hears his plans, and sees the king's face at all times. What a blessed portion! If we love the Lord Jesus, obey Him and serve Him, He will reward us with a nearness like John's — the disciple Jesus loved, whose place was close to His heart.

Still, this man has no ambition except to stay faithful to his king and to imitate him. He is not like Joab who takes the stronghold of Zion to win first place. No, he is humble, because his whole purpose is to reproduce David in the way he lives.

Mishmaath, from a word for "obedience": a bodyguard. 2 Sam. 23:23; 1 Chr. 11:25.

Benaiah was with David when many were against him, and he was with him when the crowds acknowledged him as king and bowed before him. His fellowship with God's anointed seems never to have broken. It held in hard times and in good, in the cave and on the throne, in wars with countless enemies and in the governing of God's people. No wonder David set him over his guard. He would be glad to have such a man close to himself.

"With David" in his rejection and his battles. "With David" as captain of his bodyguard. "With David" in his kingdom in positions of honour. Now he was raised higher still, to be captain of the army of Israel with David's son Solomon, sharing his glorious reign when the wars were over. Tried and proved trustworthy, he reaped a rich and blessed reward.

Each will receive his own reward according to his own labour (1 Corinthians 3:8). In the kingdom, as the parable teaches (Luke 19), one is to have authority over ten cities, another over five. But the Father's house rises far above such differences, and His children share it alike with Christ. It is the answer, not to their services, but to His redemption, His infinite love and His glory.

Scripture makes no special mention of Asahel. He might have performed some act of bravery, but his confidence in himself and in his own speed cost him his career very early, in his encounter with Abner.

Asahel's name stands at the top of the list of the thirty captains. His time as a soldier was short, as we have seen. But we cannot help noticing that David's sister's sons head all three lists. Joab was chief and captain; Abishai was chief of the second three; and Asahel was first of the thirty. This was not mere favouritism. It proves instead that knowing you are related to God's Anointed makes a good soldier. The letters of the New Testament say this again and again. We are called companions of the Christ, "the Anointed" — and more than that, we are His brothers. He is "not ashamed to call us brothers".

There were "the thirty," "the three," and "the first three." Each man gets his own place in the book of responsible, practical life, according to what he was or what he had done. And we are told exactly what each one did and how he did it. Nothing is forgotten; the record is faithful. No one can ever take another's place. Each does his own work, fills his own niche, and gets his own reward.

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, how his eyes must have paused in 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. Yet David had had him put to death to satisfy his own lust! His name stayed there as a witness against the man he had served.

Because David's men belonged to him, they had to bear much toil and weariness. But love made it all light and easy to them. Their names and their deeds went on record and were faithfully remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten... Men may never see these acts, know them, or even 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 mighty men if the Holy Spirit had not recorded them?

The thirty (really thirty-one) are known only by their names. Little can be said about them until they have been studied more closely. Chronicles gives much the same list (1 Chron. 11), with extra names at the end, but it differs a great deal in the details... Let the people of God study His word. Dig deep, and expect much. Then we shall soon have few such wide gaps in our knowledge as the ones we must regret here.

The designation of Shammah and Elika, two of David's mighty men, probably from some place called Harod. 2 Samuel 23:25. It seems the first of them is called Shammoth the Harorite in 1 Chronicles 11:27.

We can say little about the thirty (thirty-one), known only by their names, until we study them more closely. Chronicles, as everyone knows, gives almost the same list, with additions at the end, yet it differs a great deal in the details. In lists like this one — dry and barren as our neglect has left them — we may expect to find many textual errors... Let the people of God study His word; dig deep, and expect much.

If God honours and glorifies David, He does not forget those whom the energy of David's faith had brought around him. The Holy Spirit lists the mighty men of David, and recounts 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.

Turn to the twenty-third chapter of 2 Samuel and to the sixteenth of Romans, and you will find two similar pages. In the first, we have the names and the deeds of David's worthies. 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; and all will come out by and by. Amongst 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."

