Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter. Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty warriors, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammi for battle. Then the Israelites retreated, but Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.
2 Samuel 23: 8-10
Background
The beginning of this chapter chronicles David’s 37 mighty warriors. Read the whole chapter. The warrior’s exploits are crazy. Over the years I’ve read this passage numerous times to both my boys and girls. I’ve read this passage to my children to expand their faith. I’ve read this passage many more times by myself to expand my faith. The warriors step into danger and odds that made no sense. These guys weren’t making decisions to live a long life and build their retirement savings. They weren’t playing it safe. They likely weren’t motivated by a paycheck. They were motivated by a much higher calling…
These men were the physical glue that God used to establish and sustain David’s kingdom. But their substance went much deeper than what could be observed from the outside. They also demonstrated a ferociousness of character on the inside.
During this chapter we learn that 3 of the warriors came down to visit David at the cave of Adullam, while he was hiding out from the Philistines. During this visit the warriors heard that David was longing for a drink from the water near the Bethlehem gate. They broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well and returned to David.
Earlier in 2 Samuel we learned about the character of the #37 mighty warrior – Uriah the Hittite. You might remember that Uriah’s wife was Bathsheba, the woman that David summoned to his quarters after watching her bathe from his roof. David tried to hide the fact that he impregnated her by summoning Uriah back from battle for a few days in the hope they would have sexual relations. David’s plan didn’t work. David asked Uriah “Haven’t you just come from a military campaign? Why didn’t you go home?” Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my commander Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!”
These were the type of guys you wanted in your inner circle.
Reflections
While the mighty men’s physical exploits are beyond impressive, it is important to remind ourselves that the exploits that will be most admired by God are those that are centered on wrecking havoc in the spiritual realm. He is looking for men to sell out for the pursuit of righteousness. He is looking for men to advocate for protecting the needy and poor. He is looking for men to unabashedly share the gospel. He is looking for men to step up and be spiritual leaders in their family. He is looking for men to make it a practice to build spiritual disciplines into their lives. He is looking for men to live faithfully.
If we pursue Him and ask the Holy Spirit to do a work in our hearts He will change us. I promise. Let’s join the 37 with a laser focus on a higher calling. Let’s pursue a legacy that goes much deeper than our accumulation of wealth or leisure or entertainment. Let’s be the kind of guys that if God needs an advocate to wipe a tear; feed the hungry; encourage the inconsolable; comfort the widow or take care of an orphan, our names register at the top of the heavenly list of “go to guys”.
Lord, please continue to change my heart and mind so that I can become that guy. I need you to do a work. You are more than able.
What if we spent more time planning for our heavenly rewards than for our earthly pleasures?
What if by making a decision to pursue Him with reckless abandon Satan quaked in disappointment about our engagement?
What if we realized that God can change us regardless of our background and past separation from him?
What if... 