Today I read 1 Chronicles 11, which talks about David becoming king of all Israel and the actions of David’s mighty men. Today I considered that the best leaders are appointed by both God and man; armies need leadership and strong, brave warriors; and leaders are not to risk the lives of their people for trivial things.
An Anointed and Requested King
David was a king chosen by both God and the people (1 Chronicles 11:1-9). The prophet Samuel followed God’s instructions and anointed David king years before he took the thrown. After Saul’s death, all the elders asked David to be king because he previously led, fed, and took care of the people. David accepted both God’s appointment and the people’s request, taking over a castle and becoming even greater. The best leaders are appointed by both God and man, and take care of those under their authority.
David’s Mighty Men
David’s warriors included a leadership hierarchy and strong, brave, and loyal men (1 Chronicles 11:10-47). David had a chief of the mighty men, three mighties, captains, mighty men, and valiant men. David’s men ranged from strong enough to conquered three hundred at one time, to brave enough to protect a food parcel from the Philistines, to powerful enough to take down lion-like men, to loyal enough to break through enemy lines for a specific water requested by David. A successful army needs a leader, leadership structure, and warriors that are strong, brave, and loyal.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Powerful leaders can inspire truly loyalty to the point of people risking their lives for the leader’s casual requests. David mentioned wanting water from a specific well and three captains broke through enemy lines to get that water (1 Chronicles 11:17-19). But David shows us that powerful leaders are to be careful with their requests and not say things lightly. David repented to God for risking their lives when it was not necessary.
What have you seen a powerful leader do or say that you believe they should repent from?