8 These are the names of David’s mighty warriors:
Josheb-Basshebeth,[a] a Tahkemonite,[b] was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed[c] in one encounter.
9 Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty warriors, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim[d] for battle. Then the Israelites retreated, 10 but Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.
11 Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. 12 But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.
Thoughts: Here is a partial list of David's "Mighty men." It is a memorial list written for remembering in the future. Every now and then I try to look up ancestors who served in different wars. Having a record of those ancestors helps me to remember who they were even if they lived hundreds of years before. It is often in the terrible act of war that we are remembered for generations to come. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have given themselves for our country. Our freedom is based on their sacrifice. That is the way it is with most things- if we want blessings, we must be willing to sacrifice for those blessings and not just wait for them to land in our lap. God brings victories by those who are willing to risk it all for the greater good of many.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for those who have freely given themselves to preserve our freedom. Keep us a land of the free and the home of the brave. Help us to use the freedom we have in ways that honor you.
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