Chapter 3: David's Mighty Men

Chapter 3: David's Mighty Men
"Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum". ("If you want peace, prepare for war") - Flavius Vegetius Renatus. Roman Military strategist. c. 390. A.D
By far, the most descriptive story in the Bible of men of war is the description of David's mighty men. The story of these mighty men will be invaluable to us in our own present day holy war.
Introduction to the Mighty Men
We are introduced to these men in the parallel accounts of 2 Samuel chapter 23, and 1 Chronicles chapter 12. David had been anointed to be king over Israel, but Saul was still ruling. Saul's jealousy of David led him to desperate attempts to murder him. David unwilling to return harm, went into hiding, knowing the time was not yet for him to take the kingdom. Here is where the mighty men are introduced.
1
David Anointed
Chosen to be king over Israel
2
Saul's Jealousy
Attempts to murder David
3
David in Hiding
Unwilling to harm Saul
4
Mighty Men Join
Warriors gather around David
"Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war. They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin. 1 Chronicles 12:1-2
The Mighty Men's Skills
Armed with bows
Ambidextrous - could use both right and left hands
Skilled in hurling stones
Expert archers
Some were even from Saul's own tribe of Benjamin
The Inspiration Behind the Mighty Men
What was it that caused these mighty men to leave the armies of Saul and join themselves to David? Imagine with me for a moment, that you are one of these mighty men of war. One day in your childhood, your father, an Israelite soldier comes home with the most amazed look on his face. You know that he and the rest of the army have been in confrontation with the Philistines, and you have heard that among the ranks there was a giant who struck fear in the hearts of the armies of Israel. It's been over a month since you have not seen your father. He has been on the battle field. In fact, today is day 41. Your attention is immediately gripped as he addresses your mother. "Honey, you will never believe what happened today!"
As you listen, he begins to unfold the most incredible account you have ever heard in your little life. A boy just a little older than you came out of nowhere proposing to challenge the giant, Goliath. You shake inside, nervousness grips you. Did he kill the little boy? you wonder. Your father rehearses the words of the threats of the giant: "Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?... Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field." 1 Samuel 17:43-44. You hear the words of David in response. "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
Goliath's Threat
"Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?... Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field." (1 Samuel 17:43-44)
David's Response
"Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied."
This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands." 1 Samuel 17:45-47. The words send goose bumps of courage over your little heart, but your still nervous for the little boy's future. But to your surprise, you hear the unbelievable. This little boy, a boy named David, armed with nothing but a sling shot and five smooth stones, defiantly stands up against the giant.
"This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands." 1 Samuel 17:45-47
Not only does he do this, but when the giant comes bearing down on him, he does not back down, but instead runs forward, releasing the stone from the sling. To your utter disbelief you learn that the stone hit its mark, taking the giant off his feet! Your fears immediately turn to awe, admiration. This little boy has suddenly become your hero, your role model. But the story continues, this little boy, David (you now catch his name and mark it; you'll be telling your friends about this.) does not retreat once the giant falls, but rather comes upon him, removes his sword from his side, and with one blow severs the giants head!
David Faces the Giant
Armed with only a sling and five smooth stones
David Runs Forward
Instead of retreating, he charges toward Goliath
The Stone Hits Its Mark
Goliath falls to the ground
David Completes the Victory
Uses Goliath's own sword to sever the giant's head
In the upcoming days, weeks, and months, your parents will often find you in the field practicing with play swords, "hurling stones" (1 Chronicles 12:2), and more. When you are not practicing by day, you are contemplating by night. It is the beginnings of a mighty man of war. No doubt these men, who joined themselves to David had heard of his exploit against the giant Goliath in their youth. No doubt, his story must have inspired them. And now as young men, they were eager to join up with their childhood hero, in making him king over all Israel. And so we read, "For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God." 1 Chronicles 12:22.
The Inspiration of David's Example
The mighty men who joined David were likely inspired by his courage against Goliath in their youth. His example motivated them to:
Practice warfare skills like "hurling stones"
Contemplate battle strategies
Eventually join their childhood hero
Help make David king over all Israel
"For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God." 1 Chronicles 12:22
How Mighty?
But just how mighty were these mighty men? Listen to these amazing accounts. Consider Adino the Eznite, "he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time." 2 Samuel 23:8. Count them. One against eight hundred! There is more than human power at work here.
