A way out of anger, fear, and, despair through Jesus, our new ark of the covenant

How can I bring the ark of God home to me?

(1 Chronicles 13, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, November 26, 2017)

[1] David consulted with the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with every leader. [2] And David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you and from the LORD our God, let us send abroad to our brothers who remain in all the lands of Israel, as well as to the priests and Levites in the cities that have pasturelands, that they may be gathered to us. [3] Then let us bring again the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul.” [4] All the assembly agreed to do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

[5] So David assembled all Israel from the Nile of Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim. [6] And David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim that belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD who sits enthroned above the cherubim. [7] And they carried the ark of God on a new cart, from the house of Abinadab, and Uzzah and Ahio were driving the cart. [8] And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.

[9] And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. [10] And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. [11] And David was angry because the LORD had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzza to this day. [12] And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?” [13] So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. [14] And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.

A desire that was right in the eyes of the king and the people

The ark of the covenant was the holiest object in the worship system of Old Testament Israel. It was a precious golden box that was about four feet wide, and about two and a half feet in both height and depth. The arc was to be carried only by authorized people within the clan of the Kohathites in the tribe of Levi. In thinking about the holiness of the ark, we should especially remember that in the Old Testament era, the ark was the center of where God would dwell with humanity upon the earth in the midst of the worship of His people. According to that former system of devotion that God instituted, the ark was “called by the name of the Lord who sits enthroned above the cherubim.” Cherubim are angels, and the ark had a cover that was called a “mercy seat” which included two golden figures of angelic beings.

The ark had been taken out in battle against the Philistines and was lost to the enemy where it did them no good, and actually brought great harm upon them. They sought to get rid of it safely, and it ended up in a private home (“the house of Abinadab”) in a town about 11 miles northwest of Jerusalem (1 Samuel 7:1-2). There it stayed for about twenty years prior to the reign of Saul and then for all the years of Saul's reign, during which we are told here that the people of God “did not seek” the ark. How could this be? No doubt the people were afraid.

While David was the one who led the effort to bring the ark back to the worship of the Almighty, he was not alone in this desire. He consulted all the military leaders and the religious authorities and involved all the worshiping assembly of Israel. Furthermore, he spoke about his desire to do what seemed right to all the people and to make sure that the plan to move the ark was “from the Lord our God.” The idea seemed to have unanimous approval. “All the assembly agreed to do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.”

A day of celebration...

Everything was going very well for about ten and a half miles. All of Israel came together for this great occasion of the journey of God back to the central place of authorized worship. We are told that “David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.” The only obvious problem would be the way that the ark was being moved: “They carried the ark of God on a new cart.” This was not the way that the ark was to be moved according to the Bible. God had commanded the Israelites in the days of Moses to make special poles that were inserted in rings on the ark so that the right people could carry it in the right way without danger to their lives and to the worship and safety of the entire congregation that would come from unauthorized contact with this holy center of Jehovah's presence on earth. (Exodus 25:13-15)

Why would the touching the ark be deadly? Since sin entered into the world, our proximity to God and His heaven has been dangerous. Israel needed to follow the Word of the Lord very carefully regarding these matters as He had warned them through Moses. David and the religious leaders did not give the Word of God sufficient consideration in their plan to move that ark.

Becomes a day of grief, anger, and blessing

Because of this serious omission, a life was lost. The oxen stumbled. No doubt good Uzzah was trying to do the right thing, but God's anger came against Uzzah, though what had taken place was really the responsibility of David and all of Israel. Now Uzzah had come too near the border between heaven and earth, and he was gone. David was angry and afraid of God. He knew that it was a good impulse to want the ark of God, but his question remained, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?” We might ask today, “How can I have a close communion with God?”

The ark was taken aside temporarily to another private house for a short period. This story is picked up again more happily in chapters 15 and 16, but already we notice that the family that housed the ark was greatly blessed.

How can people be near a holy God?

It is never an easy thing for sinners to be in the presence of the true God. We will not grow in our assurance as children of God if we imagine that our peace with the Almighty is grounded in our own achievement. Our only secure standing with God has come to us through the gift of Jesus, who is Jehovah in the flesh. He is our ark of the covenant. We are right to desire Him.

