Why is this chapter vital? Real people are involved! Real challenges are faced! Real victories are won!
There are four catalogs of outstanding people in the Bible. Hebrews 11 emphasizes walking in faith. Nehemiah 3 records those working in faith. In Romans 16, we have Paul’s gospel co-laborers witnessing in faith. Here (with 1 Chron 11), it is warring in faith. They eloquently point to the day when God’s people will have their lives assessed, and loyalty to the king is key. Thus nefarious Joab is missing, though his brothers are mentioned. Dear Jonathan, slain in a losing cause, is listed (v 32). The first three (2 Sam 23:8-12) have specific exploits mentioned. “Adino the Eznite” stuck to his task: “he had killed eight hundred men at one time” (v 8). “Eleazar…when they defied the Philistines…attacked…until…his hand stuck to the sword” (vv 9-10). And “Shammah” battled “the Philistines…where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. So the people fled from the Philistines. But he stationed himself in the middle of the field” and “defended it” (vv 11-12). Just a field of lentils? It was the land God had given them, so he stuck to their inheritance. In each case, “The Lord brought about a great victory” (v 10). Then there’s the touching story of the three from Adullam who jeoparded their lives, breaking through the Philistine guard, and bringing David a drink from Bethlehem’s well (vv 13-17). It was not a command, just the longing of his heart. He couldn’t drink it! Pouring it out as an offering, in effect he said, I don’t deserve this kind of loyalty—but He does! Benaiah (vv 20-22), David’s bodyguard, had three fights, just as we do, picturing the flesh (Moab), the devil (the lion), and the world (a good-looking Egyptian). Hauntingly, the list of 37 ends with “Uriah the Hittite” (v 39). Thank God, the King’s return will fix everything!