“DO YOU HAVE FRIENDS LIKE DAVID’S FRIENDS?”
(2 Samuel 23:1-39; 1 Chronicles 11:10-47)
These were the chiefs of David’s mighty warriors–they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the LORD had promised. – 1 Chronicles 11:10
King David, nearing the end of his life, sums up his journey as one of being exalted and anointed by God Most High—a God who gave him words to speak and lyrics to sing (2 Sam. 23:2). How blessed we are to read and reflect upon many of his words during moments of trial, after sinning, and times of worship as recorded in the Psalms. David acknowledges in our reading today that his salvation and leadership were founded on God’s eternal covenant, empowering him to lead with righteousness and justice. Truly, he finished well!
Today’s passage pairs David’s final reflections with the extraordinary military exploits of his elite warriors. Consider the remarkable feats of three of David’s loyal and courageous warriors:
- Josheb-Basshebeth: Struck down 800 enemies in one battle.
- Eleazer: Continued fighting when his fellow soldiers retreated, fighting so intensely that his hand froze to his sword and “the LORD brought about a great victory that day.”
- Shammah: Single-handedly defended a field against the entire Philistine army, and “the LORD brought about a great victory.”
In each instance, these warriors could have retreated, yet they stood firm, demonstrating unwavering faith in God. As David declared before facing the Philistine giant Goliath, “The LORD saves, for the battle is the LORD’S” (1 Samuel 17:47). Their victories were not won by human might but by supernatural acts of God working through them. Yet, it was their faith and courage through which God worked to establish Israel’s God-given boundaries and establish Jerusalem as the spiritual and political center during David’s 40-year reign.
The New Testament affirms the reality of spiritual battles today. Paul states that we do not fight against flesh and blood but rather against rulers, authorities, and forces of darkness and spiritual evil (Ephesians 6:12). These spiritual battles can surface as temptations, sicknesses, trials, and opposition. Paul teaches that we need the armor of God—salvation, truth, righteousness, the Word of God, the gospel of peace, and prayer—and the empowerment and guidance of the Holy Spirit to be victorious in the spiritual battles we face.
Just as King David and his mighty warriors were united and acted in faith and courage, bringing about God’s plan for the nation of Israel, there are times when we need loyal friends full of faith to support us during our temptations, trials, and spiritual battles. Who are your mighty friends of faith to whom you can turn for prayer and encouragement? Has God worked through you to support a fellow believer in their spiritual battle? God, help us to be courageous, obedient, unified, and full of faith so that You can work Your purposes in and through us.
Simple Truth:
God calls us to trust in His faithfulness and to stand firm in spiritual battles with courage and faith, often alongside fellow believers, to accomplish His purposes.
Reflections:
- God’s Word is Powerful and Life-Giving: David acknowledged that the Spirit of God provided him with words to speak. The Bible continues to bring spiritual life and guidance today. How do you treasure these inspired words?
- Faith Requires Courage and Perseverance: David and his mighty men acted in faith and courage, trusting in God for victory over Israel’s enemies. What spiritual battles do you face today that require God’s intervention?
- The Need for Mighty Friends: Consider the loyal and faithful friends who support you during your spiritual battles. How have these relationships encouraged you to stand firm in your faith? How might God call you to act with fellow believers to advance His kingdom?
Applications:
- Ask God to shape the words you speak today.
- Recount God’s past faithfulness to you and others as a means of building up your faith.
- Recognize the “mighty warriors” in your life, thanking God for them.
- Ask God to use you to support someone facing a spiritual battle.
Closing Prayer…
Heavenly Father, I worship and thank You for the eternal covenant and salvation You have given me through Jesus Christ. Thank you for the example of David’s faith and devotion. Strengthen me to stand firm in faith when challenges arise, and help me rely on Your power rather than my own. Help me reflect Your righteousness and justice as I walk obediently within Your will and word. Grant me the courage and faith of David’s mighty men to fight spiritual battles, knowing that victory belongs to You. Surround me with fellow believers to encourage me, and use me to bless others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Marcia Rainey is a wife, mother, Nana, and retired educator who served eight years as principal and 11 years as a middle school Bible and science teacher at Hawthorne Christian Academy. She now spends her days with her grandson and enjoys baking, long walks with her husband, and the view from any mountain or beach. She is thrilled to be part of the TLC family serving with the children’s, life group, and women’s ministry teams.
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