AS A LEADER, DAVID WAS JOINED BY MIGHTY MEN OF VALOR Although the tribes of the North only joined David several years after the death of Saul, yet the book does mention that, probably on account of that the author takes it for granted that the reader has a complete, and a clear knowledge of what came in the previous books of history; hence he only mentioned the events that realize the goal of the book. He did not mention the events through which David passed before he sat on the throne, nor the long war between him and Saul; or the events from Saul’s death until all the tribes came to join David. He did not mention the coming of the men of Judah to anoint David a king on the house of Judah (2 Samuel 2: 4), until all the rest of the tribes of Israel came to anoint David a king (2 Samuel 5); but only wrote to show the importance of the worship of God by clear spiritual mind. The author began his talk about the kingdom of David when all the tribes gathered together in Hebron to seek him as a king. According to the author, there is no separation between the unity of Israel with all the tribes together, and reigning David a king; For David appeared as a king who cares for the whole people in a magnificent way, befitting of David, whom the prophet Samuel anointed, and whom the Spirit of God dwelt (1 Samuel 16: 13); when he was anointed a king over all Israel, and not on the tribe of Judah alone. 1-The enthronement of David, the man of God, a king 1 - 3 2- The need for Jerusalem to be a capital of the kingdom 4 - 9 3- A leader setting leaders 10 - 47 a- Jashobeam 11 b- Eleazar the son of Dodo 12 - 14 c- Three men in Adullam 15 - 19 d- Abishai the brother of Joab 20 - 21 e- Benaiah the son of Jehoiada 22 - 25 f- Zelek the Ammonite 39 g- Ithmah the Moabite 46 – 47 1- THE ENTHRONMENT OF DAVID, THE MAN OF GOD, A KING: What came in this chapter is quoted from the second book of Samuel, but the author disregarded what came in the first four chapters. He did not refer to the short reign of Ish-bosheth; not to the troubles of Abnir, and how Joab stretched his hand to kill him; but the author entered directly to the gathering together in Hebron -- the first capital of David before he took over Jerusalem – to proclaim hi a king. He, instead showed the whole Israel as one unit. While the second book of Samuel presents to us in some detail how the prophet David got the royal throne; the book of the Chronicles only confirms that it is God who brought David to the throne, using many for that goal, even some of the tribe of Benjamin, the brethren of king Saul. God, in control of history, turns all issues for thhe edification of his people, without forcing anyone to move against his will. Yes, indeed, many have attempted to hinder the work of God and His plan toward His believers But God turns, even evil to good; as it happened with Joseph the son of Jacob, to whom God turned the evil of his brothers into good for them and for Egypt. “Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron, saying: ‘Indeed we are your bone and your flesh” (1) The book did not refer to a previous era of history, of making David a king on Judah in Hebron for seven and a half years, but it begins with the gathering together of all the tribes to enthrone him a king on all Israel; for God, and the divine inspiration looks at Israel as one nation formed of twelve tribes, on which David was enthroned a king, based on the following points: 1- His relationship with them, as they said: “Indeed we are your bones and your flesh” (1), boasting their connection to him. The Son of David, on the other hand, came Himself to us and made us His bone and flesh; which the apostle confirms, saying: “For we are members of His body, of His flesh and His bones” (Ephesians 5: 30). The Lord Christ presented Himself an example; as in His union with the church His bride, according to St. Augustine, He left the Father, emptied Himself of glories, and took the form of a servant (Philippians 2: 7), although He remains One with the Father in essence without separation. He, as well, left His mother , namely, the Jewish people, from whom He took the body through the Jewish St. Mary, to become one body with His bride. 2- For the sake of His behavior; refraining from stretching his hand to Saul who did his best to get rid of him. His love for his opponents drew them to him. According to St. Augustine, addressing the catechumens approaching baptism: [Love is the only sign distinguishing the sons of God from those of the devil. Let us adopt the feature of the cross of Jesus Christ; … Let us all have the seal of baptism;… Let us all come to the church to build the walls of Jerusalem]. 