YEAR 2, WEEK 45, Day 2, Tuesday, 4 November 2025

https://esv.literalword.com/?q=1+chron+11

Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 4 November 2025:

1 Chronicles 11:1-3 — Then all Israel gathered together to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh. In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord your God said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel.’” So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord by Samuel.

Israel’s recognition of David as “bone and flesh” signified not only national unity but covenantal reconciliation. The people acknowledged that David had already been functioning as their true shepherd and leader long before Saul’s death, serving as God’s anointed in function before He was enthroned in fact. The Lord’s declaration that David would “shepherd” His people reveals God’s heart for leadership — servanthood, protection, and care, not domination. This anointing fulfilled the word spoken by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13), proving again that God’s promises may seem delayed, but never denied. Like David, believers are called to lead with humility, waiting patiently for God’s timing while remaining faithful in daily service.

1 Chronicles 11:2 — In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD your God said to you, “You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel.”

Leaders should be selected based on a long record of past performance and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Leadership is not merely a question of positional authority but, more importantly, one of authenticity, credibility, and anointing. David was anointed (1 Samuel 16:13) well before he was appointed, and in between time, he validated his anointing through his character, competence, commitment, consistency, and compassion (though far from perfectly). Who has God anointed and appointed to lead God’s people today? Where has God called you to be a leader? Have you demonstrated your credibility?

1 Chronicles 11:4-9 — And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land. The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You will not come in here.” Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. And David lived in the stronghold; therefore it was called the city of David. And he built the city all around from the Millo in complete circuit, and Joab repaired the rest of the city. And David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him.

Jerusalem, long held by the Jebusites, symbolized a fortress of resistance within Israel’s inheritance. David’s conquest of Zion demonstrated the power of faith-led initiative — what seemed impenetrable to man fell easily under God’s appointed leadership. The fact that “David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him” underscores that true greatness comes not from ambition but from Divine presence resulting from abiding in God’s will.

• Joshau 1:8-9 — This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
• John 14:21 — Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.

Joab’s boldness to act first earned him command, showing that zeal in obedience is rewarded when aligned with God’s purposes. Zion would become not only David’s city but the center of God’s redemptive plan, foreshadowing Christ’s reign from the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2-3).

• Romans 12:9-21 — Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Chronicles 11:6 — David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief.

In America there is an adage, “Talk is cheap,” and another which says, “Put your money where your mouth is.” In Afghanistan there is an adage, “Talk doesn’t make the flowers grow.” Proverbs 25:14 says, “Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.”, and James 2:17 says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” David chose leaders who were men of action, fully committed, willing to put it all on the line, and ready, willing, and able to do what needed to be done at the right time, the right place, and in the right way. Leaders lead boldly from the font. Are you a leader? Just as David sought leaders, so does God – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22) “And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.” (Ezekiel 22:30)

• Exodus 14:15 — The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.
• 1 John 3:18 — Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
• Luke 9:23 — And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
• Philippians 2:13 — …for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
• 1 Peter 2:13 — Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Chronicles 11:9 — And David became greater and greater, for the LORD of hosts was with him.

Successful leaders are first and foremost followers, followers of the Lord. Someone once said, “Leaders know the way, show the way, and go the way.” Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and only those who truly know Him and follow Him are worthy to lead. Anyone else is a false leader, an antichrist because they lead others astray.

• Luke 11:23 — Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
• 1 John 2:18 — Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
• 1 John 2:22 — Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
• 1 John 4:3 — …and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.
• 2 John 1:7 — For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.

1 Chronicles 11:10-14 — Now these are the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel. This is an account of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam, a Hachmonite, was chief of the three; he wielded his spear against 300 whom he killed at one time. And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite. He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered there for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the men fled from the Philistines. But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and killed the Philistines; and the Lord saved them by a great victory.

David’s success was not his alone — his “mighty men” were vital instruments in fulfilling God’s promise. Their courage and loyalty represent the type of faith that stands firm even when others flee. Eleazar’s defense of a field of barley illustrates devotion in what may seem insignificant; faithfulness in small things wins great victories because “the Lord saved them.” Their strength came not merely from valor but from partnership with divine purpose. Likewise, Christ’s Church is built through unity of heart and faith, where each member, regardless of role, supports God’s anointed King, Jesus.

1 Chronicles 11:15-19 — Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David at the cave of Adullam, when the army of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. And David said longingly, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” Then the three mighty men broke through the camp 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 it. He poured it out to the Lord and said, “Far be it from me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men? For at the risk of their lives they brought it.” Therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men.

This passage reveals both the courage of the warriors and the humility of the king. The men’s act of devotion, risking their lives to satisfy David’s desire, was transformed into an offering when David refused to consume what cost them so dearly. By pouring it out “to the Lord,” David recognized that all devotion belongs to God alone.

