Being a Mighty Man

INTRO

I love this chapter of Scripture because it allows us to look at David’s mighty men and learn what it means for us to be mighty men for God. David Livingstone was a missionary and an incredible man of God. When people asked if Livingstone had found a good road into his area so they could send men to work under and learn from him, Livingstone replied, “If you have men who will come only if they know there is a good road, I don’t want them.” A mighty man of God is not looking for a paved road or attractive path. Instead, a mighty man of God will create his own path, unconcerned for his own safety, because he knows God has called him to the path.

TEACHING

1 Chronicles 11:1–3: David’s Anointing. All Israel (the remnant) came to David at Hebron. They recognized how he had led them in battle and how God had anointed him to rule over Israel (vv. 1-2; Psalm 78:70-72). The representatives of the remaining tribes came together and made a covenant with David in God’s presence, making David the king over all Israel, not just Judah (v. 3). These verses state the fulfillment of God’s anointing of David found in 1 Samuel 16 (2 Samuel 5:1-3).

1 Chronicles 11:4-9: David’s Conquest of Jerusalem. David led Israel to march in the city of Jerusalem (also called Jebus). Although the residents there thought David would never be able to enter Jerusalem, he captured the city (vv. 4-5). As they entered the city, David said that whoever was mighty enough to first kill one of the inhabitants of the city would become his chief commander. Joab was the first and became the chief (v. 6). In this process, David released the anointing, the covering, in his life so people could walk in it. Joab walked into what David had been called to do. Joab aligned himself with that anointing, by walking beside David. It makes us wonder how that motivation for Joab was passed on to others. Interestingly, Joab was the son of Zeruiah, David’s sister (1 Chronicles 2:15), so Joab was David’s nephew. The city of David was located along the Kidron Valley, below Mount Moriah where the temple was later built (2 Chronicles 3:1). Zion referred to the entire area of Jerusalem—the city of David, the temple mount, and the entire city of Jerusalem (Isaiah 28:16). It was also the site of the Jebusite citadel located on the southeastern hill (v. 7). Note that these terms: city of David, Jerusalem, and Zion, were used interchangeably. David built up around the city, and Joab restored the rest of it (v. 8). As David grew in power, the Lord was with him (v. 9).

1 Chronicles 11:10-47: David’s Mighty Men. The Hebrew word for “mighty” means strong or mighty and emphasizes excellence or unusual quality. In verse 10, David’s mighty men were introduced. Throughout the Old Testament, the term “mighty” was used to express excellence: for the strength of a lion (Proverbs 30:30); for good and bad men (1 Chronicles 19:8); for “giants” (Genesis 6:4); for angels (Psalm 103:20), and for God (Deuteronomy 10:17). Beginning in verse 11, the mighty men were introduced, and their accomplishments were recorded—Joab was the commander, and Jashobeam was the chief of the 30 mighty men who killed 300 men at one time (v. 11). Three specific warriors worked together for David—Eleazar (v. 12), Josheb-basshebeth (2 Samuel 23:8), and Shammah (2 Samuel 23:11-12). Verses 13-14 explain that David and Eleazar fought together against the Philistines and were given a great victory.

I think David was given mighty men because he fought in the field beside them. Leaders have to be willing to jump in and do whatever it takes to be victorious. And can you imagine the relationship between David and Eleazar after they fought together against the Philistine army?

These three of the 30 chief men went to David at the rock of the cave of Adullam while the Philistines were in Bethlehem (vv. 15–16). David was thirsty for water from the well in Bethlehem, so the three mighty men snuck into Bethlehem to get water for him (vv. 17–18a). But David refused to drink the water and, instead, poured it out for the Lord (v. 18b). David’s reason for doing this is found in verse 19; he could not accept that refreshment because his men had risked their lives solely for his comfort.

Abishai, Joab’s brother, was listed as the commander of the 30 mighty men (vv. 20–21). Benaiah was then listed with his mighty exploits (vv. 22–24). Benaiah was then identified as the most honored of the 30 who was set over David’s bodyguard (v. 25). In verses 26-47, the rest of the mighty men were listed, including Bethsheba’s husband, Uriah the Hittite (v. 41).

CLOSING

What would it take to be a mighty man (or woman) for God? Stephen Cole suggests five characteristics David’s mighty men shared.¹These principles can be applied to all of us today—men and women.

1. A commitment to God so strong to be able to overcome any odds with faith (2 Samuel 23:8-12, 18, 21).
2. A commitment to God so strong to be able to endure exhaustion (2 Samuel 23:8, 10).
3. A commitment to God so strong to be able to ignore the opinion of the majority and stand alone in order to fulfill the role God has given (2 Samuel 23:10).
4. A commitment to God so strong to have the strength and wisdom to take the initiative (2 Samuel 23:9-12).
5. A commitment to God so strong to be able to risk one’s own life for the cause (Matthew 10:38-39).

The mighty men of David surrounded him, protected him, fought with him, and helped him fulfill his calling. Jesus had His mighty men as well—the 12 disciples, even though one of them lost his way. The Apostle Paul had his as well—Timothy, Barnabas, John Mark, Silas, Erastus, and Luke.

The question for us is whether we are so committed that we’re ready to take on any odds, to continue on past exhaustion, to be able to ignore other opinions to follow God, to have the strength and wisdom to take the initiative, and to be willing to risk our own lives for God’s call (Matthew 10:38).