1 Chronicles 11

David was God's chosen man to be the king of Israel. The Chronicler did not focus on the part of David's story from 2 Samuel that showed us the challenges that David faced in consolidating his power after the death of Saul. The result communicated in 1 Chronicles 11 was one of overwhelming approval. “All Israel gathered together to David” and pledged allegiance to the king, not merely because they liked or admired him, but because God had chosen him according to the word of Samuel.

The king's premier triumph according to the Chronicler was the taking of the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem was of great importance to those who were being called by God to rebuild that city in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. The exile was over. It was time to claim again what David had once won by the hand of God. The same God who had made David to be a victorious king could again empower a new king. That new king would rightly be supported by a holy and courageous people.

There were three mighty men around David serving alongside a larger group of thirty warriors. They were loyal to him and he was dedicated to God. They were not afraid to go beyond enemy lines to get water for David from his hometown of Bethlehem. David saw the cost of their courage and offered up their gift of water to God. These men were filled with a courageous Spirit, empowering them to accomplish great things for their hero. This same Spirit would be needed again among the returning exiles as the city of Jerusalem and the worship of God would be reestablished.

Even very great men among the thirty did not attain to the greatness of “the three.” Yet their names were prominently recorded among this great band of brothers. They had been brought together around one man, David, for God's purposes. The story of their valor could inspire people again as God was bringing His captive people back home.

Every era in the history of salvation requires the provision of a few good men. Their greatness is not based on where they were born or on the qualities that are easily noticed by others. They need the inner greatness of sincere faith and a courage that comes from the Holy Spirit. We have one Warrior above all the rest. He is the Captain of our salvation. He fought a battle that only He could win. He is establishing the City of God.

A way has been made for us to receive the gifts that we need from on high to fight the good fight of sacrificial love in our world today. It is time for all of God's people everywhere to gather together around our one King, Jesus, the Son of David. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. He is God's chosen Man forever, and we are His people. Whoever believes in Jesus, “as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:38)