Compare II Samuel 22, and 23 – David gives praise to God before he gives praise to men. (Compare to Stephen prayed for himself before he prayed for those who were killing him. Compare to Jesus who prayed for others first.)

Verse 5 – David mentions his unworthiness to receive any blessings from God, yet mentions only the worthiness of his followers. Is this not a good principle to follow? Compare verses 2-4 which speaks of the qualifications of the one who rules over men. David declares he is not qualified, yet God blessed him in spite of his lack of qualifications. These are not the qualifications of men, but the qualifications of God. It is not wrong for us to judge the qualifications of men, if God has given us a list of qualifications, but it is always wrong to be critical of those God has chosen. I am referring to the qualification of pastors.

David states, …although he make it not to grow. In verse 2-4, David speaks of God’s requirements of leadership. A leader must be just, not showing favor to any person, or situation. The proper ruler must always rule according to the word of God, never according to any personal preference. In verse 4, David reflects that a proper Godly leader will be as the light of the morning, a blessing from the darkness, a day without clouds (which speaks of the pureness of his leadership), and as refreshing as new grass in the spring, or the smell of fresh air after a cleansing rain. In verse 5, David admits that his life and his house does not reflect the pureness God requires. David is remembering his sin with Bathsheba, and the curse of God upon his family because of his sin. Yet, even though David is not pure, and his house polluted, God has made a covenant with him and his house. This is a real blessing. I think it is appropriate to remark how God has made a covenant with each believer even though every believer is full of sin and rejects Christ and his holy commandments from the very beginning. David remarks that the covenant God has made is sure, not conditioned on his keeping the covenant, but on the grace and mercy of God to keep the covenant. David confirms that his desire toward God is to be holy, yet he is still a sinner. When David makes the statement …although he make it not to grow, he is speaking of his sins, public and private. These sins were enough to completely destroy David, yet God kept those public and private sins from growing and spreading far and wide. There was a curse on David’s family, but that curse did not extend to all generations. God restricted the curse to the immediate family members living during the time of David. This is indeed a real blessing to any believer. If each believer would look at their own life, they would see plenty of outward and secret rebellion against God. Then every believer can see clearly how gracious God is toward his children. Then we can all say with David, God stopped my sins from overflowing and polluting everything and every person I have come into contact with. God has stopped by sins from completely polluting me.

Verse 6,7 – Evil forces must be approached with utmost caution, because they cannot be overcome by human strength. God is the only one that can utterly defeat the wicked, all others who try to overcome them will fail in their attempts. God will use people, but those people must use the power of God, not their own power. When the wicked are approached in battle, they must be utterly destroyed at that time and place, not later. The battle is the time and place for complete victory. Do not let the wicked go free, as Saul, in I Samuel 15, let Agag the king of the Amalekites and the best of the animals go free. Samuel was right in hewing Agag into pieces before the Lord.

If we do not live according to the rules God established, we will not be crowned. Do not be overly concerned or anxious about those that men follow, or that men account as great. II Timothy 2:4,5, No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. Joab was like this, but he is not mentioned in David’s mighty men, except as he is related to another. It is amazing that Joab is not included in this list of mighty men. But should he be? Here is a man who many men followed – consider when David put Amasa over the troops and Joab killed him, took the authority in spite of David’s being against him, and led the troops to victory. There may be many great men by the standards of this world who will not receive rewards from God because they have not run the race according to the standards of God. They may have a great following, but if they are not following God, they will not receive a reward.

There are many preachers and pastors today, who are not striving lawfully. Many have been divorced, remarried, and then continue to preach. This is not what God ordained. Many do not have their houses in order, but continue to preach and pastor, against what God ordained.

There are many people who are not striving lawfully. They will not be crowned. We all must do things God’s ways, or else we will not be crowned.

Most of David’s mighty men are unknown. I believe most of the real hero’s of faith will also be unknown to the world, but they will not be unknown to the Christians of their day.

I doubt if any of these people started out to be in the list of David’s mighty men. They only intended to do what they should be doing. II Timothy 4:8 – Paul knew he had a crown of righteousness laid up for him, but he was not working for a crown. He was working for the Lord, obeying everything God wanted him to do; therefore God gave Paul the crown of righteousness. We should love God with all our hearts, which will cause us to work for him, therefore God will also give us a crown of righteousness. They had a great love for David, for God, for the nation of Israel, and for Godly principles of righteousness, honesty and uprightness.

