The Bible In Paintings: DAVID AND HIS MIGHTY MEN

[Hebrews 11:6]

The Bible In Paintings 2
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR APPRECIATING AND APPLYING GOD'S MESSAGE

DAVID AND HIS
MIGHTY MEN

1^st CHRONICLES
CHAPTER 11

These were the chiefs of David’s mighty men—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the LORD had promised—this is the list of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.

Next to him was Eleazar, one of the three mighty men. He was with David when the Philistines gathered for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory.

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JAMES TISSOT

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"King David and His Mighty Men "

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"David’s Mighty Men"

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"King David and His Warriors"

Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. “God forbid that I should do this!” he said. “Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?” Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it.

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JULIUS SCHNORR VON CAROLSFELD
"David Pouring out the Water"

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"David Refuses the Water His Mighty Men Brought Him"

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"Is not this the blood of men who went in jeopardy of their lives?"

Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.

Abishai was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. He was doubly honored above the Three and became their commander, even though he was not included among them.

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GUSTAVE DORÉ
"Abishai Saves the Life of David"

Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab’s best men.

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WILLIAM ETTY
"Benaiah"

He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he struck down an Egyptian who was seven and a half feet tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s rod in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men. He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.

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"‘Humble Benaiah’ Pauses to Pray for Success"

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JAMES TISSOT
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JON DEVINY
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→ a n d... f i n a l l y ←

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"Christ Triumphs over the Devil [upper]
Benaya Kills a Lion [lower]"

New International Version ©1984, Abrdgd, EMPHASES Added
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[Hebrews 11:6]

Had not heard that--thanks.

Relatedly, have you seen the marvelous WW2 movie Sahara with Humphrey Bogart, where lack of water for soldiers in the desert plays such a central role?

[InkStone]

Good Day Dan, and hello to each of you.
Thank you for these depictions; wonderful choices all of them.

All of these long before the age of firearms, when it was only ‘mano a mano’

[Hebrews 11:6]

When men were men....

[null and void]

The question is was Alexander aware of the Biblical story, or is it an example of intuitive good leadership skills?

As in: ‘I won’t slake my thirst while my men suffer on my behalf.’

Alexander’s act was greeted by roaring cheers from his men.

The Bible doesn’t record the responses of David’s men, but given his victories it was no less heartfelt!

[Hebrews 11:6]

Well stated.

There is, of course, the obvious parallel to draw with Jesus Christ, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

[metmom]

Which makes David’s treachery with Uriah’s wife all the worse.

[Red Badger]

One of the un-talked about consequences of David’s treachery was that the Ammonites whom he used to essentially murder Uriah, would never be conquered by him or his descendants.

And it is still there today, Amman - The Capital City of Jordan.................

[metmom]

We never fully realize the consequences of the sin we commit.

It’s insidious how far reaching those can be.

The best examples are David here, and Abraham trying to fulfill God’s promise to him through Hagar.

The world is still paying the price for those bad decisions.

[Hebrews 11:6]

Good point. Once I became geopolitically aware, sixty years ago, I’ve often noticed Jordan’s attitude toward Israel being seemingly somewhat less militant that other area countries.

[NorthMountain]

In that respect, King David is in some traditions regarded as a prophet.

[Hebrews 11:6]

In that respect, King David is in some traditions regarded as a prophet.

Because he refused to benefit from others' generosity? How does that imply or announce the Messiah's selflessness?

[NorthMountain]

"did not come to be served, but to serve,

In that action, he prefigured Christ. His psalms also prefigure Christ, and Our Lord quoted them.

You wrote (regarding things someone else said of David):All of that is true, while still omitting so much.

"Prophet" is one of the things omitted.

There is, of course, this:

Acts 2:
25 For David saith concerning him: I foresaw the Lord before my face: because he is at my right hand, that I may not be moved. 26 For this my heart hath been glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced: moreover my flesh also shall rest in hope. 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, nor suffer thy Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life: thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. 29 Ye men, brethren, let me freely speak to you of the patriarch David; that he died, and was buried; and his sepulchre is with us to this present day. 30 Whereas therefore he was a prophet, and knew that God hath sworn to him with an oath, that of the fruit of his loins one should sit upon his throne. 31 Foreseeing this, he spoke of the resurrection of Christ. For neither was he left in hell, neither did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised again, whereof all we are witnesses.

[Hebrews 11:6]

Thanks.

[SisterK]

some days I wonder if David’s mighty men were giants

[Hebrews 11:6]

I can see why you might think that. Apparently, they were, at least metaphorically.