• Philippians 2:17 — Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
• 2 Timothy 4:6 — For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

This moment captures worship in its purest form: the recognition that human loyalty, sacrifice, and affection find their ultimate meaning only when directed heavenward. David’s leadership (at this point) again foreshadows Christ, who refused to take for Himself what rightly belonged to God’s glory.

When David led as a godly leader, He refused to be personally advantaged at the cost of his followers, and he refused to receive benefits which were not available to his subordinates. Godly leaders give it all to their followers as a model of the Gospel. When David led this way, he was unstoppable, and his men were blessed. Unfortunately, David failed miserably in his leadership later when he failed to lead his men in battle, committed adultery with Bathsheba, and had Uriah killed to hide his guilt. Trust is hard to earn but easily lost, and breaking trust can be like popping a balloon, often unrepairable. David’s life is another lesson in the demand for lifelong vigilance – the battle for integrity never ends – above all else, guard your heart! (Proverbs 4:23) All tacticians know, as stated by George Washington in 1799, the best defense is a good offense. Don’t just try to put up walls against evil. Be bold in acts of godliness all the time – abhor what is evil, attack it, and destroy it! David failed when he stopped fighting. As Grandma used to say, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” There is no such thing as an inactive Christian – “Without me [Jesus] you can do nothing (John 15:5) … but if you do nothing it will be without Him.” (Dallas Willard)

• John 10:11 — I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
• 1 John 3:16 — By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

1 Chronicles 11:20-25 — Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the thirty. And he wielded his spear against 300 men and killed them and won a name beside the three. He was the most renowned of the thirty and became their commander, but he did not attain to the three. And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds; he struck down two heroes of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. And he struck down an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits tall. The Egyptian had in his hand a spear like a weaver’s beam, 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. These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and won a name beside the three mighty men. He was renowned among the thirty, but he did not attain to the three. And David set him over his bodyguard.

Abishai and Benaiah exemplify courage guided by conviction. Their exploits reveal not reckless heroism but faith-fueled/empowered action. Benaiah’s encounter with the lion and the giant echo David’s own victories, showing that the spirit of faith reproduces itself in others. These men’s greatness lay not merely in their strength but in their loyalty and discernment — they fought for God’s king and cause, not for personal fame. Benaiah’s appointment over David’s bodyguard shows that trustworthiness in battle translates to trust in leadership. Spiritual warfare demands similar valor today: courage to confront evil, faith to act in obedience, and humility to give glory to God. Where are our might warriors of valor today? Are you one of them? What would others say about the amazing things God has done in your life to bring others to Christ?

1 Chronicles 11:26-47 — The mighty men were….

The remainder of this chapter lists the names of David’s mighty men, each name recorded as a testament to faithfulness and partnership in God’s redemptive plan. Every individual mattered, even those whose deeds went unrecorded. Their inclusion reminds believers that God remembers every act of service, even when the world forgets. The list reflects the diversity of the kingdom’s strength, men from different tribes and regions united under one anointed king, prefiguring the unity of the Church under Christ, where every member, no matter how obscure, serves an essential role (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

God knows everyone of His faithful followers by name, those who proclaim His Name and reveal His Name in their Christlike character (Romans 8:29). Bring honor and glory to your Lord and Savior through all your words and deeds today.

• John 10:3 — To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

1 Chronicles 11:41 — …Uriah the Hittite….

Uriah the Hittite, betrayed by David, was one of the mighty men, remembered in God’s word for eternity. He is even mentioned in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:6). You may have been betrayed and deeply hurt by others, but remember, God knows you by Name and will be your ultimate defender and rewarder. No one was betrayed like Jesus, and He is seated at the right hand of the Father. Trust in Him, and rejoice through it all that He is your Salvation.

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) — 4 November 2025: Live faithfully under Christ, the true and eternal King. Just as David’s mighty men served with courage, loyalty, and humility, every believer is called to offer their strength, creativity, and devotion for the advancement of God’s kingdom. Be bold to stand firm in your “barley field,” however small it may seem. Pour out your best as worship to God, not for recognition but for His glory. Remember that your King has conquered not by the sword but by the cross — so proclaim His Gospel fearlessly to all people, for one soul is worth more than the world itself.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for calling us into Your service under the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, our true King. Give us the courage of David’s mighty men, the humility of David’s heart, and the devotion to pour out our lives as offerings to You. Teach us to labor together in unity, using every gift You’ve given — whether strength, skill, or song — for the glory of Your name. May we proclaim Your Gospel with boldness, remembering that every soul is priceless in Your sight. Let our worship and our work reflect Your worthiness. In Jesus’ name, amen.”