Because of Jesus, we now have bold access to God in prayer. Even more than this, our King is in heaven already (Hebrews 10:19-22), and we are seated with Him there (Ephesians 2:6-7), united with the One who has atoned for our sins (Hebrews 12:24) and who makes continual intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). This gives us great confidence in life and mission, but our boldness can never be an excuse to ignore the Word of God (Hebrews 12:25, 29). We are not free to approach God in any way that might make sense to us, but only according to the revelation that the Lord has given us in the Scriptures. Even then, our assurance is based on Christ's perfect mediation.

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 36 – Remembering God

Gospel Reading—Matthew 10:26-33

[26] “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. [27] What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. [28] And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. [30] But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. [32] So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, [33] but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.”

For the King and the Kingdom!

One Mind

(1 Chronicles 12, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, November 19, 2017)

[1] Now these are the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he could not move about freely because of Saul the son of Kish. And they were among the mighty men who helped him in war. [2] They were bowmen and could shoot arrows and sling stones with either the right or the left hand; they were Benjaminites, Saul's kinsmen. [3] The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, both sons of Shemaah of Gibeah; also Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah, Jehu of Anathoth, [4] Ishmaiah of Gibeon, a mighty man among the thirty and a leader over the thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad of Gederah, [5] Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, Shephatiah the Haruphite; [6] Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites; [7] And Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

[8] From the Gadites there went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness mighty and experienced warriors, expert with shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were swift as gazelles upon the mountains: [9] Ezer the chief, Obadiah second, Eliab third, [10] Mishmannah fourth, Jeremiah fifth, [11] Attai sixth, Eliel seventh, [12] Johanan eighth, Elzabad ninth, [13] Jeremiah tenth, Machbannai eleventh. [14] These Gadites were officers of the army; the least was a match for a hundred men and the greatest for a thousand. [15] These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing all its banks, and put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west.

[16] And some of the men of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold to David. [17] David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in friendship to help me, my heart will be joined to you; but if to betray me to my adversaries, although there is no wrong in my hands, then may the God of our fathers see and rebuke you.” [18] Then the Spirit clothed Amasai, chief of the thirty, and he said,“We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.” Then David received them and made them officers of his troops.

[19] Some of the men of Manasseh deserted to David when he came with the Philistines for the battle against Saul. (Yet he did not help them, for the rulers of the Philistines took counsel and sent him away, saying, “At peril to our heads he will desert to his master Saul.”) [20] As he went to Ziklag, these men of Manasseh deserted to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of thousands in Manasseh. [21] They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were commanders in the army. [22] For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God.

[23] These are the numbers of the divisions of the armed troops who came to David in Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him, according to the word of the LORD. [24] The men of Judah bearing shield and spear were 6,800 armed troops. [25] Of the Simeonites, mighty men of valor for war, 7,100. [26] Of the Levites 4,600. [27] The prince Jehoiada, of the house of Aaron, and with him 3,700. [28] Zadok, a young man mighty in valor, and twenty-two commanders from his own fathers' house. [29] Of the Benjaminites, the kinsmen of Saul, 3,000, of whom the majority had to that point kept their allegiance to the house of Saul. [30] Of the Ephraimites 20,800, mighty men of valor, famous men in their fathers' houses. [31] Of the half-tribe of Manasseh 18,000, who were expressly named to come and make David king. [32] Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command. [33] Of Zebulun 50,000 seasoned troops, equipped for battle with all the weapons of war, to help David with singleness of purpose. [34] Of Naphtali 1,000 commanders with whom were 37,000 men armed with shield and spear. [35] Of the Danites 28,600 men equipped for battle. [36] Of Asher 40,000 seasoned troops ready for battle. [37] Of the Reubenites and Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh from beyond the Jordan, 120,000 men armed with all the weapons of war.

[38] All these, men of war, arrayed in battle order, came to Hebron with a whole heart to make David king over all Israel. Likewise, all the rest of Israel were of a single mind to make David king. [39] And they were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers had made preparation for them. [40] And also their relatives, from as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, came bringing food on donkeys and on camels and on mules and on oxen, abundant provisions of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, and wine and oil, oxen and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.

From day to day men came to David to help him.

During the last several weeks we have been looking at the military side of David's story. Two weeks ago we met “the three,” then “the thirty,” and finally today the larger contingent of all those who were mighty men under David's command. Many things were left out when the Chronicler told this important story. What was included? Names, connections, tribes, places, descriptions of strength and character, and an assessment of loyalty toward David.

