1 Chronicles 12 sings of the Mighty Men who came alongside David and helped him battle.
Note: all emphasis mine in the Scripture quotes
They were bowmen and could shoot arrows and sling stones with either the right or the left hand; they were Benjaminites, Saul’s kinsmen. Verse 2 ESV
8 From the Gadites there went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness mighty and experienced warriors, expert with shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were swift as gazelles upon the mountains: ESV
David’s army is gathered.
4 These Gadites were officers of the army; the least was a match for a hundred men and the greatest for a thousand. 15 These are the men who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing all its banks, and put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west.
16 And some of the men of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold to David. 17 David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in friendship to help me, my heart will be joined to you; but if to betray me to my adversaries, although there is no wrong in my hands, then may the God of our fathers see and rebuke you.” 18 Then the Spirit clothed Amasai, chief of the thirty, and he said,
“We are yours, O David,
and with you, O son of Jesse!
Peace, peace to you,
and peace to your helpers!
For your God helps you.”Then David received them and made them officers of his troops. ESV
22 For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God. ESV
In verses 23- 37, these men are described as: mighty men of valor for war; mighty men of valor, famous men in their fathers’ houses; men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; equipped for battle with all the weapons of war, to help David[c] with singleness of purpose; seasoned troops ready for battle.
Strength, vigor, physical prowess, mighty men,
___and____
Heart devotion, loyalty, anointing, Spirit moving
38 All these, men of war, arrayed in battle order, came to Hebron with a whole heart to make David king over all Israel. Likewise, all the rest of Israel were of a single mind to make David king. 39 And they were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers had made preparation for them. 40 And also their relatives, from as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, came bringing food on donkeys and on camels and on mules and on oxen, abundant provisions of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, and wine and oil, oxen and sheep, for there was joy in Israel. 1 Chronicles 12 ESV
When I initially read this chapter, this last section sung out to me first. Verses 38-40… for there was joy in Israel. Yes. How we need respite; times of fellowship and feasting. Times of strength and singing. In the midst of the great battles of life. In the midst of David’s battle for his life and for the kingdom. I can feel the heart-swell of joy. I can feel the power pulse through the chapter. What a congregation of valiant men… of warriors!
There is joy in single-mindedness, commonality, and fellowship! There is joy in food laid out for a feast in celebration and succor.
I have young men growing up in my home. The references to strength, power, victory, and valor ring especially true and poignant for me. And I am the wife of a treasured man. Men need each other to face the battles of life. We all need each other. I hope that my home can continue to grow into a place where warriors can rest as they prepare to face the battles of their day. And I pray that my men find a commonality and a joy in the Lord who is their strength and the victory found in Him.
Lord, let the joy of feasting in you sing through my home. As we celebrate victories, and as we face battles, let our family be a place of respite and succor. Anoint us to be of one mind, single in action and purpose. I turn my face to You. I hide myself in You. You are worthy- and in every battle- and in each victory- MAY YOU BE PRAISED!
Sixty-six books in a year 