David’s Army and “Christian Soldiers”

First Chronicles Chapter 12 describes the elite men of David’s army in terms that find a spiritual parallel among the followers of Christ (David’s greater Son). Here are characteristics needed by the servants of the Lord in our day.

1. Even before the king ascended the throne (when his cause was unpopular with some), they were loyal to him and ready to fight for him (vs. 1).
2. They used both prepared weapons of war, and stones of circumstance, in the battle, and were adaptable to each situation (vs. 2).
3. They were well trained and properly prepared for their work (vs. 8).
4. They were both bold and decisive in their actions (vs. 8, 21).
5. They were prepared to face danger and difficulty (vs. 15). Harry Ironside says they were “men of energy–not men who followed the line of least resistance.”
6. They were one with the king in heart and purpose (vs. 17-18).
7. They were empowered by the Spirit of God (vs. 18). The expression used here means more literally “the Spirit clothed himself with Amasai.” (He was like a glove that has no power to act until the Hand is inside it.)
8. Their numbers continued to grow (vs. 22).
9. They were full of wisdom and understood the times in which they lived (vs. 32).
10. They were organized, and orderly in the face of a desperate struggle (vs. 33, 38).
11. They were united in purpose with the people of God (vs. 38).
12. They rejoiced in fellowship and service (vs. 39-40).