Burning Bush Blogs
Equipping Men with Biblical Knowledge and Leadership Skills
Category: Personal Study
Thread: Game of Thrones
Post Topic: David’s Mighty Men
Post in Thread: #9
Previous: Saul Hunts David
Next: The Conjuring of Samuel
Scripture: I Chronicles 11:10-47
2 Samuel 23:8-39
I Samuel 22:1-2
Key Verses:
I Samuel 22:1-2
David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. 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.
13 So David and his men, about six hundred in number, left Keilah and kept moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he did not go there.
I Samuel 23:13-14
14 David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.
These were the chiefs of David’s mighty warriors—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised
I Chronicles 11:1
Observations
Context
- David is on the run, hunted by King Saul.
- In desperation, he had even tried to take refuge with the Philistines, but they remembered his battles with them when he was a commander for King Saul.
- He escaped by acting like a madman and hid out in caves.
Rallying around David (I Samuel 22:1-2)
- David is all alone, hiding from Saul in caves, having escaped the Philistines
- David’s brothers hear about his plight and rally to his side.
- Many other fighting men join him, numbering around 400.
- By I Samuel 23, the ranks swell to 600 men.
The Legend of David’s Mighty Men (2 Samuel 23:8-39 and I Chronicles 11:10-47)
- 37 men and their exploits are described twice in Old Testament passages.
- Three men in particular are called out as the elite of the elite: Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah
- Josheb-basshebeth – chief of The Three, killed 800 enemies at one time with the sword
- Eleazar – Known for his valor against the Philistines when the rest of the Israelites retreated, but he stood his ground and held the enemy at bay
- Shammah – Stood his ground in a field of lentils when his countrymen withdrew, and held off the invading Philistines
- Many others of note are listed who did not attain the rank of The Three, but were still legendary for their exploits. Two examples:
- Abishai was chief of the thirty, and the greatest of those not in The Three. It is said that he wielded his sword against 300 enemies. He is also named as the warrior who sneaked into Saul’s camp with David during the dark of the night and could have slain Saul with his own sword, but for David stopping him.
- Benaiah – David put this trusted man in charge of his bodyguard. He was known for killing a lion and a formidable Egyptian with his own sword.
Interpretation
Setting
This story takes place in the rugged landscape of southern Israel. See item 6 on the map below for the spot where David hid out and his brothers and mighty men rallied to his side. Adullam is near the Elam valley where David killed Goliath.
Genre
Historical accounts.
Takeaways
- David’s reputation and his leadership qualities had been demonstrated as a commander under Saul. The best of the best are drawn to such a leader.
- These men showed their loyalty to David by rallying around him when he was at his lowest point.
- When reading the story of David and Goliath, I noticed that David didn’t have the best relationship with his older brothers. Years later, however, things have changed. They likely were instrumental in rallying the best of the troops to his side.
- These 37 men showed amazing bravery and fighting skill.
- Some of their feats seem too incredible to be true.
- The only way these stories could be true is with the hand of God upon these fearless men.
Imagine
David had been anointed as the next king. But here he is, seemingly with no friends, no allies, and nobody to turn to. He’d lowered himself to pretend to be mad when the Philistine king thought him a spy. Hiding out in a cave, he then calls out to God. How gratifying must it have been to see the response of his family, and the warriors who’d fought by his side.
Service men and women and veterans, you’ve been there. You understand the bond that these kind of men have. I’d love to read your comments about this. I imagine there weren’t a lot of words exchanged when these mighty men of valor showed up.
Correlation
Psalm 34:1-10 – We don’t have to imagine what David thought after escaping the Philistines – he wrote Psalm 34 soon thereafter. Very likely, from the cave of Adullam. Whether it was before or after the 400 men showed up, we don’t know.
His spirit was one of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord. He likely felt a bit foolish for acting like a madman rather than trusting God, but the Lord delivered him anyway. He was in a place of trusting in God’s protection, and indeed, God came through.
Application
Generic Applications
- David’s inspirational leadership set an example for these men. Some of them killed giants, like he had with Goliath. All of them showed grit in the face of an overwhelming enemy force.
- Might inspires might. Just having one brother in the fight next to us can be invigorating.
Personalize it
- Whom can I endeavor to inspire by my courageous leadership? Or if I’m not a leader, by my steadfast loyalty and righteousness?
- Is there a mentor in my life who needs me now to step up and walk beside him/her during a low point in their life? Will I stand up like these men did for David?
Bible study methodology adapted from Searching the Scriptures with permission from Tyndale House:
Swindoll, Charles, Searching the Scriptures. Tyndale House Publishers, 2016.
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