Where did all these thousands of men come from ? They did not arrive all at once. Verse 22 informs us that “from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God.” David had been on the run from Saul, and had even been forced to feign madness in order to stay alive when he ended up in front of the “king” of Gath, one of the cities of the Philistines. During those days he ended up living in wilderness caves. 1 Samuel 22:1-2 gives us more details: “… his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men.” So that was the beginning, but not the end. More men were added in Ziklag and Hebron as it became clear David should be king. (See 1 Chronicles 11:1-3.)

They were mighty men of valor...

Despite their various backgrounds, these men were “mighty men of valor.” Those words can be used to describe both enemies or friends. They can also be a great encouragement of what one could be. When God first called Gideon a “mighty man of valor” Gideon was still very afraid of Israel's enemies. He was no David then, but the Lord changed him with His Word. He was given the gifts of faith and strength, and He became more than He had been. Same for David's men.

With singleness of purpose...

The central declaration of 1 Chronicles 12 came by the Spirit of God in response to David's test. He was not intending to massacre them if they were against him, but to leave them in the hands of the Almighty. Yet they were loyal to David. They in turn looked for peace for David, for David's God, for the army, for the kingdom—a wholeness that might required their lives in battle in order for it to be achieved. This was God's gift to them by the Spirit and also their confession.

Men who understood the times and who knew what Israel ought to do,

As the passage moves toward the anointing of David by all Israel, the numbers coming over to David's side grew dramatically. There are many inspiring notes in these verses, but look especially at the men of Issachar in verse 32, They were “men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” What was Israel supposed to do? Unite around David the king, just as the church should unite around the resurrected son of God, Jesus.

And there was joy in Israel—The amazing story of the I-AM—The church and everyone else

Indecisive and corrupt leadership is discouraging and debilitating to warriors and to the whole nation. The right leader fills his people with loyalty and dedication to a higher purpose. Such a man draws people to himself and beyond himself, making them better because of their association with him. We have the best of all captains in the I-AM Jesus. We belong to Him. As God is our help, we seek shalom for the one Triune God and for the entirety of His dedicated church. We need our leaders to be men of faith and strength, mighty men of valor who will remain true to the King even in the midst of disappointment and persecution. How can we help? Faith is a gift of God from beginning to end, but it is a grace which can be pursued by seeing Jesus in the Word. Pray and bring support to your warriors. Rejoice with the King!

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 35 – Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servants!

Gospel Reading—Matthew 10:16-25

[16] “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. [17] Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, [18] and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. [19] When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. [20] For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. [21] Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, [22] and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. [23] When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. [24] A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. [25] It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.”

How goes the battle? Thousands of tongues are singing...

Strong Men in the Service of the King

(1 Chronicles 11:20-47, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, November 12, 2017)

[20] Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the thirty. And he wielded his spear against 300 men and killed them and won a name beside the three. [21] He was the most renowned of the thirty and became their commander, but he did not attain to the three.

[22] And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two heroes of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. [23] And he struck down an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits tall. The Egyptian had in his hand a spear like a weaver's beam, but Benaiah went down to him with a staff and snatched the spear out of the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear. [24] These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and won a name beside the three mighty men. [25] He was renowned among the thirty, but he did not attain to the three. And David set him over his bodyguard.

[26] The mighty men were Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, [27] Shammoth of Harod, Helez the Pelonite, [28] Ira the son of Ikkesh of Tekoa, Abiezer of Anathoth, [29] Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, [30] Maharai of Netophah, Heled the son of Baanah of Netophah, [31] Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the people of Benjamin, Benaiah of Pirathon, [32] Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, [33] Azmaveth of Baharum, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, [34] Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shagee the Hararite, [35] Ahiam the son of Sachar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur, [36] Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite, [37] Hezro of Carmel, Naarai the son of Ezbai, [38] Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Hagri, [39] Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, [40] Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, [41] Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai, [42] Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a leader of the Reubenites, and thirty with him, [43] Hanan the son of Maacah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite, [44] Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, [45] Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite, [46] Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite, [47] Eliel, and Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

Warfare and the Old and New Testament Time of Preparation and Mission

In this section of 1 Chronicles we are granted an opportunity to think about David and his mighty men and to make the connection to Jesus and his disciples. We have talked about “the three” and “the thirty” as well as the larger group of “mighty men.” Why so much talk about warriors in the Old Testament? And why do so many think of the God of the Old Testament as a God of war and then assume a contrast to the God of the New Testament as a God of love?