Many other names are also ranked among David's worthies, though Scripture records no special mark of devotion or victory for them.

At the end we find the "thirty." They are less renowned than the six men before them, yet the Lord forgets none of His own.

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

They were the men who loved David, stood by him, and showed their loyalty and devotion to the King. Others are named too, with no definite deeds recorded... At the judgment seat of Christ everything will be brought 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 while He was rejected. No name and no deed, even the smallest, will then be forgotten.

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

Designation of Helez, one of David's mighty men. 2 Sam. 23:26. Connected by some with Beth-palet; but in 1 Chr. 11:27 Helez is called 'the Pelonite.'

Son of Ikkesh a Tekoite, and one of David's mighty men. 2 Sam. 23:26; 1 Chr. 11:28; 1 Chr. 27:9.

These names are the captains of the monthly divisions, except for Abishai; and Dodai is named there instead of Eleazar son of Dodo.

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

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

We can say little about the thirty (thirty-one), known only by their names, until we study them more closely. Chronicles gives much the same list (1 Chronicles 11), with additions at the end, yet it differs a great deal in the details. It is just in lists like this, dry and bare as our neglect has left them, that we may expect textual errors to abound… Let the people of God study His word. Dig deep, and expect much. Then we will soon have few such complete gaps in our knowledge as the ones we have to regret here.

Out of the many thousands of Israel — circumcised members of the congregation, children of Abraham — only a few stood out by personal devotion and wholehearted dedication. Even among those few there were marked differences. There were "the thirty," "the three," and "the first three." Each man has his own place in the record of responsible, practical life, according to what he was or what he had done… Nothing is forgotten. All is 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.

And others are given, of whom we read no definite deeds. The last name is Uriah the Hittite. The spiritual meaning is not hard to find. Before the judgment seat of Christ all will be made manifest. When He comes to be the righteous Ruler, to usher in the morning without clouds, those will be remembered who were loyal and devoted to Him in His rejection. No name and no deed, even the smallest, will then be forgotten.

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

The records and the names of David's mighty men fit perfectly with this last great prophetic word of the King. They were the men who loved David, stood by him, showed their loyalty and devotion to the King. Others are listed, and we read of no definite deeds for them... 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.

Although known as a prophet, Jeremiah 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 that are named were the very last that man would have expected — the men of Benjamin... God showed His sovereignty and His gracious purpose by calling "Saul's kinsmen" out of that very tribe... So we must never lose heart. We must never suppose that any circumstances can hinder the way of God.

Hushathite. Designation of Sibbecai and Mebunnai, two of David's mighty men, probably of the family of Hushah. 2 Sam. 21:18; 2 Sam. 23:27; 1 Chr. 11:29; 1 Chr. 20:4; 1 Chr. 27:11.

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 who surround him. Grace made something of them in the day of trouble. In the day of glory, which is already approaching, all eyes will recognize it and every mouth will acclaim it. All these outlaws will surround the king's throne and will be called "David's mighty men."

David's men were called, because of their link with him, to undergo much toil and fatigue, 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. Men may not see, know, or even think of such acts; but Jesus knows them, and 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?

Finally we find the "thirty," less renowned than the six men before them, although 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. He was among the mighty men, and not the least of those hearts devoted to the king and his people. And David had him put to death to satisfy his own lust! His name stayed there as a witness against the man he had served... But David condemned himself and honoured the grace that had restored him. He would never have dreamed of erasing that name from the book where it was written.

An Ahohite, one of David's mighty men. 2 Samuel 23:28. Apparently called Ilai in 1 Chronicles 11:29.

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

Of the thirty (thirty-one), known only by their names, little can be said until they have been studied more closely. Chronicles, it is well known, gives practically the same list (1 Chronicles 11), with additions at the end. Yet it differs considerably when we come to details... Let the people of God study His word; dig deep, and expect much; and we shall soon have few such gaps in our knowledge as we have to lament here.

