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2 Samuel 23:8–38
These are the names of the mighty men whom David had… (v. 8a).
The author of 2 Samuel here gives us a list of some of the valiant warriors God raised up to come alongside David and help him in his wars and the establishment of his kingdom. “Those worthies…were instrumental to bring David to the crown, settle and protect him in the throne, and enlarge his conquests,” Matthew Henry explains. “Those that in public stations venture themselves, and lay out themselves, to serve the interests of their country, are worthy of double honor, both to be respected by those of their own age and to be remembered by posterity.”
These “mighty men” are listed in three ranks:
The first three are the men of the most spectacular exploits of war (though none of their exploits is mentioned in the books of Samuel, which keep the focus on David). The author is quick to remind us, however, that even when these men were at their most heroic, “the Lord brought about a great victory” (vv. 10, 12). They were tools in God’s hands to bless God’s people. But they were were devoted to David. Once, when David was in the wilderness and warring with the Philistines, he made a passing comment motivated by homesickness: “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem.” Hearing him, the three (or three others) fought through the Philistine lines to fetch water from the well as an act of self-sacrificial love for their king. David was overwhelmed by the gesture and refused to drink the water, pouring it out as an act of worship and a demonstration that he valued the lives of his men highly.
The second three are headed by Joab’s brother Abishai. Also in the group is Benaiah, head of David’s guard, the Cherethites and Pelethites (1 Sam. 30:14). No third man is named, but it may be Joab himself, though he is usually given prominence over Abishai. Finally, we have a group of “thirty.” This term may not be literal, but may designate a unit, for 31 are named here, and even more are listed in the corresponding passage in 1 Chronicles 11:10–47. Strikingly, the list includes Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba’s husband, whom David had slain. His presence in this list is a reminder to David of at least one occasion when he was not protective of the lives of his men and not appreciative of God’s gift of a mighty warrior.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
All the good soldiers of Jesus Christ have their names better preserved than even these worthies have, for they are written in heaven, Henry notes. But we must not forget that our names are not written there because of our valiant deeds. On this Christmas Day, let us celebrate our Mighty Man, the Lord Jesus, who has won the battle for us.
For Further Study
- 2 Cor. 2:14
- Eph. 4:7–10
- Phil. 4:3
- Rev. 13:8