2 Samuel 23:8

The king's mighty men.

From this verse to the end of the chapter is given an account of men who had distinguished themselves in the service of David by their might and prowess, and who were rewarded with promotion and a place in this honourable list. Our King, Jesus Christ, has also his mighty ones—men, women, and children—whose exploits are not forgotten.

I. THEIR QUALITIES .

1 . What they are. They are the ordinary characteristics of a Christian existing in a high degree of strength and fervour.

2 . Whence they spring. David was brave himself, and inspired his men with bravery. They became "mighty men" through the influence of a mighty leader. Consciously or unconsciously, they imbibed his spirit and imitated him. In like manner, our "Leader and Commander of the people" (Isaiah Iv. 4) infuses his own Spirit into his faithful followers. They become mighty through close union and association with him. They are "strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might' ( Ephesians 6:10 ); "strengthened with might by God's Spirit in the inner man" ( Ephesians 3:16 ).

II. THEM WORKS . Their might is exercised:

1 . In resisting and overcoming temptation. In conquering the enemies of Christ as they assail and would destroy themselves. A man may be a hero in the service of his country and a miserable coward and slave morally and spiritually, yielding without resistance to the impulses of lust and passion, covetousness and ambition, led "captive by the devil at his will" ( 2 Timothy 2:26 ).

2 . In patient endurance of suffering. Martyrs, confessors, ordinary sufferers. Some of the noblest of Christ's "mighty ones" are found in sick chambers, enduring pain and perhaps privation for long months or years without a murmur.

3 . In assailing and conquering religious errors or practical evils. Especially when the many favour them, and not only opposition, but obloquy, has to be encountered.

4 . In promoting the salvation and welfare of men. David's "mighty men" displayed their strength and courage chiefly in destroying men's lives; Christ's in saving and blessing; though occasionally they too are called to take up material weapons in the service of their King. In this service the noblest heroic qualities are often called into exercise, as in the ease of missionaries bearing their message among savages or into perilous climates; ministers of religion at home patiently and lovingly labouring on in obscurity and poverty; visitors of those suffering from infectious diseases; teachers in ragged schools, etc.

III. THEIR VARIETIES . David's "mighty men" were from various tribes of Israel, some even Gentiles, and had each his own peculiarities of character and achievement. But all were alike loyal to their king and brave in serving him. Thus it is also with Christ's mighty ones. They are from every country and nation where he is known, from every section of his Church, from every class of society; and they all bear some marks of their origin. But they all are one in their devoted love to their King, and their readiness to labour and suffer for him even unto death. They differ also in respect of the special elements and manifestations of their power. Some owe their pre-eminence in part to physical peculiarities; others are great in spite of theirs. Some have the might of intellect; others, of heart. Some, the power of inflexible determination; others, of gentleness and tenderness. Some conquer by intense activity; others, by passive endurance or quiet influence. Some are powerful through their ability to attract and lead numbers; others, acting alone. The special sphere of some is the home; of others, the Church; of others, the exchange, the factory, the workshop, or the public meeting. Some are mighty in argument; others, in appeal; some, in instructing; others, in consoling, etc.

IV. THEIR REWARD .

1 . Promotion. David promoted those of his men who distinguished themselves by their bravery to posts of honour ( 2 Samuel 23:23 ). Similarly, our Lord teaches us that those who are faithful to him shall be advanced to higher positions of trust and power ( Luke 19:17 , Luke 19:19 ; Revelation 2:26-28 ; Revelation 3:12 , Revelation 3:21 ). The display and exercise of noble qualities increases their vigour, and thus prepares for and ensures higher and wider service.

2 . Honourable record. As here, "These be the names," etc; Christ's heroes also have their names, characters, and deeds recorded.

In conclusion:

1 . We should not be content just to exist as Christians, but should aim to be " mighty ." This is possible to all, through union with the "strong Son of God," maintained and increased by vigorous exercises of faith, meditation, and prayer; and through faithful use of such power as they possess.

2 . Whatever our might or achievements, we should ascribe all, and be sincerely concerned that others should ascribe all, to God. ( 2 Samuel 23:10 , 2 Samuel 23:12 .)—G.W.