Who is the first? Adino the Eznite – the only time he is ever mentioned. The first shall be last, and the last shall be first. Matthew 19:30 declares, But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

I Chronicles 11:10 – All of David’s mighty men strengthened themselves without trying to tear David down. Many in the church today try to strengthen themselves in the eyes of men by tearing down others, but this is not God’s will, nor is it God’s command. There is a place for all workers in God’s army. Some God has chosen to be commanders, and some God has chosen to be little known workers. Every person must get in the place God has chosen for them, and work according to whatever God has chosen for them. In that way, every person will be great.

The top three:

Adino the Eznite. Verse 8-10 – These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.

David knew where he would be. He was reliable. It is amazing that the first one David names is one who is never mentioned before and never mentioned again. I believe there are many who will receive a great reward from God because they did what they could in the station God placed them. People may not know their name, but God does. They may not be popular, but they are popular with God. Matthew 10:41,42 states, He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

I Chronicles 27:2 – Jashobeam is probably the same as Adino. He was not only a faithful servant of God, but also a good warrior for David. See also I Chronicles 11:11 – Jashobeam slew 300 men at one time.

Eleazar – Verse 9-10 – And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: 10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

Notice the preparation and determination of this man. He would not quit. He went beyond human endurance. He worked hard to train his body for endurance, but how could he know he would have to endure this way? He could not. He was weary, but his hand would not remove itself from the sword. May we prepare this way, may we be this determined to serve God, even beyond human endurance. God will give endurance beyond our capacities when it is needed to give the victory.

Other people ran, but he did not. Others came to the spoil, after this man gave the victory. Let us never follow people as they run from the responsibility of the job at hand, but let us look only to Jesus Christ. Let us be an inspiration to others to faithfulness.

Shammah – Verse 11-17 – 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. 12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.

It is important to stand for little things, but God really does not have any little things. God did not count this a little victory, but a great victory, because this man stood when others fled away. He counted his life as a little thing, determined to stop the Philistines even if he died. Our Christian service must be like this. As long as we count our lives dear to ourselves, we will never be victorious as Christians. We must forsake this present world, understanding the big picture. The big picture is not us, but the things of God, and his eternal kingdom.

Shammah stood in the midst of his ground, not off to one side. It is good to be in the center of the battle, determined to fight off the enemy regardless of the outcome.

Shammah stood when others fled. He turned the tide of the battle that day. We should stand when others flee because it is possible for us to turn the tide of the battle for God. We may be small and little known, but that does not mean we cannot do great things for God.

Shammah did nothing to be seen or known of men, or to make of himself a great reputation. He stood for truth and that was enough.

II Samuel 23:13 And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim. 14 And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 15 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! 16 And the three mighty men 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: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. 17 And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

David remembers how these three went the extra mile for him. God will also remember when we go the extra mile for him, just to please him. David did not require or ask these three to put their lives in danger so he could have a drink of the well water of Bethlehem. It was really their idea to do this extraordinary thing. They did it out of love to their leader.

The question has been asked, who is the greatest? David, who inspired these men to risk their lives so he could have a drink of water from the well at Bethlehem? Or the men who risked their lives for their leader? It is wrong to try to determine who is the greatest. This story is not intended to give instructions as to who is greatest. The story is intended to give praise, honor and glory to the three men who risked their lives to be a blessing to their commander. This story is an excellent lesson in pastoring and being pastored. The pastor and church member are equal, and they inspire each other to do greater things for God. One is not above the other, except in position. The pastor is the minister (servant) of the church. It takes a great leader to inspire followers to willful obedience, but it takes great followers to be willing to risk their lives for their leader.

God is the focus. David, or the three men, is not the focus. David rightly announces that his longing for a drink of water from the well at Jerusalem and the courage of the men who get him the drink, come from God, and is centered on God’s will. David loves his country, as well as his men. His men love Israel, as well as God’s appointed, anointed king. God is the principle focus of their actions, not congratulating each other.

I have heard it said that David was wrong to pour the water on the ground as an offering to the Lord. David was not wrong. David’s reasoned that the water was actually the blood of the three men, therefore if he drank the water, it would be the same as drinking their blood. Therefore David poured the "blood" out on the ground as an offering to God.

We should do what God wants us to do, just because that action would be pleasing to God. I John 5:1-3 states, Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. Is all we do is keep the commandments? Do we ever do anything just because we love God? Which do you think is greatest – keeping the commandments, or acting out of love for God?

There is some debate as to exactly who these three men are. I think this is on purpose. God does not want us to know what some people do for the cause of Christ. He wants us to look more on what we are doing, rather than see what somebody else is doing. God knows who they are, that that is what is important.