3- That was not realized by a human power, but according to the word of the Lord on the tongue of the prophet Samuel, who anointed Him through a command of the Lord (1 Samuel 16: 13). Now he was anointed a second time. “Also in time past, even when Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the Lord your God said to you: ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over my people Israel” (2) The command was issued by the Lord Himself. David as a king, occupied their hearts even before being enthroned, when Saul was a king. It is not the throne that made David a king, But it is God Himself who so made him, when he was still a boy long time ago. What came in this book as a whole, and in this chapter in particular, consummate what came concerning David in the books of Samuel and the kings. What came in those books probably presented David as a man of faith, with strong personality, courage and exalted works by the Lord; But in the present book, David is presented as a godly man who loves worshipping the living temple. In the previous books, we see David the saint and the sinner; yet faithful in dedicating his heart and all his depths to God. Actually the two portraits of the person of David in the previous books and in the present one, are not contradictory, but one and integral portrait. The book here did not refer to the short and failed period of the reign of Ishbosheth, passing directly to the enthronement of David a king. The second book of Samuel presented many details about how David reached authority; how God used the efforts of many, even of the family of Saul. But what the present book here is that it is God Himself who controls the events, and consummates everything according to His will. Despite Saul’s attempts to annul or to hinder the divine plan to give the throne to David, Yet God, who controls history, and cares for His people, executed His purpose in the proper time. “Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord. Then they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord by Samuel” (3) Here he confirms that the enthronement of David was not a matter of chance, nor the fruit of the ability of David, but according to the plan and the grace of God; bound to a divine promise proclaimed to David, while still a boy shepherding his father’s sheep. David reigned on Judah seven and a half years before being enthroned on all Israel, taking over Jerusalem; and after twenty years from his anointment by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16: 1 -13). Every thing for God has its fixed time. The divine promise was realized despite the difficulties David faced, that the promise seemed to be impossible to realize; and some even assumed that God’s mercies have forsaken him; yet appeared in the proper time. David’s troubles were allowed by God, to let him experience truly the love, care, and wisdom of God. 2- THE NEED FOR JERUSALEM AS A CAPITAL: As all the tribes came together to enjoy David as king, there was the urgent need for a capital that befits the new nation. Taking over Jerusalem, and making it a capital has been a wise movement by David and his men; as Jerusalem is close to the boundaries between the northern and the southern tribes, and is considered an active factor in the unity of the tribes together, with no stirring up of feelings of envy and jealousy between them. Jerusalem, being indeed the heart and the center of the people, was the proper location to establish the temple of the Lord, that represents the divine presence among the whole people. Its population during the reign of David were 2000, then increased to 5000 in the days of Solomon, then to 7000 before the captivation; but it most probably went down to 5000 at the time of writing this book. Before the desolation of the second temple in the year 70 AD, their number was more than 70, 000. Yet all across the changes of history, this city established by David as his capital remains the heart of the Jewish nation. “And David and all Israel went to Jerualem , which is Jebus, where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land” (4) Much was mentioned about Jerusalem in the Holy Book. The holy city took its name after ‘Salem’ of Melchizedek, and from Mount ‘Moriah’, where Abraham offered his son Isaac to God; as that was the name Abraham called that Mount (Genesis 22: 14); There, the temple was built. The verses to follow speak about the establishment built by Davis around Jerusalem. He took over the stronghold of Zion which was in the hands of the Jebusites up to that time, and called it ‘the city of David’ according to (verse 7), and (verse 6 of psalm 2): “I have set My king on My holy hill of Zion” (Psalm 2: 6). The city of David is actually the region of Mount Zion. David chose Jerusalem a capital of the kingdom for political and military reasons; for its impartial location between the territories of the tribes; close to the center of the kingdom; and on a high mountain, which makes it difficult to attack it. The Jebusites did not expect that any power could invade them because of the strong walls of Jerusalem and of being surrounded by mighty rocks; they assumed that they were completely secure, not perceiving that God is the Rock that keeps His children safe, and the refuge for those who trust Him. The way David and his men set forth to Jebus that became Jerusalem, namely, the city of peace; So are we will dwell together with the Son of David, to turn the location into a new Jerusalem, which, according to St. Gregory of Nyssa is our new inheritance. + Our huge and renewable temple is our inheritance; whose secret of greatness is the Word (Jesus Christ); that was one day