Chronicles describes the history of God’s people as He views it. This view of the past helps us appreciate God’s thoughts for today, as well as His plans for the future of this nation. The above verses describe the sons of Judah being well equipped for battle. This had an impact on those who were closest to them, the sons of Simeon, living in the same territory. From this we can draw a practical lesson about the influence we have on those who are close to us. How do we influence our children and relatives? It has often surprised me how people who just were saved had an impact on those closely related to them. Their remarkable zeal to reach out with God’s good news was refreshing, encouraging, and effective.

Let us note how today’s verses describe the people who came to David in Hebron as well equipped. The shield was needed for each one’s personal protection. This we also need, since we are always under enemy attack, especially when we least expect it. Each believer must use the “shield of faith” (Eph. 6:16) to protect himself. This part of the armor implies constant alertness and readiness. The spear speaks of the ability to attack the enemy or to counterattack. Each believer needs both the passive and active equipment described in Ephesians 6.

While many of Saul’s tribe remained loyal to him, we also read of warriors coming to David from Benjamin. David’s mighty men of valor were fit for war. Not only that, but they actually went to war with him. Let us never forget the Lord Jesus, our perfect model: in many trying circumstances, He was always obedient as a doer of God’s Word. Let us also “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12)!