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."

The mighty men of David shared in his glory just as they had shared in his rejection. They had suffered with him, and now they reigned with him. That is the divine order. Before the day of Christ's glorious reign dawns, we are allowed to suffer with Him. Then, like David's soldiers, we shall know our Lord Jesus Christ and His perfections in a special way, and prove Him to be "our life, our all."... The mighty men were David's. They knew the one to whom they belonged. They had confidence in the one they served and suffered with. That is the secret.

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. Every hidden thing will be unmasked, and every secret matter brought to light. Then everything will appear in its true value. Those who are thought much of now may be absent 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... So with David's men. From the start at Adullam's cave they went through many a conflict, endured many a danger, fought many a battle. But at the end the worthies appear, according to the real worth of their service and the character of their devotion to David.

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

Of the thirty (thirty-one), known only by their names, little can be said until we study them more closely. Chronicles, as is well known, gives practically the same list (1 Chron. 11), with additions at the end, yet differs considerably when we come to details. It is just in such lists as this, left dry and barren by our neglect, that we may expect to find plenty of textual errors... Let the people of God study His word; dig deep, and expect much. Then we shall soon have few such gaps in our knowledge as we have to regret here.

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

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

The first men named were the very last that anyone would have expected — the men of Benjamin. It is not that there were many of them. They were slow afterwards. Even when David came to the throne, the men of Benjamin still clung to the house of Saul. As a tribe they were slow. But God showed His sovereignty and His gracious purpose by calling "Saul's kinsmen" out of that very tribe... So we must never be discouraged; we must never suppose that any circumstances can hinder the way of God. God will bring out people for the name of the Lord Jesus in the very last place you expect.

Out of the many thousands of Israel... there were relatively few who stood out by personal devotedness and wholehearted consecration. Even among those few there were clear differences. 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. The place matches what he was, or what he had done... Nothing is forgotten, but all is faithfully recorded; and no one can ever take another's place. Each does his own work, fills his own place, and gets his own reward.

Besides those already named, thirty more appear in the list of David's mighty men... Then we read of others who shared David's rejection, "while he could not move about freely because of Saul the son of Kish." ... When the time of conflict and strain was over, their hearts would rejoice! They had 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 indeed. It will be the joy of those who have shared today in the conflicts for His name's sake and for the good of all His own.

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

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

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

Others are named too, and of them we read no definite deeds. The last name is Uriah the Hittite. The spiritual meaning is not hard to find. Before the judgment seat of Christ everything will be brought to light. 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 He was rejected. No name and no deed, even the smallest, will be forgotten then. What an incentive this should be, especially in the solemn days in which we live, as we see the day approaching! It should stir us to serve Him, and to be as devoted to our absent but coming Lord as David's mighty men were to him.

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."

The thirty mighty men who were with David had a place close to him. No doubt they learned lessons from him that won them the distinctions they received. They owed all to David. They were right to respect Joab and the other captains, but David stood first 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. It is just so today. We are to hold those who lead in the Lord's service in the highest esteem because of their work. But there is only One who is to have the first place. God has decreed concerning the Son of His love, the Head of all things and Head of the church, that in all things He should have the pre-eminence. Every true heart answers: He is worthy! He alone is worthy!

God loves to mention what brings 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, and at any time, have lived and suffered for the name of the Lord.

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

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

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;" nor did one of "the three" ever reach the first three.

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 of theirs... The judgment seat of Christ will bring everything to light. 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.

The thirty mighty men who were with David had a near place to him. No doubt they learned lessons from him which secured the distinctions that became theirs. They owed everything to David. They would rightly esteem Joab and the other captains, but David was first in all their hearts and minds. He was God's anointed one. There must be no rival... God has decreed concerning the Son of His love, the Head of all things, the Head of the assembly, "that in everything he might be preeminent."

