The First Three Heroes
B. Dale 2 Samuel 23:8-12 These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains… Jashobeam the son of Hach-moni (Zabdiel, 1 Chronicles 27:2), who came to David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:6), and became general of the first division of the army; Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, general of the second division (1 Chronicles 27:4); and Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. "They served in the most direct manner by their work one who was the representative of the Divine government on earth" (Krummacher). "Such traits of warlike courage (as they displayed) are more significant than anything else; they recall to us completely those few periods of history, otherwise unknown to us, in which a marvellous aspiration for the possession of some higher blessing, such as freedom or immortality, has taken hold of an entire nation, and so has produced, through special instruments of exceptional power, even military exploits which appear incredible to ordinary men" (Ewald). "Christ the Son of David has his worthies too, who, like David's, are influenced by his example, fight his battles against the spiritual enemies of his kingdom, and in his strength are more than conquerors" (Matthew Henry). In these battles, neither physical prowess nor intellectual strength is of so much importance as moral and spiritual qualifications, and especially eminent faith; such as that by which many "from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens" (Hebrews 11:34). It ensures success by means of - I. FEARLESSNESS and daring courage (ver. 8). "He lifted his spear against eight hundred [three hundred], slain at one time;" went undismayed "against a multitude" (2 Chronicles 14:11), and alone (or possibly aided by others) overcame them (Judges 3:31; Judges 15:15). Instances of a similar kind are recorded in history (see 'Pictorial Bible' in 1 Chronicles 11.): "Ajax beating down the Trojan leader with a rock which two ordinary men could scarcely lift; Horatius defending the bridge against an army; Richard, the lion-hearted, spurring along the whole Saracen line without finding an enemy to stand his assault; Robert Bruce crushing with one blow the helmet and the head of Sir Henry Bohun, in sight of the whole army of England and Scotland; - such are the heroes of a dark age. In such an age, bodily vigour is the most indispensable qualification for a warrior" (Macaulay, 'History of England'). Even in modern times (when the superiority of strength of mind has been so manifest) it has accomplished extraordinary feats. But how much greater and nobler have been the achievements wrought by moral courage and spiritual weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4)! II. INDEPENDENCE and single-handed effort (vers. 9, 10). When "he alone remained" (Josephus), "he arose and smote the Philistines, until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword," etc. In like manner, when "the people fled from the Philistines" (vers. 11, 12), Shammah stood alone against their attack. The valour of some men depends upon the presence, sympathy, and help of others, and fails when they are left to themselves. 1. Under such circumstances, the courage of a true hero is fully brought out (Isaiah 63:3). 2. He is independent of men because he depends upon God. 3. By his single-handed effort, one such man is sometimes able to "chase a thousand" (Joshua 23:10). 4. His courage and success infuse fresh vigour into fearful hearts; and "the people return after him" though it be "only to spoil." He alone is fit to be a leader of men. III. STEADFASTNESS in passive endurance and active endeavour. "He stood in the midst of the ground" which was "full of lentiles," or barley, "defended it, and slew the Philistines" (who had probably come up to carry away the ripe crops); like Eleazar, he "endured to the end," and conquered. It is not enough to exhibit fearlessness and independence at first; we must continue to do so (Luke 9:51), otherwise nothing will be gained, but everything be lost. "Whatever is each man's post, chosen by himself as the bettor part, or appointed by his leader, there, as it appears to me, he ought to stay in spite of danger; taking no account of death or anything else in comparison with dishonour" ('The Apology of Socrates'). This is the crowning quality: "Having done all, to stand [hold the field]. Stand therefore," etc. (Ephesians 6:14); "Be ye steadfast," etc. (1 Chronicles 15:58; Galatians 6:9); "Stand fast in the Lord." IV. DIVINE HELP. "And Jehovah wrought a great deliverance" (ver. 10, repeated in ver. 12). Here is the chief source of success. Human effort is needful, but in itself ineffectual. It avails only through the help of God (Psalm 126:1; Psalm 121:2). Nor is this withheld from such as seek and rely upon it. He will fight for those who fight for him. How often has he enabled them to prevail against an overwhelming host! "Salvation is of the Lord." To him it should be ascribed. And every great deliverance calls for great thanksgiving. - D. Parallel Verses KJV: These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. WEB: These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb Basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite, against eight hundred slain at one time.