called ‘Jebus’, but, now, we made it ‘Jerusalem’. Jerusalem became a symbol of heaven; and the believer’s heart is the second heaven; as it is written: “I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21: 2) “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God” (Revelation 21: 10). + A city as identified by some, is a general assembly of beings in one orderly body, governed by law…. This identification accurately applies to the High Jerusalem … the heavenly city. For, beside tens of thousands of angels, there is a church of firstborn who are registered in heaven (Hebrew 12: 23); where there is unceasing genealogies of the saints, and governed by the heavenly law It is impossible for the human nature to perceive the extent of preparation and order of this city; For “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2: 9)… Mentioning it, David says: “Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God” (Psalm 87: 3). And about what God promised that city, Isaiah says: “I will make you an eternal excellence, a joy of many generations; … Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, neither wasting nor destruction within your borders” (Isaiah 60: 15, 18).. Let us kift up the eyes of our souls, and search for the high goods befitting of the city of God. + The sheep are earthly, and bow down to earth; whereas man, as a heavenly being exalts above the sheep, both by his body form, and the honor of his spirit. The quadruped beast, with its head bowed down toward earth, looks always to its belly, and accordingly, follow the needs of its belly. You, man, on the other hand, has your head lifted up toward heaven, and your eyes look up high; Yet, in case you become a slave of your belly and your covetousness, you would become like beasts…. You are called to more noble things: “Seek those things which are above where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3: 1). Exalt yourself above the world … Address your talk to heaven; for your true citizenship is of the heavenly Jerusalem; and your countrymen are “the church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven” (Hebrew 12: 23). (St. Basil the Great) “Then the inhabitants of Jebus said to David ‘You shall not come in here’. Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion (that is the city of David)” (5) He tells us about how David took ‘Jebus’ or Jerusalem, which he called ‘the city of David’. St. Jerome presents to us a spiritual concept of ‘the stronghold of Zion’, where we take refuge against outer attacks: + You have great understanding, and an inexhaustible storehouse of language; your style of writing is pure and easy, and your eloquence are mixed with wisdom. Your head is good, and all your senses are sharp. I ask you to add to all these qualities, the serious study and the knowledge of the Holy Book. For then, I can see you in your stronghold, looking down on those who may come to attack you; I see you together with Joab up there on Zion, singing on the roofs what you learned in the secret places. (St. Jerome) “Now David said, ‘Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first and became chief” (6) Only here, and not in any other book, we are told about how Joab became the chief of David’s army (6-7); and how Joab repaired the rest of the city of Jerusalem (8). Joab, not mentioned in the book of Samuel, occupies here the first place after David. But we do not see him as a man of aspiration and hatred, but as the one chosen according to God’s plan to take over the stronghold of Zion for the sake of king David. This book does not refer to Joab’s struggle against Abnir, and to his revenge against that noble leader; and is silent concerning the lamentation uttered by the sad David: “I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too harsh for me … The Lord shall repay the evildoer according to his wickedness” (2 Samuel 3: 39). This book, however, did not criticize Joab, concentrated on everything positive in his life, and disregarded the negatives; and did not even refer to David’s curse on him (1 kings 2: 5). What the book confirms is that God’s plan concerning David has been realized, and that Joab and others were tools for realizing it.(10). “Then David dwelt in the stronghold; therefore they called it the city of David” (7) “And he built the city around it from the millo to the surrounding area; Joab repaired the rest of the city” (8) The author refers the building of the walls; and to Joab the building of the houses, which is of less importance. “Then David went on and became great, and the Lord of hosts was with him” (9) The secret of the greatness of David was the Lord. While Saul, using all his power and possibilities to the account of his ego, covetousness, popularity, and authority, he collapsed; David, on the other hand, seeking the enjoyment of the divine presence, he became greater and greater; for the Lord of hosts was with him. The secret of David’s success was his trust in God, while the secret of Saul’s failure was his arrogance, disregarding God (1 Samuel 15: 17-26). David was only preoccupied with the glory of God, and his attachment to Him; hence God lifted him up from glory