I. Abishai – "18 And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three. 19 Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three."

A. It is interesting to note that David included Abishai in his list of mighty men, yet excluded Joab. It is difficult to imagine David including Abishai in his list of mighty men, especially when II Samuel 23:18 is compared to II Samuel 3:30, where the Bible records both Joab and Abishai going behind David’s back in the murder of Abner.

B. My overall conclusion as to why David included Abishai in his list of mighty men and excluded Joab is:

1. Abishai considered the king, while Joab considered the kingdom.

a. II Samuel 23:8 - These be the names of the mighty men whom David had:

1.) This is a list of David’s mighty men, not the mighty men of Israel.

2.) There is a difference between being mighty for Israel and being mighty for the king.

3.) II Samuel 15:37 records that Hushai was David’s friend, and by his conspiracy scored a major defeat for Absalom.

a.) In II Samuel 16:19, Hushai convinced Absalom he would be his friend because he was the friend of whoever was king.

b.) Hushai is here stating he is patriotic to the nation, not to the person of the king.

4.) Joab was mighty for the kingdom of Israel, but was not mighty for the person of the king.

b. There is a difference between a person being mighty for the kingdom of God and being mighty for Jesus Christ.

1.) The two should be the same, but often they are not.

2.) Matthew 7:21-23 records that some are very diligent in the kingdom of God yet are not known of the king.

3.) Revelation 2:3,4 records the church at Ephesus was very diligent to labor for the name sake of Christ, yet have left the first love, the love for Christ.

4.) 1 Thessalonians 5:12 – And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

5.) I have seen much trouble in a church because some of the people were very interested in the prosperity of the church, yet worked against the pastor God gave them.

6.) There was no peace in the church, because the people did not know the man whom God placed among them and over them, to admonish them in the Holy Scriptures.

2. Abishai asked permission from David before he did a thing, as opposed to Joab who did what he thought best, never considering that the king, not himself, was in charge. There was a personal relationship between David and Abishai, not just a king/servant relationship. Abishai understood this relationship and submitted himself to this relationship, except when following Joab.

a. II Samuel 3:30 - So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

1.) Joab and Abishai were both wrong, as they worked behind David’s back in this murder.

a.) II Samuel 3:24 – It was Joab, not Abishai, that rebuked David for trying to unite Israel and Judah peaceably.

b.) II Samuel 3:26 – It was Joab, not Abishai, that called Abner.

c.) II Samuel 3:27 – It was Joab, not Abishai, that smote Abner under the fifth rib, that he died.

d.) II Samuel 3:29 – David condemned Joab, and his father’s entire house. David did not mention any names, except Joab’s.

e.) II Samuel 3:30 – It is only in this verse the name of Abishai is mentioned in the death of Abner.

2.) David seemed to understand the vengeance both Joab and Abishai felt toward Abner.

b. I Samuel 26:6 – Abishai consented to go down with David and Ahimelech into the camp of Saul. Abishai wanted to kill Saul, but David would not give permission.

c. II Samuel 16:9 – Abishai went with David when he escaped from Absalom, being valiant, desiring to but off Shimei’s head for cursing the king.

1.) There is no Biblical record of any conversation between David and Joab when David escaped from Absalom.

2.) It might be concluded Joab was not present with David, but it is apparent Joab was there, as he killed Absalom by casting three darts into his heart.

3.) Abishai gave David moral support, but Joab gave none at all.

d. II Samuel 18:5 – In the matter of Absalom, Abishai obeyed David, and was not involved in his murder.

e. II Samuel 19:21 – When David returned to Jerusalem after the murder of Absalom, and Abishai saw Shimei, he asked David if it would be okay for him to kill Shimei because he cursed the king.

1.) Note: Abishai asked.

2.) He did not take matters into his own hands, as his brother Joab would have done.

f. II Samuel 20:6 – When David put Amasa in the place of Joab, he did not do a very good job, therefore David required Abishai to pursue Sheba, the son of Bichri.

1.) II Samuel 20:6 – It must be noted that Abishai was with David, not running off somewhere else, and David spoke to him, commanding him to pursue Sheba.

