What can we learn about loyalty from the men who joined David? Setting the scene: men who defected to David “When David went to Ziklag, men of Manasseh defected to him—Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai—chiefs of units of a thousand in Manasseh.” (1 Chronicles 12:20) What their loyalty teaches • They left the security of Saul’s established army to stand with God’s anointed, showing that true loyalty begins with allegiance to God’s revealed will, not to human institutions. • They acted while David was still a fugitive, illustrating loyalty that is proactive and courageous, not dependent on visible success. • They came as “chiefs of units of a thousand,” sacrificing rank and reputation for the sake of righteousness. • Their names are recorded, underscoring that God notices and honors loyal choices. Key qualities modeled • Conviction – a settled belief that God had chosen David (1 Samuel 16:13) over King Saul. • Courage – willing to be branded traitors by Saul’s regime. • Commitment – readiness to fight alongside David immediately (1 Chronicles 12:21–22). • Constancy – they remained with David until his throne was established (2 Samuel 5:1–3). More scriptural portraits of loyalty • The men in the cave of Adullam stood by David in hardship (1 Samuel 22:2). • Ittai the Gittite pledged life-and-death fidelity to David during Absalom’s revolt (2 Samuel 15:21). • Jonathan “loved David as himself” and defended him at personal cost (1 Samuel 20:17, 32). • Ruth clung to Naomi, declaring, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). • Peter’s confession to Jesus, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68), sets the pattern for loyalty to the greater Son of David. Putting loyalty into practice today • Anchor allegiance in God’s Word; stand with what He has clearly endorsed, even when it is unpopular. • Value faithfulness over convenience; choose the right side before it becomes the winning side. • Hold lightly to status and comfort; be willing to lose earthly advantages to follow Christ (Luke 9:23). • Cultivate steadfast relationships—“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). • Serve like soldiers under Christ’s command—“Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3). The men of Manasseh remind believers that loyalty is a deliberate, courageous alignment with God’s purposes and people, no matter the cost or the momentary appearance of things. |
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