2 Samuel 23:8-39
Q.1. Why did the three mighty men – Josheb-basshabeth, Eleazar, & Shammah rate a special mention by David? – (2 Sam.23:1-12)
God is far wiser than to simply commend quantity over quality. This was demonstrated by the commendation by Jesus when a widow gave two copper coins (Lk.21:1-4). However, God did recognize those who made extraordinary contributions to His work. To slay eight hundred in a single battle required courage, skill, and perseverance. Josheb-basshabeth went down in history for his outstanding contribution to David and the people of God. Both Eleazar & Shammah showed incredible single-mindedness, bravery and stickability, when the rest of Israel had withdrawn from battle. The Bible records that – the Lord brought about a great victory … that day (2 Sam.23:10 & 12). The church needs workers who will go beyond their call of duty – workers who are not motivated by the opinions of others but who trust the Lord for great things.
Q.2. What do we learn about real love from the story about the water from Bethlehem? – (2 Sam.23:13-17 c.f. 1 John 4:9-11)
The men loved David because he was the kind of man who would not take their sacrifice for granted. That was why he would not drink the water he had craved from the well of Bethlehem – but he poured it out to the Lord … he would not drink it (2 Sam.23:16-17).  Because David valued his men, he would not take advantage of their sacrifices. In a similar way, as John wrote – we love Him because He first loved us! (1 Jn.4:19).
Q.3. What do the exploits of David’s mighty warriors tell us about David’s leadership? – (2 Sam.23:18-39)
David had more than a few remarkably courageous and capable soldiers in his team – it is staggering how many he had. He knew them all by name, and he remembered the exploits of each. We know that he led by example and was therefore an inspirational leader. He did not just demand much from his soldiers, but he contributed as well. He was a role-model in bravery, as initially seen in his defeat of the giant Goliath. David composed many spiritual songs. These must have given the men great confidence in him, since he clearly showed that his trust was in his mighty God. Joab was missing from the list, though his brothers Abishai and Asahel were remembered for their exploits (2 Sam.23:18-19, 24). David showed his renewed integrity, when he completed his company of thirty-seven with Uriah the Hittite, the man whom he had killed in order to cover his adultery with Bathsheba (2 Sam.23:39 c.f. 2 Sam.11:3 & 6).