If I listed the thirty-seven names of David’s mighty men of valor, there is only one that would likely be familiar. Uriah, the Hittite, was the husband of Bathsheba, the woman with whom King David had an affair. She is the mother of Solomon. Uriah is named last in Second Samuel 23:8-23.
The word “valor” means “great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.” The term seems to carry the idea of might, power, and strength. The term is used about thirty times in Scripture, but inference is made in many others.
In the various passages I have read about the mighty men of valor, I have discovered some things about what it takes to be bestowed with this title. There is no doubt that bravery is a quality of these special men. Three men stood out among David’s thirty-seven, and bravery was most definitely part of the reason. One killed eight hundred men by himself in a battle. One killed three hundred men in a battle. One killed a lion in a pit in the snow, killed two lion-like men, and killed an Egyptian. He was considered more honorable than the other two, but he was not considered number one (Second Samuel 23:20-21).
There are some things I learned that these mighty men of valor were not. They did not seem to seek a title. They did not serve for riches or popularity. Prestige and recognition were not what drove them. What seemed to be present in them was total devotion. Though they were probably recognized for their abilities and paid for their service, they were not indestructible (Judges 3:29). They sometimes did not survive the battle.
So, what kind of men were they? Eleazer is said to have fought until his hand was weary (Second Samuel 23:10). One stood firm and defended the land (Second Samuel 23:12). The three best of David’s mighty men of valor risked their lives to carry out King David’s wishes (Second Samuel 23:16). Abishai is said to have been honorable (Second Samuel 23:19). He was consistent in his duties. One is said to have offered himself to the Lord, and he is described as being capable of leading (Second Chronicles 17:16. They were able to take instructions (Joshua 8:3ff), and they occasionally required assistance (Joshua 1:14).
This whole study has me thinking about our need for mighty men of valor today. We need them in our homes, and we need them in the church. God put men in a position of leadership. Paul told the Ephesians in chapter 5 just how serious their responsibility is.
Husband and fathers need to show great courage because we are in a battle for the souls of our families. The devil isn’t taking a break He is consistent in his war against the morals of our homes and our nation. Does your home have a mighty man of valor in it?
We need mighty men of valor in our government. It is sad to see the weakness in our nation’s leaders. Today, leaders stand for whatever they are paid the most to support. They show no courage against the moral decay of our nation. They refuse to support the principles on which our nation was founded.
William Pierson Merrill wrote a song called “Rise Up O Men of God”. I think the words express some of these same ideas.
Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of kings.
Rise up, O men of God!
The kingdom tarries long.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.
Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up and make her great!
Lift high the cross of Christ!
Tread where His feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!
Let’s pray for our husbands and fathers, for the church leaders, and for the leaders in our country. Let’s pray that they will rise up, and give themselves to the service of the King of kings.
Sandra Oliver