Stuck to His Sword

These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains, he was called Adino the Eznite, because of eight hundred slain by him at one time; and after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there to battle and the men of Israel had withdrawn. He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword, and YHWH brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to strip the slain. - 2 Samuel 23:8-10

The 37 "mighty men" who served King David were some of the strongest and most courageous in all the land. Their stories would make for great films, and some probably have. One of these warriors, named Eleazar, fought the enemy until his hand stuck to his sword, paralyzed by use. Quite an account and quite the image for all of us!

If the Word of God is the "sword" of the Spirit in the heart and hand of a Christ-follower, think of the picture painted by Eleazar. As we engage in this daily spiritual battle for the cause of Christ may we all hold so firmly to His truth that, no matter the intensity of the battle, we will never be able to let go of His Word!

May our hearts and hands be "stuck" to that sword until the battle is won!

Heroism is endurance for one moment more. - George F. Kennan