Imagine going into battle with a donkey, a wolf, and a deer (Gen 49). Sounds like an Aesop’s fable!
The Chronicler continues with his outline of the next three tribal families (1 Chron 7:1-13), listing Issachar, Benjamin, and Naphtali. Not once but twice we are told that the sons of Tola, Issachar’s firstborn, were “mighty men of valor” (vv 2, 5). It’s a good thing they were, because their tribal territory spread across the Armageddon valley! It’s been the site for scores of battles fought throughout the ages. It should be remembered that all believers live in the midst of a pitched battle every day. Valor is needed now as always. It has been defined as great courage in the face of danger. In his hymn, “Stand up! stand up for Jesus,” George Duffield wrote, “Ye that are men, now serve Him Against unnumbered foes; Let courage rise with danger And strength to strength oppose.” But he is also quick to remind us: “Stand up! Stand up for Jesus! Stand in His strength alone; The arm of flesh will fail you; Ye dare not trust your own.” Of Naphtali we read little, but the warriors in Benjamin are also described as “mighty men of valor fit to go out for war and battle” (v 11). We’re especially reminded of one Benjamite who first is noted for “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1), but who later “fought the good fight” (2 Tim 4:7) and enjoined his fellow warriors, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph 6:10). Most importantly, we need to be “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb 12:2). So here are some warnings for us all. It’s possible to battle, but engage in the wrong fight. It’s possible to fight the good fight, but be dependant on our own might. And we can be doing everything right, but then lose sight of the only One who can lead us on to victory.