What other biblical figures show similar courage as Eleazar in 2 Samuel 23:9? Eleazar’s Benchmark of Courage 2 Samuel 23:9–10 sets the standard: Eleazar “stood his ground and struck down the Philistines… The LORD brought about a great victory.” Others who matched that bravery include: Companions in David’s Day • Shammah son of Agee—2 Samuel 23:11-12: “Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field… the LORD brought about a great victory.” • Benaiah son of Jehoiada—2 Samuel 23:20-21: “On a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion.” • David himself—1 Samuel 17:45-46: “I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts… the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.” • Jonathan and his armor-bearer—1 Samuel 14:6-14 (v. 6): “Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” Early Israelite Warriors of Faith • Joshua and Caleb—Numbers 14:9: “The LORD is with us; do not be afraid of them!” • Gideon and his 300—Judges 7:7: “With the three hundred men… I will save you.” Prophets and Statesmen under Threat • Daniel—Daniel 6:10: “He knelt down… and prayed… just as he had done before.” • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—Daniel 3:17-18: “The God we serve is able to deliver us… but even if He does not, we will not serve your gods.” • Esther—Esther 4:16: “I will go to the king… and if I perish, I perish!” New-Covenant Examples • Peter and John—Acts 4:19-20: “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • Stephen—Acts 7:56-60: stoned while proclaiming his vision of the risen Christ. • Paul—Acts 20:24: “I consider my life of no value… if only I may finish my course.” Shared Marks of Their Courage • Unyielding confidence in God’s presence and power. • Willingness to stand alone when others retreated. • Actions that visibly magnified the LORD, leading to decisive victories or testimonies. • A readiness to face death rather than compromise obedience. Living It Out Today Scripture shows that Eleazar’s brand of courage is not isolated—God empowers any believer who trusts His Word and steps forward in faith, confident that “the battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47). |
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