Israel’s Three Musketeers
A good Friday as we begin a holiday weekend. I was able to get some work done around the house and then had several appointments this afternoon. The last one gave some potential for a pending contract for my government affairs work. When it comes through, it will be one the “good out of bad” outcomes from my health crisis.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…Ā “These are the names of Davidās warriors: Josheb-Basshebeth…was head of the Three. He killed eight hundred men at one time. Next was Eleazar…one of the three soldiers who were with David when they challenged the Philistines. The Philistines were gathered for battle, and the Israelites drew back.Ā But Eleazar stayed where he was and fought the Philistines until he was so tired his hand stuck to his sword. The Lord gave a great victory for the Israelites that day….Ā Next there was Shammah…The Philistines came together to fight in a vegetable field. Israelās troops ran away from the Philistines,Ā but Shammah stood in the middle of the field and fought for it and killed the Philistines. And the Lord gave a great victory.” 2 Samuel 23:8-12 NCV
In David’s day, war with surrounding nations was as regular as a sports season. The strength and ability of a countries army provided for safety, protection and claiming the territory the Lord had promised His people. One of David’s “sins” was taking a census of Israel. This displeased the Lord because victory was not dependent upon the number of men, but he favor and strength of the Lord. However, we find that the number of men qualified for military service numbered about 1,300,000.
However the strength of the army was found in a select few of men. Mighty warriors. There was an elite and brave group of three and a highly trained and successful group of 37. These men and their leaders are mentioned by name in 2 Samuel 23.
When we look at the exploits of the three we notice that they were brave, skilled and victorious. One single-handily killed 800 in one battle. Two of them are mentioned as standing their ground when everyone else ran. It was these three men who sneaked into the town of Bethlehem, risking their lives to get David water from the well of his home town. David realizing their sacrifice and bravery poured out the water as a sacrifice to the Lord.
As we look at the lives and exploits of these men there are some lessons for us in our spiritual life. In Ephesians, Paul uses a military metaphor as he discussed the “armor of God.” He says, “…put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”Ā Ā Ā Ā (Eph. 6:13 NIV)
Success in the battle comes from “standing your ground.” We see that in the exploits of these three warriors. There are those who will run in fear, but the strong remain. Solomon said, “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!“Ā (Prov. 24:10 NIV)
You will find that times of trouble and testing will result in you being…defeated…or defined by the conflict or determined to stand your ground and overcome.
Success in the battle comes from clinging to your sword. It is said of Eleazar that he held to his sword so tight that it became “one with his hand.” Paul related the Christian “warrior’s” sword to the “Word of God.” To be victorious in our spiritual life, we must fight with God’s Word and hold tight to God’s Word.
Success in battle comes from the Lord. As brave and skilled as David’s famous three warriors were, we see they were successful because the Lord honored their efforts. As a young warrior David understood this. He said to Goliath, “…Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord‘s…” (1 Sam 17:47 ESV) As Moses and God’s people stood on the banks of the Red Sea with Pharaoh in hot pursuit, he told them, “Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.” (Deu. 3:22) Those who were successful, understood that the Lord was on their side. Unless the Lord builds, labors with us, and fights for us, we build, labor and fight in vain. (Psa. 127)
In our spiritual lives the Lord gives us the weapons and the courage to be victorious, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Cor. 10:4 NLT) We can be assured of victory in our life as we stand our ground, cling toĀ God’s Word and rely on the Lord’s strength and faithfulness.