Leave a Legacy through Other People In 2 Samuel 23 we have the last words of David. Yes, David was a great leader who did some amazing things for God and his people. However, one of the great things about David is that he left a legacy through inspiring other people to greatness. David trained up other mighty warriors who did exploits beyond him (2Sam.23:8-39). Thirty-seven men are mentioned (2 groups of three, Abishai, Benaiah and 29 others). Josheb-Basshebeth (vs.8). He raised his spear against 800 men and killed them all.
Eleazar (vs.9-10). He stood his ground against the Philistines when all the men of Israel retreated. He kept fighting even until his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. God won a great victory through him and then the troops returned to strip the dead. Shammah (vs.11-12). He took his stand in the middle of a field of lentils, even when Israel’s troops fled. He defended it and struck down the Philistines, God helping him bring about a great victory. Three other mighty men broke through the Philistine camp and brought water to David from the well of Bethlehem (vs.13-17). Abishai (vs.18-19). He raised his spear against 300 men and killed them. He became as famous as the Three. Benaiah (vs.20-23). He was a valiant fighter who struck down two of Moab’s best men. He killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day. He struck down a huge Egyptian. He killed him with his own spear, which he snatched from his hand. He too was as famous as the Three and held in greater honour than the Thirty (listed in vs.24-39). See also 1 Chron.11:11-47 for a parallel list of might men, including 16 others. They were “mighty” because of their courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds and in their ability to persevere (not give up) even under intense attack. It mentions nothing about their size of physical strength, only about the intense tenacity and great courage. One of the greatest joys of leadership is seeing others rise up and do great things for God. Who’s looking at you? Who are you inspiring? Who are you influencing and what kind of an influence are you?