Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 23; Galatians 3; Ezekiel 30; Psalm 78:38-72
2 Samuel 23:8 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.
David was a mighty warrior. It took no time at all for him to gain this reputation among the people:
1 Samuel 18:7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
As such a warrior, he led men and he had a unit that was designated as ‘mighty men’. These were David’s own men who fought side by side with him for years. There were varying levels of distinction among these men as they had distinguished themselves in battle. The first three were Adino, Eleazar and Shammah. Also highly distinguished in battle were Abishai and Benaiah. In all there were thirty-seven men designated as ‘David’s Mighty Men’.
There was a great respect for David among these men and once when they were in a hold and were fighting the Philistines, David longed for a drink of water from a well in Bethlehem where he was raised.
2 Samuel 23:16 And the three mighty men brake through the host 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: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.
These were a band of brothers, battle hardened with a friendship forged in battle. They would have died for each other and had that opportunity many times. This is why it is so tragic to read of David’s activities when he was at home and his men were fighting in battle. He saw a woman bathing and desired her.
2 Samuel 11:3 And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
This was not some random woman. David’s servants were quick to point out who her husband and her father were. The daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah – both mighty men! (2 Samuel 23:34, 39)
Not only was David committing adultery but he was stealing the wife and daughter of two of his mighty men! Friendship is a hard thing to come by. David’s sin is wicked on so many fronts and most especially against God. It is too bad that selfishness can lead to such infidelity. Guard your heart against lust!
In Christ,
Rody
