These things the three mighty men did. (2 Samuel 23:17b)
Josheb-basshebeth, also known as Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah. Do those names ring a bell? I’d be impressed if they did. I’ll give you a hint, they were known as David’s three mighty men. Still nothing? Okay, in 2 Samuel 23 (It is also recorded in 1 Chronicles 11) there is a story of how David longed for a drink of water from the well at Bethlehem.
The town was being held by Philistine troops at that point. David, you may remember, had grown up in Bethlehem, and I’m sure the fact that his hometown was in the hands of the enemy didn’t sit well with David. And, as the text says: David had a craving and said, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate!” (V.15)
As the old saying goes, “Be careful what you wish for.” Or, in this case, “Be careful what you wish for too loudly.” Because, in an amazing act of bravery and bravado: So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, and drew water from the well of Bethlehem which was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. (V.16)
I guess that you could say that the well at Bethlehem was, perhaps, the first wishing well. David wished for a drink from the well, and those great men of valor made his wish come true. Now, some commentators believe that Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah took, or mistook, David’s wishful pining as a command, and they were, therefore, simply following orders. David’s response to their magnificent act of sacrifice and selflessness indicates something else:
…Nevertheless, he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord; and he said, “Be it far from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did. (Vs.16b-17)
I would have loved to have seen the look on these men’s faces when they watched David pour out onto the ground the water that they had risked their very lives to bring to him. Were they mad? Were they confused? Did they feel like idiots for risking so much for someone they clearly honored and loved, only to see him pour out their sacrifice?
If they had any feelings like that I suspect that they were quickly resolved. It wouldn’t take long, I don’t think, for these men to realize that by pouring “out to the Lord” their hard-fought sacrifice, David was paying them the highest compliment that was possible.
Their sacrificial gift was so valuable, in David’s eyes, that the Lord would be the only One worthy to receive it. And, the story of their willingness to risk their lives for someone they cared about was written down, not once, but twice, as a memorial to their incredible bravery, devotion, and love.
This Monday our nation will observe Memorial Day; a day set aside to pay honor to those who have sacrificed their lives for this nation. Their incredible bravery, devotion, and love should never be forgotten. Our actions, like David’s, should indicate the deep appreciation we have for those who have sacrificed for us.
Like the water from the well of Bethlehem, our lives poured out unto the Lord demonstrates our admiration and appreciation for those willing to give their lives. It is the best way to ensure that their lives were not given in vain.
The freedoms that they procured for this nation make it possible still today for anyone to hear of the greatest sacrifice ever offered, our Savior’s death on the cross. The result then being: …but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)
I love being your Pastor,
PC