2.) II Samuel 20:7 - And there went out after him Joab’s men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

a.) Note: There are four groups of people pursuing Sheba: (1) Joab’s men, (2) the Cherethites, (3) the Pelethites and (4) all the mighty men.

b.) It is a shame that some in David’s army were more closely aligned to Joab than they were to David.

c.) When this happens in a church, there will always be an undercurrent of uncertainty as to who the "real" leader of the church is.

d.) II Samuel 20:9-13 – Abishai had the command to pursue Sheba, but Joab also went along, taking command of the troops, killing Amasa to "get him out of the way".

g. II Samuel 21:15-17 – David was in a battle with the Philistines when Ishbibenob, of the sons of the giants, tried to kill David, but David was faint.

1.) It was Abishai who stepped in and succoured (helped, or supported) David, saving his life.

2.) Then all the troops swore that David would no more go to battle with them, lest he quench the light of Israel, or cause Israel to have no strength because their leader had died in battle.

3.) The love and loyalty of Abishai and the troops is very evident.

4.) There is no record Joab helped David, although it is generally supposed that Joab was present.

II. Benaiah – "20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: 21 And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. 22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men. 23 He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard."

Benaiah will serve both David and Solomon very valiantly. We will consider here Benaiah’s service for David.

I. 2 Samuel 8:18 - And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief rulers.

A. Benaiah was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites.

1. Cherethites – a part of David’s royal guard who were executioners and couriers.

2. Pelethites – David’s personal bodyguards.

3. It is also noted that the Cherethites and the Pelethites were also Philistine names, so they might have been Philistines who have been converted to Christ, and are very faithful to David.

B. When Adonijah rebelled against David, he knew better than to call Benaiah to follow him.

1. 1 Kings 1:8 - But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.

2. There are many verses that speak of how Benaiah helped Solomon.

It should be noted that these men are all mentioned and identified with their birthplace, or their place of habitation. David sought the best from all over Israel, just as God, through Samuel said every king would do.

It should also be noted that Joab is not mentioned as one of David’s mighty men. Joab’s brother Abishai is mentioned, verse 18. Joab is a very strong and courageous warrior of Israel, yet he does not respect David as king. Many times Joab takes matters into his own hands.

II Samuel 3:27-39 – Abner is in the process of convincing the remaining tribes of Israel to anoint David as their king instead of Ishbosheth (without the shedding of blood). Joab returns from a warring campaign, discovers what is happening, disputes with David about what David is trying to do, then murders Abner. David makes certain the people understand he is innocent of the murder, and that Joab is guilty of putting his personal interests and vengefulness ahead of national interests. David declares he can do nothing about Joab or Abishai, even though he is king.

2 Samuel 3:22 – And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace. Abner is attempting to reconcile Israel and Judah under David. His intentions seem honorable and true. At least David thinks Abner is honorable. Joab, however, hates Abner because Abner killed his brother Asahel. Abner shows his honor and honesty in verse 27 by going aside with Joab. Abner was honest and thought Joab was also honest, but he was wrong. Note the phrase "the servants of David and Joab" of verse 22. Here is a mixed multitude. All these should be the servants of David, not David and Joab. Their loyalty is mixed. Often this is the way it is in churches. Some try to follow both their pastor and another person. It is sad, but true, and almost always leads to trouble, trials and tribulation. Following the person other than the one God has appointed is spiritual weakness. That spiritual weakness is often passed from one generation to the next. I have seen this many times in churches. If Joab had not killed Abner, there might have been a peaceful reconciliation between Israel and Judah and Ishbosheth might not have been killed.

II Samuel 18:14 – Joab killed Absalom by thrusting three darts into his heart, which was directly against the command of King David. (II Samuel 18:5)

II Samuel 20:9-13 – Joab murdered Amasa, whom David had established to take Joab’s place (II Samuel 19:11-13) because Joab murdered Absalom against the orders of King David.

2 Samuel 20:7 – And there went out after him Joab‘s men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. Note the words "Joab’s men". This should not be. All the men should be followers of David, not Joab. But this is not the way it is. Often, in a church, there are those that follow another person instead of the person God has given them to follow. This almost always leads to trouble.

I Chronicles 21:6 – Joab refused to completely obey the command of King David in taking the census, because the king’s word was abominable to him.

I Kings 1:5-8 – When Adonijah decided he would be king after David’s death, Joab and Abiathar the priest followed him in his rebellion. This was decidedly against the clear command of God in that God has established a sure house for David in the tribe of Judah. Joab is not spiritual enough to realize what God has done, yet he is spiritual enough to realize the material implications of spiritual decisions.

I Kings 2:5,6 – David gives instructions to Solomon to not let Joab’s hoar (gray) head go down to the grave in peace.

