2 Samuel 23:18-39

​How are you impacting the people close to you?

Perceive: Abishai was so aggressive in battle, he tops the honor role of the thirty. Therefore, he became their commander, but he did not attain to the three.  Next is Benaiah who was born to serve as priest (1 Chronicles 27:5) but became a mighty warrior and served as one of David’s bodyguards (2 Samuel 8:18; 20:23). He is noted here for killing two sons of Ariel of Moab, a lion in the middle of a pit on a snowy day, and a well-armed Egyptian. He was loyal to David his entire life. The rest of this section lists the mighty men but not their exploits. The last name is Uriah the Hittite who is an unfortunate reminder of David’s failures. Scripture mentions thirty-six names in verses 8-39 so Joab maybe the thirty-seventh. Thirty was more of a title than an exact figure. It is likely replacements took place as some fell in battle.
 
Practice: Godly men who lead at home, at work, and in the community give life to others just like God gives life to them. In the same way, David trusted in the assurance of God’s care and guidance; we can exercise our faith while living as brothers in the battles of life. As God abides with David, He abides with us when we walk in His Word (John 15:1-11). God promises never to leave us nor forsake us. And in a similar way with David, He provides people to help in living life.
 
Pray: Help me, O Mighty God, to be a source of encouragement and obedience to those around me, especially in my sphere of influence. ​

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

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