to glory. St. Augustine, sees in this verse the harmony between the free will, granted by God to man, and the divine work in the life of his believers, to grant them the will, the word, and the work. We do not disregard the role of David in his success, but this would not be possible without the grace of God that granted him a holy will, and the ability to work according to God’s will. + The human will, without doubt, cannot resist the will of God, who “brings it to pass” in heaven and on earth (Isaiah 45: 11). The human will cannot keep Him of doing what He wishes to do. That was how David has been. We read about him that “David went on and became great, and the Lord of hosts was with him” (9); And later it was said: “Then the spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the captains, and he said: ‘We are yours, O David; We are on your side, O son of Jesse! Peace , peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you” (1 Chronicles 12: 18) Could Amasai oppose the will of God, who through His spirit, God with whom Amasai’ was clothed, worked in his heart, to will, to speak, and to do. The same way, the book later says: “All these men of war, who could keep ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart to make David king over all Israel” (1 Chronicles 12: 38). It is obvious and undeniable that they made David king by their own free will; Nevertheless, it is God who works in the human hearts according to His wish, and who works through their will. That is why the book says: “David went on and became great, and the Lord of hosts was with him” (9) It was the Lord God who was with David, who brought those men forth to make David king…. How did God do that? Surely, not by chaining them with material chains, but rather by working in them, holding their hearts fast, and drawing them through their own will He created in them. Therefore, when God intends to set kings on earth, He holds fast to the wills of the people by His will which is mightier than the human will. If this is the way, It is surely Him and nobody else, who presents good counsels, and make changes in the heart of whom He counsels, to make him worthy of the heavenly kingdom. (St. Augustine) Again St. Augustine confirms that God does not commit man to do according to His will by force; but, once man delivers his life in the hand of God, He will work on makin him will and do according to the will of God. This chapter shows the greatness of the person of David, and those around him: 1- David, a leader from God: who God chose for the sake of the purity of his heart, and his faithfulness in the few, namely in shepherding the sheep of his father Jesse. Now, he is chosen by all the men of Israel, because they perceived that the Lord is with him. Saul on the other hand, although he was the actual king, yet he was not faithful to the Lord. 2- David supports Joab to be a leader: .Although David was an able leader, yet he could not do everything by himself. The successful leader chooses successful and faithful leaders to work with him. 3- Heroes who were glorified by a simple deed: Joab achieved a great job by defeating the Jebusites (6); Yet, what those three men did, by bringing water from the well in Bethlehem, by the gate (18) revealed their greatness. 4- Great men may fall into things in which weak men would not fall: Like when David had Uriah the Hittite killed (41) to take his wife. 3- A LEADER SETTING LEADERS: 1- Joab the chief: David said: “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain” (6); And Joab so did. 2- Three leaders: (11-19). “David said with longing: “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate”. What is this well but the work of the Holy Spirit in the incarnation of the Word in Bethlehem, who opened the gates of heaven? “So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless David would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord”. For what he demanded of the leaders is to the account of the Lord. 3- Three other leaders: With Benaiah the son of Jehoiada as their chief; “who had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab; ….and a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day” (22); and ”killed an Egyptian, a man of great height, with a staff” (23). The lion refers to the devil (1 Peter 5: 8); and the Egyptian giant to the love of the world. 4- The mighty warriors: (26-47); among whom were those who by birth were from nations enemies of Israel, then became servants to the account of the kingdom of God; Of them was ‘Zelek the Ammonite’ (39), ‘Ithmah the Moabitr’ (46), and ‘Uriah the Hittite’ It is obvious that the personality of David with its godliness, courage, and faithfulness, has drawn many mighty men and military leaderships to work with him. a- This chapter presents to us ‘Joab’ as the chief of David’s warriors b- The chapter also refers to a group called ‘the three’ (11), who seemed to have a special reputation as heroes. c- Then there are ‘the group of thirty’; the most prominent of David warriors in his early days’, previously mentioned in (2 Samuel 23; 24-39); most of whom were of the house of David, and some of other tribes. d- The number