David’s Mighty Men

I Chronicles 11:9–47
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Joab had been David’s captain at Hebron, and now he won the right to be over the army of all Israel.  He was David’s nephew, son of his half sister Zeruiah (l Chronicles 2:16). He was the first to enter the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and capture it. This account of Joab’s heroic deed is followed by an extensive list of other mighty men in David’s army and their heroic accomplishments (vv. 10-47). These men “strengthened themselves with him in the kingdom and with all Israel.” Probably many of them had accompanied David in exile and were supportive of him coming to the throne of Judah. The recording of their names was no doubt to distinguish them as the most heroic of all David’s warriors. They represent leaders who are faithfully provided for them by God.

The recorded names are practically the only thing we know about them. Thousands in the king’s service are known to their fellow men and millions more lack even a niche in the wall of fame.  However, God has set His seal on them and the Lord knows those who are His. Many died as though they had never lived but we can be sure that they are valued by and intimately known to God.

Application

Three men are specifically mentioned in this list who risked their lives just to serve and please David. Just as these men gave of themselves to serve David, I must put aside my own interests to serve Christ and the other Christian leaders He chooses to put in my path (Rom. 12:10).