God Turns the Weak into Warriors for His Glory
Throughout the Old Testament, we see how God often raises up unlikely individuals to accomplish mighty works. A striking example is found in the life of King David—not only in his own victories but in the remarkable men who stood with him. These were his 37 mighty warriors, men of extraordinary courage and valor who served alongside him in battle.
The Structure of David’s Mighty Men
David’s warriors were grouped into three tiers:
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The Three (The Elite Warriors): These were the most distinguished of all, known for their unparalleled bravery and battlefield accomplishments.
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The Second Tier: Consisted of two men who, although not quite as renowned as “The Three,” performed heroic feats that earned them high honor.
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The Thirty: This group included Uriah the Hittite (2 Samuel 11), whose tragic end was due to David’s sin, yet he too was a valiant man.
Now let’s look at a few of these men and what made them so exceptional.
1. Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite
(Also called Jashobeam)
“These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite; he was chief of the three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred whom he killed at one time.”
(2 Samuel 23:8, ESV)
This warrior is remembered for killing 800 men in a single encounter—a feat that rivals the strength of Samson. This was not mere physical power, but a demonstration of divine empowerment. Like many biblical heroes, he was used by God to bring about great victories through faith and obedience.
2. Eleazar son of Dodo
“And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew. He rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword. And the Lord brought about a great victory that day.”
(2 Samuel 23:9–10, ESV)
Even when others fled, Eleazar stood firm. He fought so long and hard that his hand physically stuck to his sword. This illustrates the deep connection between spiritual perseverance and the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). True spiritual warriors cling to the Word, especially in the heat of battle.
3. Shammah son of Agee
“And next to him was Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines gathered together at Lehi, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the men fled from the Philistines. But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and struck down the Philistines, and the Lord worked a great victory.”
(2 Samuel 23:11–12, ESV)
While others abandoned the field, Shammah stood alone and defended what others considered insignificant—a field of lentils. Yet in God’s economy, no ground is too small to defend when done in faith. Like Shammah, we are called to be faithful in the little things (Luke 16:10).
4. Abishai, Brother of Joab
“Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the thirty. And he wielded his spear against three hundred men and killed them and won a name beside the three.”
(2 Samuel 23:18, ESV)
Abishai’s act of bravery earned him a name and place of honor. Though not part of the elite three, he stood close, reminding us that faithful service may not always place us in the spotlight, but it is still greatly valued in the eyes of God.
5. Benaiah son of Jehoiada
“And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel… He struck down two ariels of Moab. He also went down and struck a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. And he struck down an Egyptian, a handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but Benaiah went down to him with a staff and snatched the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear.”
(2 Samuel 23:20–21, ESV)
Benaiah was fearless—he took on giants, wild beasts, and enemies armed with superior weapons. His courage echoes that of David himself, reminding us that true strength comes from trusting God, not in physical might (Zechariah 4:6).
6. Elhanan son of Jaare-oregim
“And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, the Bethlehemite, struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.”
(2 Samuel 21:19, ESV)
Like David, Elhanan also defeated a Philistine giant, showing that God raises up new generations of warriors to carry on the battle.
Where Did These Warriors Come From?
Surprisingly, David did not recruit these men from Saul’s army or from among Israel’s elite. They were ordinary people—men in distress, in debt, discontented with life.
“And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men.”
(1 Samuel 22:2, ESV)
From these broken men, God raised a company of warriors who shook kingdoms. This is a powerful picture of redemption and transformation through leadership, discipleship, and above all—God’s power.
The Spiritual Application: Christ’s Mighty Ones
David is a type of Christ, the anointed King. Just as David turned ordinary, troubled men into mighty warriors, so Christ today is calling the broken, the weary, and the rejected to become spiritual champions in His kingdom.
Paul reminds us of this truth:
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise… so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”
(1 Corinthians 1:26–29, ESV)
God does not require wealth, education, or social status—He desires faith, obedience, and a heart surrendered to Him.
Final Reflection
You may feel unworthy, poor, indebted, or insignificant—but you are precisely the kind of person God delights to use. If you surrender your life to Christ, He can mold you into a mighty spiritual warrior. Don’t let your past, your poverty, or your pain hold you back. On the Day of Judgment, it won’t be your excuses that speak, but your faith—or lack of it.
Like David’s men, will you rise and fight the good fight of faith?
Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.