MONDAY 7 November, 2016

The Magnificent Thirty-Seven

Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai from the brooks of Gaash, Abi-Albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,  Eliahba the Shaalbonite (of the sons of Jashen), Jonathan, Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,  Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,  Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite (armorbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah), Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,  and Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all. - 2 Samuel 23:30-39

As we continue to read this long list of names––thirty-seven in all, we come to understand the incredible strength of these armored men within David’s army. They were trained warriors, faithful and loyal to their king and to each other––what a magnificent thirty-seven men! 

Notice the final name, Uriah the Hittite––he was also named among David’s mighty men. Uriah had fallen in battle, murdered by his own king, who tried to cover up his sin of adultery with his wife Bathsheba

(2 Samuel 11:2-4). Uriah had no idea what had gone on behind his back;

his wife was taken by David and now she was pregnant with his child!

Remember, time and time again David tried to send Uriah home to be intimate with his wife. Then the child could be known as Uriah’s and not his––a perfect concealment of his sin (2 Samuel 5:12). When David’s plans miserably failed he set about to do the unthinkable––murder this faithful and magnificent warrior. Uriah was an exemplary soldier, who trusted his king; he even carried his own death warrant:

…David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. He had wrote in the letter, saying, “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die” - (2 Samuel 11:14-15).

At the moment I sin, I desire the sin more than I desire to please God.
~R.C. Sproul~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!