800
Enemies Defeated
Adino the Eznite slew eight hundred men at one time (2 Samuel 23:8)
1
Mighty Warrior
One man with supernatural power from God
What about Eleazar, the Ahohite? "And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil." 2 Samuel 23:9-10.
Eleazar's Stand
When other Israelites fled, he remained to fight the Philistines
Extraordinary Endurance
Fought until "his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword"
Divine Victory
"The LORD wrought a great victory that day"
Then there war Shammah, the Hararite. "And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory. V11-12.
No amount of human skill, power, or fierceness could work such powerful victories. These men were endued with power from on high. Consider this next account carefully.
Shammah's Courage
While others fled, "he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it"
Divine Empowerment
"The LORD wrought a great victory"
Supernatural Source
These victories required power beyond human capability
"And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim. And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men." V13-17
The Philistines military post currently occupied Bethlehem. David's request for a drink of water from the well in Bethlehem was another way of saying that he longed to occupy the city of promise. There is no record that he made this request known to anyone. The three mighty men seem to have overheard David, perhaps speaking to himself. Their love for David, their hero, drives them to perform a task of utter amazement.
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David's Longing
"Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem"
2
Mighty Men Overhear
Three warriors catch David's private wish
3
Brave Mission
They break through Philistine lines to reach the well
4
Water Retrieved
They bring the water back to David
Imagine the confusion of the Philistine army as they watch three Israelites approaching them. They must wonder, Are these men crazy? They are walking right into their death! A few dozen men rouse, while the rest of the post watches on in amusement. Their amusement soon turns to horror as they watch these three mighty men plow through their fellow soldiers. The rest of the post immediately rise to the battle. They are now in confusion as they watch these men making their way to the well of Bethlehem. Suddenly, one of the three pulls what seems to be a pitcher of some sort from his coat. With sword furiously swinging in one hand, pitcher in the other, he dips into the well, filling the vessel with water. The three begin working their out of the military post, leaving behind them a devastated, bewildered Philistine camp.
Philistines' Initial Amusement
They watch three Israelites approach, thinking them foolish
Horror and Confusion
The mighty men plow through their soldiers with supernatural strength
Mission Accomplished
One warrior fills a pitcher while fighting with his sword
Victorious Retreat
They leave behind a devastated, bewildered Philistine camp
When the water is brought to David, he is totally overwhelmed that these men would risk their lives to satisfy his thirst! David refuses to drink. To be sure, there is a strong unspoken code of honor and love between David and his men.
David's Response
"Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it."
David's Action
He poured the water out as an offering to the LORD, honoring the sacrifice of his men
We cannot forget Abishai who "lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three." or Benaiah, "the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear." It is safe to say that not many today would fight a lion a sunny day, much less a snowy day in a pit! It is now time to discover the amazing parallel.
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Abishai's Feat
"Lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three."
2
Benaiah's Exploits
Slew two lionlike men of Moab
Slew a lion in a pit during winter
Defeated an Egyptian by taking his own spear and using it against him
The Parallel
This story was given not only as an historical account, but also " for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." 1 Corinthians 10:11.
The story of David is actually a type of the story of Christ. David is introduced to us as an anointed shepherd who will one day become king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-13), watching over his fathers flock, when a bear, and lion rise up to destroy the it. David overcomes the lion and bear. (1 Samuel 17:34-36). He is later sent out by his father to check on his brothers who are in the midst of war with a giant named Goliath. His brothers are unreceptive of his presence. (1 Samuel 17:17-20) Nonetheless, he stands up for the defense of them and all Israel, slaying the giant with a blow to the head. (39-51). David, though anointed to be king, is not the present ruler of Israel. Saul, one time a man of God, has now become any enemy of God, although he too is consider to be "anointed" (1 Samuel 15:17, 24:6).
Jesus is our anointed shepherd king. In heaven while taking care of his Father's angels, a dragon rises up to harm the flock. He is cast out by Jesus. (Revelation 12:7-9, Luke 10:18). Jesus is then sent out by His Father to see about his brethren. "He came onto his own, but his own received him not." John 1:11. His brothers where in the midst of war with a giant named Satan. Though they rejected the Messiah's presence, he fought on their behalf anyway, delivering a deadly blow to the head of the giant (Genesis 3:15). Jesus, though he has been anointed to be king of the earth, is not yet the ruling prince of this world. " But now we see not yet all things put under him." Hebrews 2:8.
