In a previous article we considered the first three in David’s list of mighty men in 2 Samuel 23. We saw that they held the first place in David’s heart because of their exemplary courage and devotedness to him. Let us now consider the next three.
Abishai—Courage Without Communion
Evidently there were three others who, although not in the same rank as the first three, were worthy of special mention. The first is Abishai, brother of Joab and a first cousin of David. He is credited with lifting up his spear against three hundred and was most honorable of the three, thus being their captain. He was surely a strong and unwavering supporter of David, and few were braver than he or more zealous of David’s cause. When David wanted to make a dangerous visit to Saul’s camp (1 Sam. 26), Abishai was a ready volunteer. When David was compelled to fight against Absalom, Abishai was captain of a third of the army. His name is prominent in other incidents in David’s life. Why then was he not placed among the first three?
May we suggest that while Abishai was a most devoted and brave man, he did not share David’s heart for the Lord and his understanding of God’s ways. His energy for David’s cause was sometimes exercised in a wrong way. He had to be restrained from killing Saul during the visit to Saul’s camp (1 Sam. 26), and also he had to be prevented from killing Shimei when he cursed David (2 Sam. 16). In 2 Samuel 3:3939And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the Lord shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness. (2 Samuel 3:39) David referred to Joab and Abishai saying, “These men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me.”
May this be a voice to our own souls. We may be very zealous for the Lord’s glory, but do so with human energy. How many times have those who thought they were honoring the Lord used their energy in the flesh instead of in the power of the Spirit and in communion with the Lord! While the motive may be right, such actions tend to dishonor the Lord, for they don’t display His character. God desires that we seek His interests in this world, but in keeping with His whole character. “Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:1717For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)).
Benaiah—Growing in Christ
The next man in this group of three is Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, who was probably a young man. We note that his father was also a valiant man. This illustrates the important influence fathers exert on their children. While he did not at this time attain to the first three, we suggest that in type he is one who grew in his soul during David’s reign. It is recorded that he slew two lionlike men of Moab, perhaps speaking to us of overcoming the power of Satan in those who would oppose us. Later he slew a lion in a pit, speaking to us of meeting Satan himself as an adversary. You and I as believers are able to “overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:1313I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. (1 John 2:13)) because of our Saviour’s victory over him.
Also, he slew an Egyptian, which would speak to us of overcoming the world. Benaiah had only a staff in his hand, a type of the priesthood of Christ. (We know that Aaron’s rod spoke of priestly grace that brought the children of Israel through the desert.) With this staff he was able to take the spear away from the Egyptian and kill him with his own spear. So we also can overcome the world, if we recognize our weakness and avail ourselves of our Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. How needful it is for young Christians to overcome both Satan and the world, if they are to advance in spiritual things! Such victories, like those of Benaiah, must often be fought and won as individuals, out of the public eye. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:44For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)).
As a result of all these exploits, David set him over his guard, or, as it might better be rendered, “in his council” (JND)—a place where he could not only contribute but also learn from others.
Benaiah’s history, however, does not end here. He is not mentioned often during David’s reign but evidently was diligent in the limited responsibilities given to him, and he reaps an abundant reward later. When Solomon inherited the kingdom (a type of Christ reigning in millennial glory), we find that Benaiah is the instrument used to execute judgment on the king’s enemies, and then he is given the highest place—that of being over the host (1 Kings 4:44And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests: (1 Kings 4:4)). He had served in the background for many years while another, who was not a man of faith, occupied the place of captain of the host. But under Solomon, Benaiah is accorded that place of honor.
May this encourage each heart. Those who serve down here out of the public eye—secretly learning to overcome—will doubtless be given places of responsibility and distinction in the coming kingdom. Many things are not as they should be, but we may rest assured that in heaven all is just and according to God’s discerning eye. We must remember that the vindication of a life lived for the Lord may have to wait until that day. But this should be considered an honor, for our blessed Saviour will not be vindicated publicly until that day.
Jonathan—Refusing the Path of Rejection
But what of the third man of this trio? Clearly there were three, yet neither in this chapter or in 1 Chronicles 11 is the third one named or even mentioned. Yet evidently he is meant to be included in the list, for while only thirty-six are named in the chapter, a total of thirty-seven is given at the end.
While not desiring to go beyond Scripture, we would suggest that very likely Jonathan is the one who is in view here. He too was a valiant man, and the Lord used him and his armor-bearer to win a great victory in the days of Saul (1 Sam. 14). Likewise, he had a love for David like no other, and there is no record that he displeased David at any time. The lamentation David made over him in 2 Samuel 1 shows how much Jonathan meant to him.
Sadly, he did not follow David into rejection, and perhaps he is not named here because he never fought directly under David. He could not seem to rid himself of his connection with his father, despite his recognition that David was the rightful king.
Again, this should speak to our own souls. How many dear believers today exhibit such love and devotedness to the Lord, yet are unwilling to give up that which is clearly not according to Scripture! Many do not fully follow a rejected Christ, yet display love and grace in their lives that may put us to shame! May this history encourage us to be balanced Christians, having the unwavering faithfulness of Abishai with the love and grace of Jonathan.
We know that every type falls short of the reality, and how good it is to realize that while Jonathan’s name may be omitted here, there will be no names omitted at the judgment seat of Christ. “Then shall every man have praise of God” (1 Cor. 4:55Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. (1 Corinthians 4:5)). Then even a cup of cold water will not lose its reward!
W. J. Prost