Scripture Daily

Context No. 4094 of 4322 · 1 Chronicles

Context · Reflection

1 Chronicles 11:10-14: in context

10Now these are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who showed themselves strong with him in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the LORD’s word concerning Israel. 11This is the number of the mighty men whom David had: Jashobeam, the son of a Hachmonite, the chief of the thirty; he lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them at one time. 12After him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men. 13He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where there was a plot of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines. 14They stood in the middle of the plot, defended it, and killed the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great victory.

Among the accounts of David's warriors is the story of Eleazar. When the Philistines gathered for battle in a field of barley, and the rest of the men fled in fear, Eleazar stood his ground. He took his stand in the middle of the field, defended it, and struck down the enemy, and the LORD brought about a great victory that day through his stand.

What stands out is Eleazar's willingness to stand firm when everyone around him was giving way. It would have been easy, and understandable, to flee with the others; the odds looked bad, and retreat was the sensible course. But Eleazar planted himself in the field and would not give ground, and it was through his lone stand that God worked a great deliverance. Sometimes faithfulness means holding our ground when others around us are retreating, refusing to give way even when we are outnumbered and it would be easier to run. God works victories through those who will stand, who will not abandon what should be defended just because others have fled.

When others around me are giving way, am I willing to stand firm for what is right, refusing to retreat just because it would be easier, trusting that God can work victory through the faithfulness of even one who will not give ground?

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