A MEMORIAL FOR MIGHTY MEN!

A MEMORIAL FOR MIGHTY MEN!

1 Chron 11:15-19

15 Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.

16 And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.

17 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!

18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

19 And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.

Today is Memorial Day in America, a day to remember the gallantry of those who fought and died to preserve our freedoms. There is perhaps a no more valiant story of individual courage than the one recorded here. David was holed up in a cave while the enemy occupied his homeland of Bethlehem. Three of his men were “recon quality” soldiers who overheard their King dreamily recall the sweet and clear water of Bethlehem’s well. The Technicolor words are full of action and adventure. They “brake through the host” to draw water out of the well.

Several things are interesting to us on this special day.

These Men were Highly Trained!

Judg 20:16

16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.

One scholar says that these men were not so much “left” handed as ambidextrous. They could use either hand to sling a stone or wield a sword. Some say a good sling was effective at as much as 200 yards!

They had Interesting Names!

Jashobeam = the people will return. Every time his name was spoken it was a testimony of the power of God to return his people to their promised land.

Eleazar = God is my helper! At every venture there was a reminder that God is a very present help in time of trouble.

2 Sam 23:11

11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.

Shammah = “Desolation!” I do not think you want to mess with this man!

These Men were Loyal!

David’s wish was their command. They ventured their lives to serve their King.

These Men were Honored!

1 Chron 11:18

18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

19 And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it.

To the keen observer, Psalm 22 is a dramatic picture of the yet future crucifixion of the Messiah. Listen to Jesus as he hangs upon His cross.

 Ps 22:14

14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

Dear Lord, today let us remember and honor those brave ones who have purchased our freedoms. Let us also remember your own sacrifice that we might be free indeed. AMEN