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David’s mighty men accomplished incredible feats of courage and loyalty—but why does the chapter end with the name Uriah? Join us as we discover how 2 Samuel 23 celebrates David’s greatest warriors while ultimately pointing us to the greater King, Jesus Christ, who alone can save.

• The Hebrew word translated as oracle is used regarding a declaration from God.
• David points to his humble beginnings, simply calling himself the son of Jesse, the shepherd boy from Bethlehem.
• David notes how God chose to make him the man raised on high, anointed by the God of Jacob way before he ever carried the title or privileges of “king”.
• David is noted and quoted as the sweet psalmist of Israel, the writer of many psalms/songs about Yahweh.

God gave David the picture of a righteous ruler who fears God, refreshing and inspiring others under his leadership. 

NLT = Is it not my family God has chosen? Yes. Not only would God be faithful to David until his death, but it would be through David’s family that the Messiah would come.

The wicked raked aside and burned up is the ultimate outcome for those who stood against God’s anointed king, and it’s the ultimate outcome for those who stand against Jesus - GOD’s ANOINTED KING, when He returns.

David’s mighty men were predominantly Israelites, but his elite warriors also included foreigners—who attached themselves to David and his kingdom. In fact, many of these men joined David when he was on the run from enemies - while he was an outlaw. These guys stuck it out when times were tough, and were later honored for their faithfulness to the king.

Just before the death of Jesus, things got tough. At one point many who claimed to be disciples walked away from Jesus and He asked the others if they wanted to leave too (John 6:60-69).

But they stuck it out when times were tough, and were later honored for their faithfulness to the king - their names forever recorded in the Gospels as the apostles.

When everyone else retreated, Eleazar stood his ground against the Philistines. The author then makes it clear that Eleazar did not do this on his own. The mighty men fought faithfully, but the victory ultimately belonged to Yahweh.

At some point in David’s reign, probably early on, he was hiding in the cave of Adullam, where David hid from Saul as well (1 Samuel 22:1–2). The Philistines have blocked their escape by camping in Rephaim Valley.

Further, we are told that Bethlehem, David’s hometown, had been invaded and taken over by the Philistines, who built a garrison there. Obviously, this would have been a HUGE concern for David.

This was about 25 mile journey. What kind of commitment is THAT!

David realizes that sharing his thoughts put his men in danger. Instead of drinking the water he longed for, he poured it out to Yahweh - a sacrifice - grateful that his men’s blood was not poured out instead.

Abishai killed 300 men with his spear in one battle. And as honored as “the three” - Josheb, Shammah, & Eleazar were - Abishai, their leader, was honored even more!

Abishai, the nephew of David and brother of Joab, accompanied David in a stealthy night mission into Saul’s camp and offered to kill Saul with Saul’s own spear (1 Sam 26:6–12). Abishai often commanded many of David’s forces in battle. 

Benaiah was the son of a levitical priest (1 Chr 27:5), which means he would have been expected to serve as a priest. Instead, he becomes a mighty warrior with many impressive victories.

But Benaiah's character must have been even more impressive, as we are about to note.

Of interest, David had played the same role for Saul (1 Sam 22:14), a trusted leader over David’s secret service.

Uriah…the same man David murdered - the husband of Bathsheba - and…one of the king’s mighty men! The author intentionally leaves Uriah for last, reminding us that even the MOST HONORED of them all (i.e. David), was flawed.

• As great as King David was, the author leaves the audience wanting MORE from God’s anointed king. The author refuses to let us romanticize David. One name exposes the king. One name reminds us that even Israel’s greatest king was a sinner. David needed forgiveness just as much as the rest of us.

David sacrificed an innocent man to cover his own sin, but Jesus became the innocent Man who willingly gave His life to cover OUR SIN. 

David points us to Christ—not because David was perfect, but because David leaves us longing for the perfect King.

The best king Israel ever had…still needed a Savior. And so do we.