First, we need to state that such a supposed division between the God of one testament from the God of the other will not work. God's steadfast love is a major theme of the Old (Psalm 136) while His coming judgment cannot be missed in the New (2 Thessalonians 1). Yet the movement of His story from preparation to resurrection mission does involve a change in emphasis. There was a time when the leading edge of obedience was conquest of the land of Canaan. That was temporary, and now we go to all the nations as troubadours of hope. This two-fold role was all over the prophets who were prosecuting a case against Israel and also serving as heralds of a new era of blessing, Timing is everything, and the movement of the story from Old to New does lead to a change in emphasis of what mighty men do, yet God Himself never changes.

Abishai and Benaiah

Back to two very famous men who were dedicated to David, we learn of the great achievements of Abishai and Benaiah. The first of these was one of three sons of David's sister, Zeruiah. He used his spear with deadly success when he was greatly outnumbered. He was a commander over “the thirty,” inspiring others who were important to the mission of the king. The second, Benaiah, was a leader of men who was utterly dedicated to David and to his son Solomon. In obedience to their wishes, Benaiah executed other men who had broken faith with David and Solomon, including Joab, who was Abishai's brother and David's nephew. Here in 1 Chronicles 11 Benaiah is presented as a man who had the courage to stand against much larger or more powerful foes and to defeat them, even using their own weapons to win the victory. He was “a doer of great deeds” who “won a name” as a warrior in David's forces.

The “Thirty,” their Families, and Communities

Following the brief mention of Abishai and Benaiah, the Chronicler lists many others (more than thirty) who were part of the “mighty men.” Most noteworthy in these verses are the immediate family members, the extended family clans, the localities, and the tribes that these men are known by. The word “brother” appears four times, and “son” or “sons” eighteen times.

It does not mean anything to us to be a Pelonite, a Hushathite, or an Ahohite. We don't know what it's like to live in Netophah, Pirathon, or Gaash, or even have much of a clue of how it would have affected a man's identity as a soldier to have the foreign heritage of an Ammonite or a Hittite, or to belong to one of the individual tribes of Israel. We do know what it is like to have people we love around a Thanksgiving table, or to miss a town that we associate with special times of gathering. People are made by God to be part of something larger, something you might even be willing to fight or die to protect. All of the men listed here were at their best when they served God by being true to the man He had chosen, David, the king of His elect nation.

We too have one Man who should be the focus of our greatest affection and loyalty. When the God of all glory becomes Man to defeat sin and death, that should get our attention. Our King continues to lead us in a new battle of the ages, a fight that calls for men of strength and courage. We are not taking land by force of the swords and guns of this world, but by the Word and Spirit of God. Our Lord has given gifts of leading men and supporting family and friends for the spiritual warfare that He has ordained during our brief days upon the earth. We give thanks for this good provision, and especially for the great King of the kingdom of resurrection life.

It could be that your family and even your hometown support your connection with Jesus. Thank God! Then again, that may not be the case. Some may applaud your part in the mission that “a thousand tongues would sing” your great Redeemer's praise. Others might be openly combative against the things you hold most dear. Either way, “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4). We are mighty warriors of the crucified and risen Lord of the resurrection, and we “can do all things through Christ” who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Remember that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). How goes the battle? Much progress is being made. At the time that Charles Wesley wrote his famous hymn about 1000 tongues, only a dozen or so nations had the Bible. Today people are praising Jesus in nearly 3000 languages! Hallelujah!

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 34 – The Society of the Righteous

Gospel Reading—Matthew 10:5-15

[5] These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, [6] but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [7] And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. [9] Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, [10] no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. [11] And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. [12] As you enter the house, greet it. [13] And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. [14] And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. [15] Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

Yashov-am and El-azar

The Three Who Heard the Voice of the One

(1 Chronicles 11:10-19, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, November 5, 2017)

[10] Now these are the chiefs of David's mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. [11] This is an account of David's mighty men: Jashobeam, a Hachmonite, was chief of the three. He wielded his spear against 300 whom he killed at one time.

[12] And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite. [13] He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered there for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the men fled from the Philistines. [14] But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and killed the Philistines. And the LORD saved them by a great victory.

[15] Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David at the cave of Adullam, when the army of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. [16] David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. [17] And David said longingly, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” [18] Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David. But David would not drink it. He poured it out to the LORD [19] and said, “Far be it from me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men? For at the risk of their lives they brought it.” Therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men.

