David’s mighty men are famous throughout history. There was The Thirty and there was The Three. Remember, these mighty men were formed from a ragtag band of misfit, rebellious followers. Or if they came from other tribes as some did, they had to lead the ragtag band of misfit malcontents. :
“All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him” (1 Sam 22:2).
So what separated David’s mighty men from other great and noble soldiers and warriors? The difference was that when everyone else left the battlefield, they stayed and fought. Not only thought but they fought with such ferocity that hundreds were defeated.
“Jashobeam son of Hachmoni was chif of the Thirty; he wielded his spear against 300 and killed them at one time” (1 Chr 11:11).
“After him Eleazer son of Dodo…was with David… the troops had fled from the Philistines. But Eleazar and David took their stand in the middle of the field and defended it. They killed the Philistines and the LORD gave them a great victory” (1 Chr 11:12-14).
“Abishai, Joab’s brother, was the leader of the Three. He raised his spear against 300 men and killed them, gaining a reputation among the Three” (1 Chr 11:20).
These were extraordinary acts of stamina and physical strength. Battles were hand to hand combat. The physical exertion was extraordinary. That took a dedication of training.
But more than that the mighty men of David stood their ground when others left. They faced their enemies when severely outnumbered. And they never backed down. The knew the cause they were fighting for and were prepared to die even when their own buddies scattered.
It came down to courage. When everyone else was leaving the battle field, what were you going to do? These are the men who stayed, even when most everyone else fled. They ran to the battle, not from it. And when others gave up hope, they were willing to die for hope to persist.
The world needs a lot more courage these days. Not to go fight and kill and destroy, but to stand firmly for Jesus and the truth and love of God’s Word, without compromise.
