1 Chronicles 11 - David's Mighty Men

by Katrina

LINK: 1 Chronicles 11
parallel passage 2 Samuel 23

BACKGROUND
The rest of 1 Chronicles is a review of David's reign as King over Israel. The author focuses more on spiritual aspects of David's life and omits his sin with Bathsheba.

In chapter 11 we have a list of David's "mighty men" and some of their feats. David began gathering men around him when he was on the run from Saul and continued through his reign.

There are three men in the first list.

• Jashobeam (also called Josheb-Basshebeth and Adino) - chief of the captains in David's army
• Eleazar fought against the Philistines. While many soldiers retreated, he continued fighting until he couldn't unwrap his hand from his sword.
• Shammah fought against the Philistines and won with the help of the Lord, while everyone else ran away in fear.

There is another group of three whose names aren't given. During a battle, David expressed his desire to drink from the well in Bethlehem, and these three men traveled twelve miles, crossed enemy lines to get water from the well for him. When they presented the water to David, he didn't see just water in the cup, but saw the blood of the men who risked their lives to get it for him. He poured the water out as an offering to the Lord.

Next are two men - Abishai and Benaiah. Abishai was David's nephew, as well as the brother of Joab and Asahel. When Abner killed Asahel, Joab and Abishai avenged the death by killing Abner. Abishai also offered to kill Saul for David and to kill Shimei when he cursed David.

Benaiah's major feats are recorded here. He fought valiantly and was loyal to the house of David. He supported Solomon's succession to the throne, and Solomon made Benaiah the head of his army.

The remainder of the chapter lists the 30 mighty men. I'll comment on just one of them. Uriah the Hittite was the husband of Bathsheba. It is tragic that David had one of his very best warriors murdered in an effort to cover up his own sin. The account of those events can be found in 2 Samuel 11.


REFLECTION
David's story is told in great detail in scripture. It is told in 2 Samuel and again here in 1 Chronicles. But David didn't win all his battles and accomplish great things and build up a nation by himself. The Lord is often given credit for accomplishing his work throught David. But in this chapter, the men who helped David the most are recognized for their efforts. No man can be a great leader by himself. He has to have supporters behind him. He has to have valiant warriors and wise advisors.

APPLICATION
Most of us have not been placed by God in a position of great leadership in the church. However, we can be strong supporters of those who are. Are you a valiant warrior for the gospel? Do you support the work of your local church? Are you an active participant or just a bystander? Let's fight the good fight and finish well.

PRAYER
Lord, help us to be valiant warriors for you, so that one day you will say to us, "Well, done, my good and faithful servant." In the name of Jesus, amen.