Whatever we make of Jonathan, who so loved David, other names are completely absent from the list of mighty men. And Scripture is not quite silent about the reason why. 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.

These omissions in the list of David's faithful ones are painfully significant. They remind us with force of the prophet's words: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Finally we come to the "thirty." They are less famous than the six men before them. Yet the Lord forgets none of His own.

If God honours and glorifies David, He does not forget the men that David's energetic faith had gathered around him. The Holy Spirit lists David's mighty men. He records their deeds of courage and devotion. Those deeds get them a name and a place when God writes up the people (Psalm 87). Joab is not among them.

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. The spiritual meaning is not hard to find. Before the judgment seat of Christ all will be made manifest. He will come as the righteous Ruler and 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 then. What an incentive this should be to serve Him — especially in the serious days we live in, as we see the day approaching! We should be as devoted to our absent but coming Lord as David's mighty men were to him.

Israel had many thousands of people, circumcised members of the congregation, children of Abraham. Only a few of them stood out for personal devotion and wholehearted dedication to God. Even among those few there were marked differences. 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 and what he had done. Nothing is forgotten. Everything is written down faithfully, and no one can ever take another's place. Each does his own work, fills his own niche, and gets his own reward.

Notice carefully what happens when David speaks of his mighty men. He records the deeds of the men who stayed faithful to him while he was rejected. The name of Jonathan is strikingly absent (2 Sam. 23). David could not rightly place his name among the mighty men as one who had stood out for loyalty during his exile. And I learn this lesson, that the Lord counts upon our hearts being true to Himself.

We know the thirty (really thirty-one) only by their names. Little can be said about them until they have been studied more closely. Chronicles gives almost the same list (1 Chron. 11), with extra names at the end. But it differs a great deal in the details. Let the people of God study His word. Dig deep, and expect much. Then we will soon have far fewer of the total gaps in our knowledge that we have to regret here.

At last we come to the "thirty." They are less renowned than the six men before them, but the Lord forgets none of His own.

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

Shammah the Hararite is placed after the other two instead, though Scripture does not say he was one of the three mightiest. He is named again in the ordinary list, in the proper order, in verse 33. But his devotion to David shone where even Joab, the greatest, failed. This honourable mention should encourage every servant of Christ to serve Him sincerely. He knows how to value true service for Himself.

His own name means "astonishment," and he is the son of Agee, perhaps "sprout," the Hararite, or "mountaineer." Words like these fit together easily with the lesson of his acts. The power of revival is found in the man who has learned, on a rough and difficult path, the awe of the God of resurrection.

Of the thirty (thirty-one), known only by their names, little can be said 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. Then we shall soon have few such wide gaps in our knowledge as we have to lament here.

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

They were the men who loved David, stood by him, and showed their loyalty and devotion to the King. Others are named too, whose deeds we never read… At the judgment seat of Christ everything will be brought to light. 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 He was rejected. No name and no deed, even the smallest, will then be forgotten.

Last we find the "thirty." They are less famous than the six men before them, though 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. One day it will all come out. Among David's mighty men we have "the first three," "the three," and "the thirty." No one of "the thirty" ever reached a place among "the three." And no one of "the three" ever reached "the first three."

Ahithophel, David's counsellor, and highly praised for his wisdom, is also absent from this list of worthies, though Eliam his son ranked among them. He was David's companion and close friend. Yet when temptation came he fell away completely. He showed that, for all his shrewdness, his heart was not true to God's anointed... no amount of wisdom will make up for a lack of uprightness and real devotion.

A Gilonite, grandfather of Bathsheba, and a very wise counsellor of David... He joined in the rebellion of Absalom, and advised him to go in publicly to David's concubines, and to let Ahithophel himself make an immediate attack on David. Absalom did not follow that second piece of advice. He preferred the advice of Hushai, who was acting for David. So Ahithophel returned to his house, set his household in order, and hanged himself... He has generally been taken as foreshadowing Judas of the New Testament.

