David's special warriors

2 Samuel Chapter 23

Verses 1 through 7 are David's praise words to the Lord. He speaks of his family being a chosen one and he speaks of a righteous ruler and this will be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

David's mightiest men are named: Jashobeam the Hacomite was his commander of the THREE, of the three greatest warriors. He killed eight hundred men in a single battle. Next was Eleazar son of Dodai who stood with David against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army had fled. He killed Philistines until his hand was too tired to lift his sword. Next was Shammah son of Agee from Hrar. Once the Philistines attacked the Israelites in a field of lentils and the Israelites fled, but Shammah held his ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines.

Once during harvest time, David was at the cave of Adullam and the Philistine army was camped in the valley. The THREE (who were among the thirty- an elite group of fighting men)went to meet David. The Philistines had occupied Bethlehem and David expressed his longing for some water from the well in Bethlehem. The THREE broke through Philistine lines to get water for David. But he refused it and poured it out before the Lord. He told them the water was a precious as the blood of those who risked their lives to bring it to him.

Abishai son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, was the leader of the THIRTY. He used his spear to kill three hundred warriors in a single battle. He became as famous as the THREE and was the most famous of the THIRTY.

There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada from Kabzeel. He killed two of Moab's mightiest warriors and another time chased a lion into a pit and killed it. Another time, armed only with a club, he killed a great Egyptian warrior who had a spear.Benaiah was more honored than other members of the THIRTY and David made him commander of his bodyguard.

Verses 24 though 39 list all the other members of the THIRTY.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: In order to be a member of David's elite fighting groups, a man had to show unparalleled courage in battle as well as wisdom in leadership. The THIRTY actually contained 37 names, but mentions some of the warriors were dead and new members replaced them.

David poured the water on the ground as an offering to God because he was so moved by the sacrifice it represented. David would not drink this water that represented the lives of his soldiers.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? The mention of so many warriors reminds me of the men and women we have in the military today. Can you imagine the sacrifices they make for us? Can you pray for them that they will come home safely and not have to face the kind of battles that David's men did? Can you understand that though they may not face hand-to-hand combat like the THIRTY, our military men face other obstacles and the psychological stress is every bit as bad as physical combat? If you understand these questions, I ask that you pray for every one of our military forces that put their lives on the line for us each day. Ask the Lord to watch over them and protect them and keep them from harm.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, and Arlene’s nephew David. Update on Lori: she sheds her back brace soon and can drive. She thanks God for healing her. Please continue to pray for her during recovery. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home from the hospital and having rehab for the paralysis on one side of her body. Continue to pray for her recovery.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: She has shed the feeding tube and is taking formula on her own! But breathing problems are still with her, though improving all the time. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. She has been moved to a St. Louis hospital.
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake,those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.