By Michael Hopkins
The story of David and his three soldiers is a tale of bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice. It is a story that is deeply rooted in the scriptures, specifically in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 23, verses 8-39.
The Three Mighty Warriors
The three soldiers, often referred to as “The Three”, were among David’s most trusted and valiant warriors. Their names were Josheb Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah1245.
Josheb Basshebeth
Josheb Basshebeth, also known as Adino the Eznite, was the first among “The Three”. He was a formidable warrior who fought with his spear against eight hundred men and killed them all in one battle1245.
Eleazar
The second of the famous three was Eleazar, son of Dodo, of the clan of Ahoh. One day, he and David challenged the Philistines who had gathered for battle. The Israelites fell back, but Eleazar stood his ground and fought the Philistines until his hand was so cramped that he could not let go of his sword. The Lord won a great victory that day1245.
Shammah
The third of the famous three was Shammah, son of Agee from Harar. The Philistines had gathered at Lehi, where there was a field of peas. The Israelites fled from the Philistines, but Shammah stood his ground in the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. The Lord won a great victory that day1245.
The Act of Sacrifice
During harvest time, three of the thirty chief warriors came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim123. David, who was then in the stronghold, expressed a longing for water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem123.
Hearing this, the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and carried it back to David123. However, David refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the Lord, saying, "Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?"123.
This act of David not only highlighted the bravery and loyalty of the three soldiers but also demonstrated David’s deep respect and gratitude for their sacrifice123.
Conclusion
The story of David and the three soldiers serves as a powerful reminder of the virtues of bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of faith. These men, through their actions, embodied the essence of what it means to be a warrior - not just in battle, but also in service to their king and their God.
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