increased through those who came from the other tribes. The book added 16 persons to the group of ‘the thirty’; probably to confirm David’s growing popularity. A list of the leaders of the army was introduced at the early days of his reign; And in (2 Samuel 23), we find a similar list introduced at its end. Few names that came in Samuel were mentioned here; but many names have been added; as the chapter refers to 81 mighty men, of whom, twenty were referred to with no names (37 of them were mentioned in Samuel 23). Although, in the second book of Samuel, the mighty men were mentioned as supporters of David in establishing his throne; yet here, they are mentioned to recognize God’s plan and work to establish the throne of His anointed. Those mighty men came to David in diverse times; Some of them came while he was in the cave of ‘Adullam’ (15-19); and some came while he was in ‘Ziklag’.(12: 1-22); and others came when he went to Hebron (20: 23-40). “Now these were the heads of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel” (10) Having confirmed that the secret of the greatness of David was because the Lord was with him (9), the divine inspiration directly started to talk about the warriors who were with him. When the believer is in a fellowship with the Lord of hosts, his success would not be confined to his own growth, but in those working with him as well. It is not befitting of the great men to refer their greatness to themselves, in pride and haughtiness; but to God working in them and in those who work with them. God works by, and in us through His grace, that also works in those working with us. A sign of being in the company of God, is that He works by all; as He is All in all, who intends to work by all. … David was strengthened by God the Lord of hosts; and those working with him, and all Israel, were strengthened as well. God worked in the life of His people; by exhorting the faithful leader to set leaders perfect in every respect; who work, in turn, to the account of the whole congregation; and the congregation as a whole work to support the king or the ruler or the leader – an amazing fellowship between God and man; and between man and fellow man. Those mighty men of David followed him during the period he was rejected; and now, having been enthroned, they, as well were raise up. Here we find something for our benefit. David, is a symbol of our Lord Jesus, who calls His believers Hid people “the mighty men whom He had”. In His coming the Lord Jesus was rejected by many, whose own said: “We do not want this man to reign on us”. In the present day, Christ is rejected by the world; we live in the period of His rejection. The following is a list of some of David’s mighty men of valor, and a little about their great works: a- Jashobeam: “And this is the number of mighty men whom David had, Jashobeam the son of a Hashmonite, chief of ‘the threes’. He had lifted up his spear against three hundred, killed by him at one time” (11) God granted him a supernatural conquest on the enemies of his people. b- Eleazar the son of Dodo: “After him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of ‘the threes’ mighty men” (12) “He was with David a tPasdammim. Now there the Philistines were gathered for battle, and there was a piece of ground full of barley. And the people fled from the Philistines” (13) “But they stationed themselves in the midst of that field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. And the Lord saved them by a great deliverance” (14) Eleazar was faithful to David, accompanied him, even when he was deserted by others. The worst enemy of man is fear; while he who abides with courage trusting in God, will enjoy conquest. All those around Eleazar fled from the Philitines , but he abided in his place, and the Lord delivered him. He was a symbolic image of the Lord Christ, who, amid His passion, said: “Indeed the hour is coming, yes has now come, that you will be scattered each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet, I am not alone, because the Father is with Me” (John 16: 32). If David and the mighty men of valor and the whole people are strengthened by the Lord of hosts; It is befitting of us all to strive and “fight the good fight, (2 Timothy 4: 7); not against men, but against the hosts of darkness (Ephesians 6: 12) to whom the pagan Philistines refer . c- Three men in Adullam: “Now three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Edullam, and the army of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim” (15) The episode of those three mighty men was written in the book of the Chronicles to reveal how David felt toward God, and how he cared for the life of his followers. The three men referred to were from the thirty greatest and most courageous of the mighty men of valor in the army of Daved. Those three men were the ones who brought water from the well of Bethlehem, This episode bears a great symbol. David was raised in Bethlehem as his birthplace. To that well by its gate David often returned thirsty after a long day shepherding the sheep of his father, to quench his thirst from the water of that well. Now, besieged by the Philistines, said with longing: “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate” (17). Although it was just a wish, and not a command; yet those three “broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David” . But what is amazing is that “would not drink it but poured it as a sacrifice to the Lord”.