How was it that Absalom had the nerve to send for David's trusted counsellor? This was another piece of sorrowful reaping of former sin. Ahithophel appears to have been Bathsheba's grandfather. We can well understand that he had never forgiven David for the way he treated his granddaughter.

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. In the same way, this account says nothing at all about the terrible fall of the Lord's anointed. Eliam too is left out of our chapter. He was the son of Ahithophel (2 Sam. 23:34), and his father was closely bound up with the consequences of David's sin.

Hezro. A Carmelite, one of David's valiant men. 1 Chronicles 11:37. Doubtless the same as Hezrai.

Naarai. Son of Ezbai and one of David's mighty men. 1 Chronicles 11:37. Perhaps, as in the margin, the same as Paarai the Arbite in 2 Samuel 23:35.

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

They were the men who loved David, stood by him, showed their loyalty and devotion to the King. The record gives others too, and we read of no definite deeds for them... Before the judgment seat of Christ everything will be brought to light. He is coming to be the righteous Ruler and 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 then be forgotten.

As I close, I would only note how short the notice given to all these worthy men; hardly any of them appear again in Scripture... But is this not God's usual way? How short the account of Onesiphorus visiting the apostle in the Roman dungeon — yet Paul made such striking notice of the refreshment it brought.

What marked out David's mighty men, then, was the link grace had given them with the Lord's anointed. Joab never had such a link, and this book has shown that fully. He served David for his own advantage, and his actions never came out of fellowship with his head. His name is passed over in silence.

David is able to create, to form, the most wretched people 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 falls on these four hundred men around him. What grace made of them in the day of trouble will be recognized by all eyes and acclaimed by every mouth in the day of glory, which is already approaching. All these outlaws will surround the king's throne and will be called "David's mighty men" (2 Samuel 23:8).

Their names and deeds were recorded and faithfully remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten... Men may never see these acts, know them, or think about them; but Jesus knows them, and will declare them openly from the throne of His glory. Who would ever have known the acts of David's worthy men if the Holy Spirit had not recorded them? Who would have known of the three who drew water from the well of Bethlehem? Who would have known of the killing of a lion in a pit, in the time of snow?

The records and the names of David's mighty men fit this last great prophecy of the King. 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 brought 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 while He was rejected. No name and no deed, even the smallest, will then be forgotten.

So what marked out David's mighty men was the link grace had given them with the Lord's anointed. Joab never had such a link; this book has shown that fully. He served David for his own interest, and his actions never sprang from fellowship with his leader. His name is passed over in silence.

Had they been alone they certainly would have weakened, but all three were "with David" and under his eyes during the combat. He inspired them with courage and patience in their efforts.

The Lord did not overlook "the sons of the stranger" at a time when He was blessing 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).

They had chosen what suited themselves and their flocks (Numbers 32), instead of the land flowing with milk and honey... They had sunk far below the height of their calling. For that very reason it is all the more striking that God was still working in power among them. The very words used to describe this company show the mighty effects of grace... "men trained in war, expert with shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were swift as gazelles upon the mountains." ... For David's sake they had abandoned home and everything.

Each servant of God 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."

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 recorded and faithfully remembered when David was at rest in his kingdom. None were forgotten... Men may never see these acts, know them, or even think of them. But Jesus knows them, and He will declare them openly from the throne of His glory.

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

"No Ammonite or Moabite shall enter the assembly of the LORD. Even to their tenth generation none of them shall enter the assembly of the LORD forever." … The LORD does not forget where it is a matter of government. He does forget — and that is exactly what He does — when it is a question of grace.

The sons of the stranger were not 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).

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 (2 Sam. 4:2-9; 2 Sam. 23:37; 1 Chr. 11:39).

An attendant on a warrior, filling a place of trust and honour. When Saul loved David he made him his armour-bearer (1 Sam. 16:21).

