From 1969 through 2003, an elite group of men best known as “The Republican Guard” was in place in Iraq. They were easily recognized by their red or maroon berets, rather than the ordinary black of the rank-and-file Iraqi Army. They were better trained, disciplined, equipped, and paid than ordinary Iraqi soldiers, receiving bonuses, new cars, subsidized housing, and likely other perks as well. This elite force proved no match for the powerful armed services of the Coalition Forces (composed mainly of U.S. and British troops) during the overthrow of the Hussein regime in 2003. This elite “Republican Guard” reported directly to Hussein himself, and was primarily responsible for his protection. In this latter sense this group might be compared to “the mighty men whom David had” (2 Samuel 3:8). The list of these special fighting men is indeed interesting.

Among “David’s Mighty Men” were:

  1. Adino (2 Sam. 3:8)
    1. He was a great warrior.
      1. 1 Tim. 1:18
      2. 1 Tim. 6:12
      3. 2 Tim. 2:3
    2. He did so much with so little, as have others.
      1. In area of wealth (cf. Lk. 21:4; 2 Cor. 8:1-5)
      2. In area of talents (cf. Mt. 25:22, 23)
      3. In area of education
        1. The apostles (cf. Acts 4:13)
        2. cf. Marshall Keeble (Chapter 1 of Roll Jordan, Roll)
    3. In area of time
      1. Bible reveals several who did much in their youth.
      2. Much done by many Biblical characters as well in short period of time.
        1. Jewish maid (2 Kgs. 5)
        2. Andrew (Jn. 1:45, 46)
        3. Cornelius (Acts 10:33)
  2. Eleazer (2 Sam. 3:9, 10)
    1. Fought unrelentingly, although he had to fight alone.
      1. At times we are called on simply “to stand” (Eph. 6:13); and that, at times, alone (2 Tim. 4:16).
      2. cf. Joseph (Gen. 37, 39-44)
      3. cf. David (1 Sam. 17)
      4. cf. Daniel (Dan. 6)
    2. Fought until “his hand was weary” (2 Sam. 3:10).
      1. 2 Cor. 11:24-28
      2. 2 Tim. 4:5
    3. The church is a military (spiritually speaking) organization, among other things.
      1. It is a body, wherein we are united.
      2. It is a family, wherein we love as brethren.
      3. It is a temple, wherein we worship.
      4. It is a vineyard, wherein we work.
      5. It is a school, wherein we learn.
      6. It is that army, wherein we fight for principles of truth.
  3. Abishai (2 Sam. 3:18, 19)
    1. His reputation was obvious.
      1. “chief among three” (2 Sam. 3:18)
      2. “had the name” (2 Sam. 3:18)
      3. “most honorable” (2 Sam. 3:19)
    2. He was great, but not the greatest (2 Sam. 3:19).
    3. Evidently, he played a minor role in a masterful way.
      1. cf. Andrew
      2. Host of unnamed heroes of the Bible
  4. Benaiah (2 Sam. 3:20-23)
    1. He accomplished the difficult.
      1. Slew “two lionlike men” (vs. 20a).
      2. Slew an Egyptian who was armed with a spear, while he had only a staff (vs. 21)
    2. Also, he was notable for slaying a lion under difficult circumstances (vs. 20b).
      1. “in the midst of a pit”
        1. Where could you run?
        2. “Between a rock and a hard place”
      2. “in time of snow” (all the more difficult)
    3. Many have accomplished so much in midst of great difficulties and challenges.
      1. David (1 Sam. 17)
      2. 3 Hebrew Youths (Dan. 3)
      3. Jeremiah
      4. Paul