(18) Here are analogies in which we may contemplate: The Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem; And that water from Bethlehem is the water of life. All along the generations and centuries, mighty men of faith in the Lord, brought forth this water to the thirsty world. We notice how those men of David responded to his mere wish, for he would never give such a command, Behold, our Lord Jesus commands us to bring forth the water of life to the whole world, What is our response? Are we obedient to His command? We also notice what David did with that water brought to him under severe and dangerous circumstances; Not being selfish, his men loved him, and were ready to suffer for his sake, the same way he was ready to suffer for theirs. Because they had no water, he preferred to be like them. Psalm 22: 14 proclaims on the tongue of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross: “I am poured out like water”. He poured His life on the ground, and took His place as one of us – He took what is ours to give us what is His – He took our body and, by His goodness, gave us His Holy Spirit; and made us one with Him. “David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem” (16) “And David said with longing: ‘Oh that someone would give me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate” (17) + What did David desire by the water which he sought from Bethlehem; but the Lord Christ born in Bethlehem; the Son who is the water of life for those who seek Him? That See (David) did not seek the water of a fountain, for the Son of God was not the product of marriage. The water of the well originates from high altitude; the same as Christ came from up high, to become water to drink. The well is the Virgin St. Mary; for the water came down from up high, and did not emerge from the earth down. The woman in the prophesies is called “a well’; and the man ‘a mountain’; and let him who reads understand. (St. (Mar) Jacob El-Serougi) “So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem, which was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless David did not drink it but poured it out to the Lord” (19) They risked their lives to bring water to David from the well of Bethlehem; not seeking a word of commendation, their names were not even mentioned; they were only preoccupied with the gladness of David’s heart. It is befitting of us, when someone intends to give us a favor or a gift for the sake of God working in us, to give that favor or gift to God in the life of the needy. For what God gives us through them, is nothing but a deposit for us to give on our turn to others; He would then count it as though given personally to Him. David would not drink that water, for he probably felt remorse on account of that he longed to drink water from the well of Bethlehem; he felt that it was befitting of him to care for those around him; who probably were in need of water more than he was. “And he said, ‘Far be it from me, O my God, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of these men, who had put their life in jeopardy? For at the risk of their lives they brought it’. Therefore he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men” (19) + Those men risked their life to please David, and perceived that dedicating to him is a dedication to God; hence David poured the water out as a drink offering, showing that God alone is worthy of such a dedication. They presented the water to David, and he, in turn, presented it to God, for he counted that God alone is worthy of such a dedication. When we serve others for the sake of God, we serve God Himself. And according to At. John Chrysostom, those who partake of the expenses of the preachers, partake of the work of preaching. d- Abishai the brother of Joab: “Now Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of another three. He had lifted up his spear against three hundred men and killed them, and won a name among these three” (20) “O the three he was more honored than the other two men, therefore he became their captain. However he did not attain to the first three” (21) The Holy Book tells us that he was steadfast with no hesitation in hid faithfulness to David; he went with him to Saul’s camp (1 Samuel 26); accompanied him in fleeing from Jerusalem when Absalom rebelled against him (2 Samuel 16); he destroyed the rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20); saved David from the Philistine giant ‘Ishbi Benob’’ (2 Samuel 21); and served him with complete faithfulness (2 Samuel 10, 18; 1 Chronicles 18). With such courage and faithfulness, David’s men served him, how much more it is befitting of us to serve the Lord of David, the King of kings? e- Benaiah the son of Jehoiada: “Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day” (22) The secret of the strength of those men was that the Lord who was with David was also