2 Samuel 23:8-12 – Courage, tenacity and steadfastness

David had a group of mighty men who had fought with him and helped him to gain the throne and captured Zion. They are listed here in 2 Samuel 23:8-39. These men were known as David’s mighty men and had commonly been called David’s thirty chiefs or simply the thirty. Verses 8-12 list for us three prominent ones. They were known as “The Three”. They deserved a special mention because of the extra-ordinary feats they had accomplished.

The first, to be mentioned here was Josheb-basshebeth who was also known as Adino the Eznite. He was a man of great capacity. In one of his encounters with the enemies, he was purported to have killed 800 men with a spear in his hand. It’s hard to imagine how one person could fight and overcome 800 but he did. He was truly a person of great capacity.   

The second to be mentioned was Eleazar the Ahohite. He was a man of great tenacity. In one battle he simply refused to retreat but fought so hard that it was said that his sword literary clung to his weary hand. The other men only appeared after the danger was over to strip the enemy corpses of their spoils.  

The third was Shammah the Hararite. Verses 11-12 tell us that in one battle with the Philistines in “a plot of ground full of lentils”, when all the men of Israel had retreated, he stood and fought the enemies alone.

‘The Three’ speaks of unique courage and tenacity. And they were also bold and steadfast. These are the essential qualities of people whom God had endowed with a singleness of purpose. One thing that must be said is that these were only the vessels whom God used to help David. But the reason they were successful was because of God. According to verse 12, “the Lord brought about a great victory.”

Yes, we need courage, tenacity, and steadfastness in our spiritual battles,  but we must never forget that the greatest source for victory is to have the Lord fighting for and with us. Let us be sure to remain steadfast, immovable and abound in God’s Work, and experience the victory that He will bring. All glory to God!