THE MIGHTY MEN OF DAVID.

There are few men in the Bible that attract our attention as much as David. He is mentioned more than any other man in the Scripture except Jesus.
David is the only man in the Word of God who is called: "A man after God's own heart." From the time that Goliath's defeated body fell to the ground, until he was anointed King and his time of rejection as king and then when he became King, David showed himself as a man of God.
After David became king he trained 37 men who became famous warriors. The Scripture calls them "Mighty Men of David," also known as the Gib'Bor'Im. Their names are listed in 2 Samuel 23. A similar list is given in 1 Chronicles 11 but with several variations, and 16 more names.
The mighty warriors were a group of chosen men exceptionally loyal, strong and brave, with considerable military skill, who served an important role in protecting the king and fighting for the freedom on their nation, the Land of Israel. It seems the same anointing that was on David came upon these group of men.
Within this list are "The Three" (Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah) who served as a special elite group with legendary victories. The exact roles are not made clear, but they were certainly seen as stand-outs among David' mighty men. In the exact way Jesus had three specially anointed disciples (Peter, James and John) who walked in exceptional power.
Whenever God raises up a man to do a work, He always raises up men mighty in valor and faith, not afraid to risk and to sacrifice, and anointed with His power, to help do that work. Each of these mighty men and their exploits have a spiritual lesson to teach us.
In 2 Samuel 23 we have some details of these mighty warriors. It is the end of David's life and reign as a King and it is as if he is reflecting back over his life. David also reflects back over the great men that God had sent his way.
ADINO, a man who was outnumbered in battle 800 to one. At one time he defeated all of them with his spear. Honor came in those days in doing exploits for the King. He didn't give up when he was outnumbered. As a man possessed by the spirit of courage, he did not turn and run. His courage and strength came form God.
ELEAZAR, a man with a powerful sword. And the sword is the symbol of the Word of God. He was one with God. The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intends of the heart. Eph 6:17 says: "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."
SHAMMAH, a man who stood his ground and fought when everyone fled. He wasn't affected by what everybody else did. He didn't get his eyes on others and get discouraged. Shammah didn't care if he was the only one who cared. He was going to do what was right. He fought for the patch of beans that belonged to the King. The enemy of his King was coming to rob and to plunder and the King's people needed the food. He was strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Eph 6: 11 says: "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
These three mighty men of David loved him so much that they were willing to risk their own lives for the sake of the God of David. The king only needed to think and they were moved by that thought. They knew David's God and sought His ways.
ABISHAI, a man who came to the aid of his king.
BENIAH, a soldier like no other.