Men of Valor: David’s Mighty Men

by David Chadwick

David’s mighty men. They were a group of 30 or so men found 2 Samuel 23 (some scholars think there could have been as many as 37).

We have already learned about his inner circle, Eleazer, Shammah and Jashobeam. But there were more mighty men who served David, somewhere around 30 or so.

These mighty men fiercely loved and cared for their king. These were King David’s most fierce and loyal soldiers. They were true “men of valor.”

The most respected of all of David’s soldiers, these 30 or so men were most likely chosen by David for their bravery, courage, skill, and loyalty to him.

Amidst the larger army of King David, which undoubtedly numbered in the thousands, these 30 or so were like Seal Team 6. Special forces. Green Berets. The best of the best. The strongest and bravest of them all.

I love how David’s ministry was a glimpse of what Jesus’s ministry would look like. Jesus fulfilled his mission as the greatest King. Much like David, he had his inner circle of 3, his 12 disciples, and 70 whom he sent out, and the masses. Different layers of his relationships had different purposes.

In war, sometimes a large army is needed to succeed. However, there are other times when a smaller, powerful group of warriors can do more damage. A team of smaller numbers is sometimes needed to infiltrate a place and destroy an enemy with quick precision. That was the case with David’s mighty men.

David had 3. And 30 or so. And thousands. All were necessary for David to be strong and victorious.

Take note of David’s keen organizational mind. He strategically knew how to assimilate his army at several levels for whatever means necessary. He knew what it took to win the different kinds of battles he had to face.

You’ve heard me say it before and I will say it again. The world needs more mighty men of valor!

Men, it’s time to rise up and take your place in history to support the greatest King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His name is Jesus! Our Commander and Chief, the Lord of all the angel armies as well.

Men of Valor: Benaiah

by David Chadwick

Benaiah is our next man of valor. Found in 2 Samuel 23:20 and 1 Chronicles 27:5, he was the son of Jehoiada, a leader in David’s army, and one of David’s most trusted advisors.

Much like many of our previously studied characters, he, too, is specifically called a “man of valor.”

Every great leader needs trusted advisors around him or her. People who can see things that the leader can’t see. Those who know things the leader doesn’t know. People who have different strengths and insights into what is going on and can give sage counsel to the leader to help him or her make wise decisions.

Benaiah was known for his bravery, strength, and loyalty. With only a club in his hand, he defeated an Egyptian giant with a spear who was on a mission to destroy Israel. Some think Benaiah was the most feared warrior in David’s army.

He was able to dismantle the giant’s attack, take the spear away from the giant, and kill him with it. Go read his story and take note of his courage and skill! Against seemingly insurmountable odds, he reigned victorious!  We all can accomplish anything with God’s supernatural strength.

Leaders like King David need greatly gifted people around them who don’t want to usurp him and be king! They need people who will join them in the fight and be loyal no matter what.

Interestingly, Benaiah was very helpful in passing on David’s reign to King Solomon. He remained loyal to David and Solomon. From all accounts provided, it seems that he simply loved the nation of Israel and wanted to see it prosper. He knew the best way that could happen was by serving and supporting a healthy and wise king.

He executed several of Solomon’s enemies upon Solomon’s orders, including Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei. He also served as the head of Solomon’s army. Fierce loyalty would describe him.

As you’ve heard me say before, all leaders need a friend like this!

And the world needs more men of valor like him as well.

Men of Valor: Shammah

by David Chadiwck

Did you know that in Ezekiel 48:35, God encourages Ezekiel, as Jerusalem is in ruins and God’s people await the rebuilding of the temple, that the name of the city would be Jehovah Shammah? It means “the Lord is there.”

Shammah. It is a powerful name! A name that is mentioned several times in the Bible. In the face of desolation, this name should remind each of us of God’s ever present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). But it also reminds us of friends who are always there for us, as Shammah was for David.

In Shammah’s story, he is also called “a man of valor.” Isn’t it incredible how many times this phrase shows up in Scripture? Shammah, along with Jashobeam and Eleazar, was another one of David’s three mighty men.

As the Philistines attacked the Israelites, the Jews were overwhelmed by the battle and retreated. Has that ever happened to you? Sometimes, the fight can feel so intense and overwhelming. Victory seems elusive. The enemy tempts us to retreat and back down! But Shammah was not one of those people. He did not take Satan’s bait.

Instead, Shammah courageously resisted the temptation to back down in the face of his enemies. He stood alone against the troop of Philistines and defeated them himself in a field full of lentils! He single-handedly defeated his opponents.

Many scholars feel that Shammah was motivated to fight with such ferocity because the lentil field was a reminder of what sustained his wife and family. Some think Shammah owned a home on a lentil field. As he stood in the midst of the very sustenance he needed to care daily for those he loved most, many believe he felt a supernatural motivation to fight for his king and for his family.

Men of valor fight for their families. They are protectors. They create safety and security for those around them. They live with the future in mind and seek to establish hope in the midst of hopelessness. May all men be like Shammah!

This world certainly needs more men of valor. For you men reading this today, step up and become one of them!