2 Samuel 23 David's Lasting Influence

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Friday night's lesson part 4

2 Samuel 23:8-39 David's Lasting Influence

 SO first I am going to list out the mighty men and pretty much cliff note the stuff they did.  Then we'll go back and cover a couple of points.

David's Mighty Men
"The three Musketeers" - these three are referred to as "the three," and they often acted together. Verse 23:13 mention "three of the thirty cheif men." I am going to assume that is these three, for arguments sake. If I am wrong, feel free to let me know.

1. Josheb-basshebeth, “chief of the three”
   a. killed 800 men at one time with his spear
2. Eleazar, “next to him (Josh.) in the three”
   a. with David against the Philistines, when Israel fled
   b. struck them down until his hand was tired and it clung to his sword
3. Shammah, “next to him (Eleazar)”
   a. took his stand in a field of lentils, struck down all the Philistines there

The next three men mentioned, it is said, "did not attain to the three." While they did might acts, and were in positions of greatness, they operated separately from the "Three Musketeers." 

1. Abishai, brother of Joab, “chief of the thirty”
   a. killed 300 men with his spear
   b. commander of the thirty, “the most renowned”
2. Benaiah, “doer of great deeds”
   a. struck down two ariels of Moab (the definition of ariel is unclear. My research revels that it literally means “lion of God,” but is also used to refer to a brave chief.)
   b. struck down a lion in a pit on a snowy day
   c. killed a “handsome Egyptian” with his own spear
   d. David set him over the bodyguard (well yeah!)
3. and then there is a list:

^"Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, Shammah of Harod, Elika of Harod,  Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh of Tekoa, Abiezer of Anathoth, Mebunnai the Hushathite, Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai of Netophah, Heleb the son of Baanah of Netophah, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the people of Benjamin, Benaiah of Pirathon, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash, Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth of Bahurim, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite, Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai of Maacah, Eliam the son of Ahithophel of Gilo, Hezro of Carmel, Paarai the Arbite, Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.^"

^{Victory in the Lord}

• Here we have listed men who did great things and fought in great battles. But the Bible is careful to repeat twice this verse: "And the Lord brought about a great victory that day." (2 Sam 23:10, 12) Despite these men's talents and actions, the victory was always in the Lord. Proverbs 21:31 states, "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord." These men had to practice and plan strategies just like we have to prepare for our various daily responsibilities. But they realized that the victory did not depend on their preparation, but on the greatness of the Lord.

David and The Three at Adullam (verses 13-17)

• David was encamped at Adullam, while the Philistines were encamped in Bethlehem. "And David said longingly, 'Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate.'" The three burst through the Philistine army to bring back a cup of the water for which David longed. However, his heart struck by the sacrifice the men risked to being him such a simple wish, David was unable to drink the water, and poured it out to the Lord. 
• "Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?" (verse 17) The fact that David's men were willing to risk their lives just so that David could have water from Bethlehem is a profound thing, indeed. Not only did their returning alive most likely give the men hope that Bethlehem could be reclaimed, but their loyalty and devotion to David reflects the type of king David was. In the movie, Remember the Titans, Gary, the captain of the football team, scolds Julius for his selfish attitude. Julius returns with the statement that "Attitude reflects leadership." The attitude of the three toward their leader and the obstacle set before them reflects the devotion David showed to the Lord, and the mercy, discernment, and integrity that resulted from that devotion. 
• David's devotion in return is evident in his reaction when they return with the water. Obviously, he didn't actually expect anyone to bring him water. I am sure it seemed like a menial desire when one's people are at battle. But the bravery and devotion of his men touches him so, that he would not think of taking their sacrifice for granted. 

 David's lasting influence on his nation and the people around him is evident in the men who chose to follow him and the bravery and faith his own actions inspired.
  
How do David's men reflect the influence we have on others around us?