with them. According to Joshua’s counsel: “You shall hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day. For the Lord had driven out before you great and strong nations; but as for you no one has been able to stand against you to this day. One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He has promised you” (Joshua 23: 8-11) “And he killed an Egyptian, a man of great height, five cubits tall. In the Egyptian’s hand there has been a spear like a weaver’s beam, and he went down to him with a staff, wrestled the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear” (23) His father was a brave priest (1 Chronicles 27: 5). Benaiah was a captain of David’s guards; replaced Joab as the chief of the army of David (1 kings 2: 34- 35). His conquests presents to us a portrait of the life of victory over the world (Egypt), the body (Moab), and the devil (the roaring lion); all of whom he conquered. “These things Benaiah the son of Jehoiada had done, and won a name among three mighty men” (24) “Indeed he was more honored than the thirty, but he did not attain to the first three. And David appointed him over his guard” (25) “Also the mighty warriors were Asahel the brother of Moab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem” (26) “Shammoth the Herorite, Helez the Pelonite” (27) “Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite” (28) “Sibbechai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite” (29) “Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Banah the Netophathite” (30) “Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibrah, of the children of Benjamin. Benaiah the Pirathonite” (31) “Horai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite” (32) “Azmapheth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite” (33) “The sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shageh the Hararite” (34) “Ahiam the son of Sakar the Haraite, Eliphal the son of Ur” (35) “Hepher the Mecherathite, Abijah the Pelonite” (36) “Hezro the Carmelite, Narrai the son of Ezbai” (37) “Joel the brother of Nathan, Nibhar the son of Hagri” (38) f- Zelek the Ammonite: Zelek the Ammonite, Uriah the Hittite (41) and Ithmahthe Moabite (41), by birth, were enemies of Israel, but they turned to become in the service of David the king of Israel. We as children of the fallen Adam, entered into animosity with God; but with grace we became in Christ Jesus beloved children and good soldiers in the salvation army. “Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite (the armorbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah)” (39) “Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite” (40) “Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai” (41) The names that came in verses 41-47 did not come in (2 Samuel 23) Among his faithful men was Uriah the Hittite (41) a foreigner to Israel, who became his body guard; but unfortunately, David had him killed (2 Samuel 11); and married his woman; but with repentance he got up from his fall, and submitted to God’s chastisements. He was one of the people wiped out by the Israelites when they took over the promised land (Deuteronomy 7: 1-2); But here we see him a warrior on David’s side and faithful to him, before David plotted to have him killed to marry Bathsheba his wife (1 Samuel 11). In the book of Samuel, Uriah is shown as a witness on the sin of David; but here, the book of the Chronicles silently pass over David’s horrible fall. The book, as well, does not mention Eliam the son of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 23: 34), whose father bound to betrayal against David. “Adina the son of Shiza the Reubonite (A chief of the Reubonites) and thirty with him” (42) “Hanan the son of Mashah, Joshaphat the Methnite” (43) “Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite” (44) “Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite” (45) g- Ithmah the Moabite: “Eliel the Mohavite, Jeribai and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite” (46) Eliel, Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobbaite” (47) --------------------------- AN INSPIRATION FROM 1 CHRONICLES 11 TEACH AND TRAIN ME, O LORD, ON THE SPIRIT OF LEADERSHIP + Teach me, O Lord of hosts, how to acquire the spirit of leadership; For with Your love of mankind You wish all to be leaders; You created a child, not to become a slave, but to be a king; You are pleased with everyone who by You work with the spirit of leadership; As long as You are with me, I shall walk with the spirit of surety and trust; I seek from You to strengthen everyone for You; So that all would live with the spirit of challenge against the hosts of darkness, the pain, and even death. + When shall we see Your people as a holy bride in you?! When shall we see the striving church, crowned by You?! When shall we see her enter exultant into Your divine bosom?! When shall we see her cherished by the heavenlies, and rejoiced in her conquest?! + Grant us the grace, that everyone of us count the success of his neighbor as his own By Your love, everyone will be strengthened; And al will be strengthened together.
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