David as a Type of Christ
Anointed shepherd who would become king
Overcame lion and bear threatening the flock
Sent by father to check on brothers
Rejected by his brothers
Defeated giant Goliath with blow to the head
Anointed but not yet ruling as king
Jesus Fulfilling the Type
Our anointed shepherd king
Cast out the dragon threatening heaven
Sent by Father to His brethren
"His own received him not" (John 1:11)
Delivered deadly blow to Satan's head
Anointed but "not yet all things put under him" (Hebrews 2:8)
The prince of this world still rules the wicked of this world. (John 14:30, Eph.2:2). Jesus, is currently in heaven (not hiding out) waiting for the right time to take the kingdom from the one who at one time "the anointed cherub" (Ezekiel 28:14).
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Current Ruler
Satan is "the prince of this world" (John 14:30) who "now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2)
2
Jesus' Position
Currently in heaven, not hiding but waiting for the appointed time
3
Future Victory
Jesus will take the kingdom from Satan, once "the anointed cherub" (Ezekiel 28:14)
Who then are the mighty men who will leave the kingdom of the reigning prince of this world, that will go up to join themselves with Jesus, to establish his kingdom upon earth? The answer is obvious. We are to be those mighty men, slaying our sins, not in own power, but the supernatural power of Jesus. Christ, our hero, who at 33 years of age beat that ancient dragon face to face, inspires us with the desire to become a warrior like Him! The story of these mighty men reflect what you and I may, in the power and grace of God, do to our sins. And so inspired, let us begin to train, hoping one day to meet our Hero face to face. Now let us consider some key principles from these incredible and unconventional warriors.
Our Call to Be Mighty Warriors
Just as David's mighty men left Saul's kingdom to join David, we are called to:
Leave the kingdom of darkness
Join ourselves with Jesus
Slay our sins through His supernatural power
Be inspired by Christ our Hero
Train in spiritual warfare
The Characteristics
These mighty men, this mighty host of God, had certain characteristics that qualified them for battle. These characteristics are to be our characteristics. Let us notice now what they were.
Characteristics of Mighty Warriors
Purpose
1Ch 12:23) And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.
These mighty men of war had one united purpose. It was to "turn the kingdom of Saul" to David, "according to the word of the LORD." Where there is no purpose, there is no mission, and no reason to fight. Our mission as holy warriors is the conquering of our own hearts, a turning of our hearts from the kingdom of darkness to that of light. The warrior without a cause, ceases to war with passion to win.
United Purpose
To turn Saul's kingdom to David according to God's word
Our Mission
Conquering our own hearts, turning from darkness to light
Passionate Warfare
Purpose gives reason to fight with passion to win
"Went Forth"
1Ch 12:33 Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.
In this verse we find a few more characteristics. The first is that they were willing to go forth into battle. These men had no fear. They were men who believed in their mission, and were willing to put their lives on the line. They were not civilians, they were soldiers. We too must be willing to go forth. Though odds be stacked against us, though our temptations seem as eight hundred in number, we must go forward obtaining the victory. Without the willingness to advance, we can win no battle.
Willingness to Battle
They "went forth to battle" without fear
Belief in the Mission
They were willing to put their lives on the line
Soldiers, Not Civilians
We too must advance against overwhelming odds
"Expert in War"
To be expert in anything requires time. And these men studied the art of warfare. They practiced it, meditated, honing and refining, sharpen their skills to the best of their ability. War was science, and they learned it well. Warriors for Christ must do the same. We are in a holy war, and God needs experts of war! This is no boastful claim, neither will we claim to be expert. We leave that declaration for God to make. But we must do our best to become expert in war. "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things." 1 Corinthians 9:25.
Dedicated Time
Expertise requires investment of time and effort
Studied Warfare
They practiced, meditated, honed and refined their skills
Scientific Approach
War was a science they learned well
Spiritual Application
"Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things" (1 Corinthians 9:25)
We must understand the science of war, refine and sharpen our methods of warfare, eliminating that which is ineffective, until we have at our disposal a powerful and effective method of warfare against self. If generals, and masters of the fighting systems of a worldly and temporal nature spend so much time trying to understand the art of war, how much more should the Christian pertaining to things of eternal consequences? The Martial artist spends his life seeking to master the art of war. Should not we do the same?
Our Spiritual Expertise
If worldly warriors spend lifetimes mastering temporal warfare, how much more should Christians master spiritual warfare with eternal consequences?