David's Mighty Men

David was not alone throughout his struggle to gain the kingdom and to keep it. During the next three weeks we will be looking at chapters that speak of his mighty men. Even though God created the world by speaking everything into being, He who needs no help from anyone loves to work through a society of those who fear His Name.

The Lord can make even the wrath of His enemies praise Him (Psalm 76:10), but He has a special love for His elect, His chosen people, who cry out to Him for help and are willing to be used by Him for His purposes. David, as his life prefigured the coming of Jesus, had a society of men around him, men who were often supported by families and by communities.

They Took a Stand and Defended the Kingdom

What did these mighty men do for David? We are told that they strengthened David, that they were important in him becoming king over all of Israel, and that this was all done according to the Word of the Lord. Each of those three points are worth considering. 1) They gave David strong support: The strongest and wisest men know that they cannot go it alone. They find the team that God has given them, such as it is, and they receive the strength that others supply. 2) They were important in David becoming king over all of Israel: David might easily have been the favorite of his own tribe, Judah, but the Lord had better plans for him. God used these men in order to bring about the glory days of Israel under David and his son Solomon. These men loved the kingdom, and they were willing to sacrifice for it. 3) They made good use of the Word of God: Not everyone cares about what God has revealed through His special Word. Some people from all kinds of backgrounds and with a great variety of different abilities share this gift from God: His Word settles their hearts and leads them forward in courageous living. The fact is that God had revealed through His authorized ambassadors like Samuel that David the shepherd-song writer who killed the massive Philistine would be king.

Today we are looking specifically at three among the mighty men who were exemplary. We are told in later verses that though other men performed amazing deeds of valor and strength, they “did not attain to the three,” so it was quite an honor to be included in the three. Two of the three are mentioned by name here, and the third in the parallel verses in 2 Samuel. The names of the two Yashov-am, “the people will return” and El-azar, “God helps (decisively).”

Of the two mentioned in 1 Chronicles 11, the first and chief of the three is Jashobeam. His claim to fame? In one battle he killed hundreds of Philistines with his spear. That's all. But you need a mighty man to defeat the enemy, he was number one. The other of the three mentioned here was Eleazar, and his exploits were similar. On one occasion when everyone else was running away from the battle, he stood his ground seemingly alone, and he won the victory for David, again against the Philistines. Two great men, wildly outnumbered, standing their ground...

They Risked Their Lives to Please the King

One other memorable episode is recorded for our consideration. Three men overheard David say something and they took amazing steps to see that the longing of David's heart was fulfilled. Remember that Bethlehem was David's hometown, and at that time the town was in the hands of the Philistines who were fighting against the men of Israel. David said, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem!”

Well, they did it, though once again, they were vastly outnumbered! They heard the voice of their beloved king and they took action. They had to break through the camp of the enemy, draw water from the well that was by the town gate, and then bring it back to David without spilling it all over the ground. What did David do when he saw such a display of devotion and love? He spilled it on the ground. Why? First, he “would not drink it.” It was too great a gift for that. He saw beyond them, beyond himself, beyond Bethlehem, and well beyond the water, to the Author of every good and perfect gift. He loved God more than anything, and so he poured out the water to God as a drink offering to the Almighty. That is what a real leader does.

The best king over God's covenant people does not live for himself. He gives everything up to the will of the Almighty. Worship is more to him than drinking the best water. His life is an offering to the King of heaven and earth. He sees the blood that his men risk in order to fulfill his word, and he concludes that such a gift is too precious to drink. It must be given to God.

This is the way that we need to see the entire ministry of Jesus and especially the cross. Wildly outnumbered behind enemy lines, He gave everything to the Almighty. He heard the voice of His Father, and inspired by purest love, He fully obeyed. This is our life too as His warriors.

The King of the Kingdom and His Faithful Servants

1. Don't be unduly moved by crowds of people, and 2. Be greatly moved by the Word of God. Let us remind ourselves that we are standing on the shoulders of “a great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1 and 2 Kings 6:15-17) who would not throw away the Word of God to save their lives. Yashov-am, “the people will return” and El-azar, “God helps (decisively).”

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 33 – We Hope in Jesus

Gospel Reading—Matthew 10:1-4

[1] And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. [2] The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; [3] Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; [4] Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.