We know that it is God’s estimate of our life and service for Him that will matter in the giving of rewards. Man may make judgments in this world, but Paul could say, “It is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment” (1 Cor. 4:3). He recognized that God would take into account, not only actions, but also the motives behind them, which only He could fully know. Likewise, the Lord Jesus made it clear that those who have the first place in this world may well fall short in God’s estimate, while those who seem last down here may be given a great reward.
David’s Mighty Men
I believe we see this principle illustrated in the list of David’s mighty men in the Old Testament. At the end of his life, David takes account of those who had served him well and mentions by name those whose character and courage was especially noteworthy. In particular, I would like to look at the three men who have the first place in that account, and to see from Scripture why they have that place. I suggest that there is instruction for us, in the reasons for David’s high commendation of them.
These men are named in 2 Samuel 23:8-12: Adino the Eznite, Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, and Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. In the first place, it is worth noting that, except in the similar list of David’s mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11, none of these three men seem to be named anywhere else in the Word of God. Neither during David’s time of rejection, nor in all his subsequent wars as king, do we find mention of the names of these men. Yet they are given first place in David’s list.
I suggest that there are several reasons for this. First of all, it is evident from the description given in both 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles, that these men possessed unusual courage. They faced incredible odds in battle and had to stand alone at times. It is recorded of Adino the Eznite that he slew 800 at one time. Others like Eleazar stood and defended a field of barley when the men of Israel had gone away, and Shammah defended a field of lentils when others fled. (It is clear from the account in 1 Chronicles, and beautiful to see, that David stood with Eleazar in defending the field.) Such courage is outstanding, and by itself would certainly insure their inclusion in David’s list. However, it is also clear that their courage was born, not merely of natural ability and bravery, but of faith in God and what He could do on their behalf. Of both Eleazar and Shammah it is recorded that “the Lord wrought a great victory” (2 Sam. 23:10,12). No doubt they had seen David kill Goliath with only a stone and a sling, because he trusted the Lord, and they were encouraged to do the same. Humanly speaking, odds of several hundred to one would be impossible to overcome, yet God gave the victory.
The First Place
However, I believe that there are at least two other reasons why they are given the first place. Following this account of courage in regular warfare, we find another very touching incident, and although the names of these three men are not specifically mentioned, it appears to be that they were the ones involved. When David was in the cave of Adullam, hiding from Saul, he longed for a drink of the water “of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate” (2 Sam. 23:15). Without telling either David or anyone else, these three men “brake through the host of the Philistines” (2 Sam. 23:16) in order to get the water from this well for David. Such was their love and devotedness for David that they risked their lives in order to get the water that he longed for. It is recorded that David would not drink of it, but “poured it out unto the Lord” (2 Sam. 23:16). He valued this act of devotion so much that he himself made a sacrifice to the Lord of the water.
The Right Balance
In terms of New Testament truth, I suggest that these men exhibited, at least in type, the necessary balance in their lives, in worship and service. As to worship, their hearts held David in such high esteem that no effort and risk were too great to give him, during his time of rejection, that which was his due as the rightful king. There was no command, no compulsion — only an expressed desire. But for those who were devoted, their affections for David made them risk their lives to fulfill that wish. Later, when he was king, the water of that well would be easily available, but there was a tremendous cost to get it during his rejection. So it is with worship today. There are hindrances from the world, the flesh and the devil, yet the praise rendered during this time of the Lord’s rejection has a special quality. In heaven there will be no hindrance — “In heaven more sweet and loud” (Little Flock #80) — but God values highly that which is given under difficult circumstances, and perhaps involving a great cost.
As to service, they were exemplary in their willingness to risk their lives in battle, even if it were only a field of barley or lentils that was in question. It was part of Israel’s heritage, a part of the land God had given them, and they refused to let go even a small part of it. So today, we have been given the precious truth of God concerning His beloved Son and His purposes concerning Him. We have been given the privilege of being living witnesses in this world and of preaching the gospel. Some may run away, thinking the gospel and the truth not worth such an effort, but God values those who will defend what He has given us, for it all speaks of Christ. As with these men, He will give the needed strength, if we look to Him.
Such a balance may well be something that we covet, within Christianity. Many believers are faithful in service, yet perhaps lack that devotedness in worship. Others may value highly the privilege of worshiping “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:2424God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)), yet be lax when it comes to service. The believer who is really devoted to the Master will not lack either one in his life. We see an imbalance in some of the others who were associated with David. Abishai, for example, excelled in bravery, and on one occasion he too took on three hundred men, and won a great victory. However, he did not share David’s heart and had to be restrained several times because his energy and zeal ran ahead of the mind of God. Others, like Jonathan, loved David “as his own soul” (1 Sam. 18:1), yet lacked the energy to leave Saul’s court and follow David into a path of rejection. May we, who have the light of Christianity, profit by these examples, and seek, by grace, to be diligent in both worship and service, and in that order! In worship, we honor the One who is the rightful King, but who is now rejected in this world. In service, we pursue His interests down here and seek to defend His glory, while pointing others to Him. Both are necessary.
Self-Denial
Finally, it seems that these three men were content to do their work and live their lives in the background, having a heart only for David. They did not, like Joab, seek a high position and public recognition, nor did they trumpet their exploits, as did Saul and others. As a result, their names are mentioned only in David’s account of his mighty men. (In the same way, it is striking that Joab’s name is absent from the list, although he was captain of David’s army during the whole of his reign. Yet his armor-bearer, who again is not mentioned anywhere else, is there). Again, let us be content to seek only the glory of our blessed Master, for surely He alone is worthy of all honor. In a coming day, at the judgment seat of Christ, He will be pleased to recognize and reward all who have done so! W. J. Prost