What other biblical figures exemplify the bravery seen in 1 Chronicles 11:44? Bravery Illustrated in David’s Mighty Men (1 Chronicles 11:44) “Uzzia the Ashterathite; Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite;” These little-known warriors stood shoulder-to-shoulder with King David, confronting danger because they trusted the LORD. Scripture overflows with others who displayed that same kind of courage. Old Testament Portraits of God-Powered Courage • David – Facing Goliath, he declared, “I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45–47). • Caleb – At eighty-five he still pressed into enemy territory, saying, “Now give me this hill country” (Joshua 14:12). • Joshua – Received the charge, “Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). • Gideon – Led 300 men against a vast army (Judges 7:19-21). • Deborah and Barak – Deborah’s prophecy spurred Israel to victory (Judges 4:8-9, 14). • Esther – Walked into the king’s throne room ready to die for her people: “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). • Jonathan (with his armor-bearer) – Climbed a cliff to rout a Philistine garrison, believing “the LORD can save by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6-13). • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – Faced the furnace, declaring, “Even if He does not rescue us, we will not serve your gods” (Daniel 3:17-18). • Daniel – Continued praying despite a death sentence (Daniel 6:10, 22). • Elijah – Stood alone against 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-39). New Testament Portraits of Holy Boldness • Jesus – “For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame” (Hebrews 12:2). • Peter and John – Told the Sanhedrin, “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). • Stephen – Proclaimed Christ while stones fell, praying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:59-60). • Paul – Walked toward certain arrest: “I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13; cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). • Early believers – “They rejoiced that they had been counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name” (Acts 5:41). Threads That Tie Their Stories Together • God’s promise of His presence (Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10). • Confidence rooted in His character, not personal strength (Psalm 27:1). • Willingness to obey immediately, even when outcomes looked impossible (Hebrews 11:32-34). • A larger vision—God’s glory, His people’s good, and the advance of His kingdom (1 Samuel 17:46; Acts 20:24). Taking Hold of the Same Courage Today The same Lord who empowered Uzzia, Shama, Jeiel, and every hero above now indwells all who trust Him. “The righteous are as bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). Grounded in His unchanging Word and strengthened by His Spirit, believers can step into every assignment—large or small—with unwavering bravery. |
    |