Joab was David's nephew (1 Chronicles 2:18), and commander-in-chief of his forces. He showed much courage in war, but he was revengeful, and all through he seems not to have been in communion with the king's mind. So instead of Joab being in the list of David's worthies (though his brother Asahel and Joab's armour-bearer were there), this man of rank and power, famous among men, fell under the judgment of Solomon. Solomon took his great power and ruled the kingdom in righteousness.

What characterised David's mighty men was the association that grace had given them with the Lord's anointed. Joab never had such a relationship; this book has fully shown it. He sought his own interest in serving David, and his actions never came out of fellowship with his head. His name is passed over in silence.

All these found a sure refuge with David, as is found today with a rejected Christ. But they found much more. David is able to form the most wretched beings into his own image. The reflection of his moral beauty falls on those who have nothing to bring him but their misery. … All these outlaws will surround the king's throne and will be called "David's mighty men."

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

The family name of Ira and Gareb, two of David's mighty men. They are counted among "the families of Kirjath-jearim," which links them with Judah. 2 Sam. 23:38. 1 Chr. 2:53; 1 Chr. 11:40.

Of the thirty (thirty-one), known only by their names, little can be said until they have been studied more closely. Chronicles gives practically the same list (1 Chronicles 11), with additions at the end, yet differs a great deal when we come to the details. These lists have been left dry and barren through our neglect, and it is just in lists like this that we should expect to find many errors in the text... Let the people of God study His word. Dig deep, and expect much. Then we will soon have few of the complete gaps in our knowledge that we have to regret here.

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

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 honoured men. We mean Joab, Ahithophel, and Abiathar.

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 all will be made manifest. When He comes to be the righteous Ruler... those will be remembered who were loyal and devoted to Him in His rejection. No name and no deed, even the smallest, will then be forgotten.

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

David had met other devoted men too, such as Ittai and Shobi, when he fled from Jerusalem. But those mentioned here were with him from the very beginning. In the same way the twelve disciples were marked out because they had been with the Lord "all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among" them (Luke 22:28-29; Acts 1:21).

When David looked over the list of his servants, with what sorrow his eyes must have paused at the name of Uriah the Hittite that ends the 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 witness against the one he had served. This single name of Uriah reminded David of all his past shame and chastening. But he condemned himself and exalted the grace that had restored him. He would never have dreamed of erasing that name from the book where it was recorded.

1 Chronicles lists the mighty men at the start of its account; 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end. Chronicles refers to 81 mighty men; 2 Samuel 23 names 37 of them. In Samuel they stand as supporters whom David needed to confirm his throne. In Chronicles they only acknowledge what God had done in making David His anointed. Uriah the Hittite, who closes the list in 2 Samuel 23 as a witness against David's sin and fall, appears in Chronicles 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. In the same way, everything to do with the terrible fall of the Lord's anointed is passed over in complete silence.

Later, in the days of David, the foreigner is kept honourably in view. We see this first in Uriah. He was a Hittite. Yet his faithfulness to the God of Israel and his self-giving zeal for Israel's cause shine out beautifully. They stand in contrast with even Israel's chief and noblest and best son in that day. This poor remnant of the defiled Gentiles rebukes no less a son of Israel than king David himself.

Full and everlasting forgiveness, however, does not free those who receive it from God's dealings with them in government. David had to experience that, right to the end of his life. The child born to him by Uriah's wife must die, and the sword would never depart from his house. Bathsheba was still regarded as Uriah's wife. Amnon, Absalom and Adonijah were examples of it. Governmental dealing, however, ends with this life. God's favour to us, based on the sacrifice of Christ, lasts for ever.

David's last words were a great prophecy, and the records and the names of his mighty men fit well with it. They were the men who loved David, stood by him, and showed their loyalty and devotion to the King. Others are named, though we read of no particular deed of theirs. The last name is Uriah the Hittite. Before the judgment seat of Christ everything will be made manifest. He will come as the righteous Ruler and 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.