Understand the science of spiritual war
Refine and sharpen our methods
Eliminate ineffective approaches
Develop powerful warfare against self
"All instruments of War"
These men were not only skilled warriors in hand to hand combat, but also skilled at the use of various weapons. A host of weapons have been provided for the Christian. We must learn how to use them, and how to use them effectively. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" Ephesians 6:12-17. We will learn more of God's weapons shortly.
The Shield of Faith
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
The Helmet of Salvation
Protecting the mind with the assurance of salvation through Christ
The Sword of the Spirit
"The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" - our offensive weapon
"Keep Rank"
How important it is for a soldier to keep rank! Keeping rank means to keep in line with fellow soldiers, advancing together, as opposed to falling behind. It presents a picture of a unit moving forward, ever advancing, moving in unison, becoming like one living organism. As Christian warriors, we must be aware that the slightest mistake could break up the ranks, scatter the forces, and make a mockery out of Christianity. Our mistake, may cause the breakdown of an entire unit!
Unity in Movement
Keeping rank means advancing together with fellow soldiers
Collective Strength
Moving in unison like one living organism
Individual Responsibility
One mistake can break ranks and scatter the forces
"Not of Double Heart"
They were not double minded. They were singular in purpose. They were not fickle. God needs warriors who with an eye single to the glory of God, will not turn back when things get hard. When the numbers seemed stacked against us, when temptations seem to attack our heart parcel on every side, we do not turn and run, but stand in the midst of it to deliver it from the hands of the enemy by the grace and power of God.
Single-Minded Focus
"They were not of double heart" - completely committed to their purpose
Unwavering Commitment
Not turning back when circumstances become difficult
Standing Firm
Not running from overwhelming temptations but standing to deliver through God's grace
"Men of Might"
1Ch 12:8 And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains"
These were men of might or power. This power did not come from within. It was the power of God upon which they depended. They could not perform such incredible feats without Him. So the Christian warrior must realize that his strength and victories will lie, not within himself, but upon his dependancy on Christ. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" John 1:12. We must be warriors of His might!
Divine Power Source
Their might came not from within but from God
Complete Dependence
Incredible feats were only possible through divine power
Christ-Empowered Victory
"To them gave he power to become the sons of God" (John 1:12)
"Faces Like Lions"
In describing the courage of these men, the writer uses the lion, a fitting symbol of Jesus himself. "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion." Proverbs 28:1. Courage is a vital part of the character of God's mighty men today. We must be warriors of incredible courage. Love and hope must burn even in the presence of apparent defeat. We boldly face the most lion-like of temptations. And though temptation may at times seem certain to devour us, as certain as if a man were to face a lion on a snowy day in a pit, we may with lion-faced fierceness, slay the lion, by God's grace, keeping our footing even on uninviting ground.
Lion-Like Courage
"The righteous are bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1)
Unwavering Hope
Love and hope burn even in apparent defeat
Facing Fierce Temptations
Boldly confronting even the most overwhelming challenges
Divine Victory
Slaying the lion by God's grace, even on uninviting ground
"Swift as Roes"
These mighty men were also characterized by agility. Where others may be liable to fall and stumble, especially on uneven ground, these were always able to keep their footing. Jesus promises to us, "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever." Jude 24. It is through God, that we may become swift as roes upon the mountainsides.
"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever." Jude 24
Spiritual Agility
Maintaining spiritual footing even on difficult terrain
Divine Support
God keeps us from falling when we depend on Him
Mountain Climbers
Through God we become "swift as roes upon the mountains"
These lessons are given to inspire us in our spiritual warfare against self. Christ, is thirsting for a drink from the wells of our hearts. Who will go out and break through the ranks of self to satisfy His thirst? Who will boldly approach self, and fearlessly plow through his ranks? We must be the ones. Let us satisfy the thirst of our Lord. Let us become mighty men and women for the Him.
United Purpose
Turning our hearts from darkness to light
Lion-Like Courage
Boldly facing our greatest temptations
Divine Power
Depending on Christ's strength, not our own
Keeping Rank
Advancing together with fellow believers
Single Heart
Unwavering commitment to Christ
Spiritual Agility
Maintained by God's keeping power
Christ thirsts for a drink from the wells of our hearts. Will we break through the ranks of self to satisfy His thirst? Let us become His mighty warriors today.