An unnamed man of God spoke the solemn words of 1 Samuel 2:30 to the high-priest Eli. The reason was that his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, had greatly dishonored God in their priestly responsibilities. Eli had known about their public sins but never stopped them. As a result, the people started to despise God’s rights, and later asked for a king according to their desires. God gave them Saul, who repeatedly failed and disobeyed God’s instructions. Samuel the prophet told him that God would take away his royal position and give it to someone else.

That brings us to David, the king according to God’s own heart. David not only had special qualities, but also encouraged others to develop similar features to honor the Lord. David had learned lessons in God’s school, and God was using him to teach and build up others along the same lines. Here is where David’s “mighty men” come in. They had gone through a challenging training and formation with David, to learn and develop special abilities for warfare. These were the mighty (strong, powerful) men who were “with David” (2 Sam. 23:8–9).

The name of their chief, Josheb-Basshebeth, means “sitting in the seat” and indicates leadership and control. He fought against 800 men who were slain by him on one occasion. Incredible! We do not have such qualities, or have such a physical warfare; but the Lord desires having us in His army, ready for Him in spiritual warfare, under His direction, for He is the true “Chief among the captains,” who directs all.