The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 569

Vers. 8-12 (1 Chron. :tl.10-14).-Thefirst three heroes. Jashobeamtheson ofHach- moni (Zabdiel,, 1 Chron. xxvii 2), who came to David at Ziklag (1 Chron. xii. 6), and became general of the first division of the army; Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, general of the second division (1 Cbron. xxvii. 4); and Shammah the son of Agee the Hararitc. "They served in the most direct manner by their work one who was the representative of tbe Divine government on earth" (Krummacher). "Such traits of warlike courage (as they displayed) are more significant than anything else; they recall to us completely those few periods of history, othenvise unknown to us, in which a marvellous aspiration for the possession of some higher blessing, such as freedom or immortality, has taken hold of an entire nation, and so has produced, through special instruments of exceptional power, even military exploits which appear incredible to ordinary men" (Ewald). "Christ the Son of David has his worthies too, who, -like David's, are influenced by his example, fight his battles against the spiritual enemies of his kingdom, and in his strength are more than conquerors" (Matthew Henry). In these battles, neither physical prowess nor intellectual strength is of so much importance as moral and spiritual qualifications, and especially eminent faith; such as that by which many "from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens" (Heb. xi. 34-). It ensures success by means of- I. FEA.RLESSNESS and daring courage (ver. 8). "He lifted his spear against eight hundred [three hundred], slain at one time;" went undismayed" against a multitude" (2 Chron. xiv. 11), and alone (or possibly aided by others) overcame them (Judg. iii. 31; xv. 15). Instances of a similar kiud are recorded in history (see 'Pictorial Bible' in 1 Chron. xi.) : "Ajax beating down the Trojan leader with a rock which two ordinary men could scarcely lift; Horatius defending the bridge against an army; Richard, the lion-hearted, spurring along the whole Saracen line withc,ut finding an enemy to stand his assault; .Robert Bruce crushing with one blow the helmet and the Lead of Sir Henry Bohnn, in sight of the whole army of England and Scotland ;-such arc the heroes of a dark age. In such an age, bodily vigour is the most indispensable 011, XXIII, 1-39.] THE SECOND DOOK OF SAMUEL. 585