What other biblical figures exemplify the loyalty shown in 1 Chronicles 11:10? Key Verse 1 Chronicles 11:10 — “These are the chiefs of David’s mighty men who … supported him strongly … according to the word of the LORD.” Jonathan: Covenant Friend • 1 Samuel 18:3-4; 20:17 — “Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.” • Stood by David even when it cost him the throne. • Warned David of Saul’s plots, choosing faithfulness over family pressure. Ruth: Devoted Daughter-in-Law • Ruth 1:16-17 — “Where you go I will go… Your God will be my God.” • Left homeland and future security to cling to Naomi and the God of Israel. • Loyalty rewarded: became great-grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:17). Joshua and Caleb: Steadfast Scouts • Numbers 14:6-9 — “If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land.” • Remained faithful to Moses and God when the majority rebelled. • Entered Canaan while an entire generation fell in the wilderness. Elisha: Persistent Protégé • 2 Kings 2:2 — “As surely as the LORD lives… I will not leave you.” • Followed Elijah from Gilgal to the Jordan, refusing to turn back. • Received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit because of that loyalty. Ittai the Gittite: Adopted Ally • 2 Samuel 15:21 — “Wherever my lord the king may be… there your servant will be.” • A recent foreign recruit who marched out with David during Absalom’s revolt. • Loyalty rooted in submission to “the place my lord the king will be.” Barzillai the Gileadite: Quiet Supporter • 2 Samuel 17:27-29; 19:31-38 — supplied food and refuge for the fugitive king. • Declined royal rewards, content to honor God’s anointed without fanfare. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Unbending Witnesses • Daniel 3:16-18 — “We will not serve your gods.” • Chose a fiery furnace over betraying their allegiance to the LORD. • God’s miraculous rescue underscored the blessing on steadfast hearts. Onesiphorus: Loyal Encourager • 2 Timothy 1:16-17 — “He often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.” • Tracked Paul down in Rome’s prisons when others abandoned the apostle. • Paul prayed that the Lord would “grant him mercy” for that faithfulness. Shared Threads of Loyalty • Commitment to God and His chosen leader even when costly. • Actions motivated by covenant love, not mere convenience. • Tangible support—provision, presence, protection, courageous words. • Divine commendation follows: each story shows God honoring loyal hearts. Living the Lesson Real-life allegiance mirrors these examples when believers stand firm with God’s Word, honor His appointed servants, and sacrificially serve His purposes, confident that “the LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness” (1 Samuel 26:23). |
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