Happy Reformation Day. Today is the day Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the Wittenburg Church door to spark the Reformation. October 31 is also known as All Hallows Eve. It is the eve of All Saints Day. Since we celebrate All Saints Day this week we are going to look at David’s Mighty Men recorded in 2 Samuel 23:8-39. These Mighty Men are heroes of old who distinguished themselves through accomplishments of faith. As we think about the saints who have gone before we think of them as mighty men and women.
Why do you think that is is significant David had three Mighty Men set apart from the others (23:8)? How do you think this might be related to Jesus having 3 disciples as part of his inner circle (see Mark 5:37, 9:2, 14:33)?
These men were part of David’s inner circle. They separated themselves from the rest. They showed their commitment to the king that went above and beyond others. We all need mighty men in our lives. These are people who will go out of their way for us. They are the people we can call in difficult times and we know they will be there.
It is interesting how Jesus had three disciples who were part of his inner circle. These were the men who were closest to him. The difference between David’s mighty men and Jesus three disciples was that the disciples relationship with Jesus served his disciples. In David’s relationship with his mighty men, it was his mighty men who served him.
Who are the Mighty Men or Women in your life?
These may be people in your family, friends, or brothers and sisters in Christ. These are people who we can count on. They are the ones who we know will be there for us in the difficult times. At the same time we know we will be there for them when they go through difficult times.
How did “The Three” distinguish themselves (23:8-17)?
They distinguished themselves in battle. They overcame great odds in battle to stand victorious. They were able to stand in desperate situations when many others ran because they knew God was one their side. They had faith and courage in extra measure.
They were also separated by their commitment to their leader. There was a story told of how they snuck behind enemy lines to get a glass of water for David. They would do anything David asked. This was their commitment to him.
Where did the Mighty Men originally come from (see 1 Samuel 22:1-2)?
They were men who were in debt, in trouble, or discontented who had come to David at the Cave of Addulam when David was on the run from Saul. These were the nobodies who God had made into somebodies.
What do you believe gave the Mighty Men courage to stand against incredible odds?
They knew that if God is for us, then nothing could stand against us. It doesn’t matter how big the challenge is before you, there is no challenge that God cannot overcome.
Who is the last Mighty Man listed (23:39)? How do we honor the Mighty Men and Women in our lives?
Uriah the Hittite is the last mighty man listed. Unfortunately, David did not honor this mighty man by stealing his wife and then having him murdered. The best way we can honor the mighty men and women in our lives is through our commitment to them. We pray for them and their families. We go out of our way, to help them and show kindness and generosity.
An interesting note at the end here. Notice in 23:34 that Ahithophel the Gilonite was the father of Eliam. We read about Ahithophel two weeks back as he helped Absalom in Absalom’s attempt to take his father’s throne. Do you know who Eliam’s daughter was? In 2 Samuel 11:3 Bathsheba is introduced as the wife of Uriah and the daughter of Eliam. This would mean that Ahithophel, who was a leader in the revolt against King David, was the grandfather of Bathsheba. Perhaps he was seeking revenge against David.
