Sunday, November 1, 2015

II Samuel 23: Never Underestimate The Power Of An Individual

David is one of the central figures in the Bible. In fact, he serves as an archetype (the original pattern, model, or prototype) of the promised Messiah. It is hard to overstate his influence in scripture and subsequent history. Likewise, we must also understand that David didn't accomplish everything he did alone. In addition to the Lord, David had significant help from other key individuals, who are credited in II Samuel 23.
Verses 1-7 describe "the last words of David," although there will be more to come of  his story and speech to follow in this book and in the next. Perhaps what is recorded here are the words that David wished to be remembered for. In this epitaph, he describes himself as the anointed of the God of Jacob and the favorite of the Strong One of Israel.  David sees himself as a just ruler and benevolent king, one whose reign will be eternally protected by God's everlasting covenant with his descendants (vs. 5).  In contrast, the godless are merely temporary (vs. 7).

David's helpers are then described in the rest of the chapter. His "mighty men of valor" include
  • Josheb-basshebeth - the Chief of the Three; speared 800 enemies at one time
  • Eleazar - one of the Three; stood his ground in battle and single-handedly defeated the Philistines
  • Shammah - one of the Three; stood his ground in a field of lentils and defended it successfully after the army fled
These three warriors shared a notorious adventure in heeding David's request for a drink from the well of Bethlehem at a time when it was under the control of the Philistines. They broke through the line and returned
with a drink of water for David, who then poured it to the Lord as an offering in honor of their courage (vs. 13-17).
  • Abishai, Joab's brother - the Chief of the Thirty and most renowned among them; speared 300 enemies
  • Benaiah - renowned among the Thirty; struck down two sons of Arial of Moab and killed an Egyptian with his own spear, also killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day
  • The rest of the Thirty are mentioned in verses 24 through 39, including Uriah the Hittite
Each of these men played an important part in the kingdom.  Never underestimate the power of an individual!

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