Verse 24 – Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; I Chronicles 27:7 – Asahel is the brother of Joab and the fourth captain of the fourth month. As a captain, according to I Chronicles 27:1, Asahel would be over either 1,000 men or 100 men. It is amazing that Asahel is listed as one of David’s mighty men. He apparently fought in only one battle, and was the victim of only one blow. The story of Asahel’s victorious life and early death is found in II Samuel 2:14-23, 32. David did not count men as mighty just because they accomplished great and mighty feats. David was like the Lord in that respect. David counted men as mighty because of their enthusiasm for the nation of Israel. There are many great and mighty church members, who never accomplish great and mighty things, but they are very enthusiastic for the cause of Christ.

Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

Verse 25 – Shammah the Harodite,

Elika the Harodite,

Verse 26 – Helez the Paltite,

Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,

Verse 27 – Abiezer the Anethothite,

Mebunnai the Hushathite,

Verse 28 – Zalmon the Ahohite,

Maharai the Netophathite,

Verse 29 – Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite,

Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,

Verse 30 – Benaiah the Pirathonite,

Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash,

Verse 31 – Abialbon the Arbathite,

Azmaveth the Barhumite,

Verse 32 – Eliahba the Shaalbonite

of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,

Verse 33 – Shammah the Hararite,

Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,

Verse 34 – Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite,

Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,

Verse 35 – Hezrai the Carmelite,

Paarai the Arbite,

Verse 36 – Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah,

Bani the Gadite,

Verse 37 – Zelek the Ammonite,

Nahari the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,

Verse 38 – Ira an Ithrite,

Gareb an Ithrite,

Verse 39 – Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all

I cannot reconcile at this point (1-10-2003) just exactly who is included in this 37. I do not believe Joab is a part of the mighty men of David. If he had been a part of these mighty men, David would never have commanded Solomon to kill him.

Conclusion:

Hushai was not included in the list of David’s mighty men.

I Chronicles 27:33 - And Ahithophel was the king’s counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king’s companion:

2 Samuel 15:32 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:

2 Samuel 15:37 So Hushai David’s friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 16:16 And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.

2 Samuel 16:17 And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

2 Samuel 16:18 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

2 Samuel 17:5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

2 Samuel 17:6 And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.

2 Samuel 17:7 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.

2 Samuel 17:8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

2 Samuel 17:14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.

2 Samuel 17:15 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.

The Bible does not record that Hushai met David when he returned to Jerusalem.

The only mention of Hushai in the entire Bible is when he defeated the counsel of Ahithophel.

Naharai the armourbearer of Joab is included.

2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,

1 Chronicles 11:39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armourbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah,

There is no record of what Nararai did, unless he went by another name.

Evidently no priest is included because this is a list of David’s mighty men who are warriors.

Eliam, the father of Bathsheba, son of Ahithophel, is included.

2 Samuel 11:3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

1 Kings 15:5 Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

There is no record of what he did, except that perhaps it was the way he accepted the loss of his grandson and David’s sincere public apology.

There is no record that David privately apologized to him.

Uriah the Hittite is included.

2 Samuel 11:6 And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.

2 Samuel 11:7 And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered.

2 Samuel 11:8 And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king’s house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king.

2 Samuel 11:9 But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.

2 Samuel 11:10 And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not from thy journey? why then didst thou not go down unto thine house?

2 Samuel 11:11 And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.

2 Samuel 11:12 And David said to Uriah, Tarry here to day also, and to morrow I will let thee depart. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the morrow.

2 Samuel 11:14 And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.

2 Samuel 11:15 And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.

2 Samuel 11:16 And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were.

2 Samuel 11:17 And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.

2 Samuel 11:21 Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.

2 Samuel 11:24 And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king’s servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.

2 Samuel 11:26 And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.

2 Samuel 12:9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

2 Samuel 12:10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

2 Samuel 12:15 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah‘s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.

We do not know who most of these people are, but David does. We also do not know most of the heroes of faith in God’s army, but God does. We might be able to spend some "time" in eternity getting to know them.

I Chronicles 11:10 states, These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

It must be noted these are the "chief" of David’s mighty men. David had many mighty men, as I believe David believed each of his men was mighty. Some men stood out stronger than others, not because they were stronger, but because they used the opportunity presented to them by God. Uriah, the Hittite was one such man.

These mighty men had no thought of strengthening themselves apart from the kingdom of Israel.

They did not try to take over David’s kingdom or take any power or authority away from him.

According to this verse, these men did all they could to strengthen David as their leader and king.