DAVID's mighty MEN

 

Psalm 127:1

King James Version

127 Except the Lord build the house, 

they labour in vain that build it: 

except the Lord keep the city, 

the watchman waketh but in vain.

Funny how SPIRIT led me to this article.

First, He made me pay attention to the word "tenant".

After which, as a natural recourse, He knew I'd turn to the word "lieutenant".

And play some more with that word, thinking, in "lieu" of a "tenant".

But, of course, SPIRIT wanted me to focus on the word "lieutenant".

And this is what I learned from AV1611:

LIEUTENANT, n. luten'ant. L. tenens, holding.

1. An officer who supplies the place of a superior in his absence. Officers of this kind are civil, as the lord-lieutenant of a kingdom or county; or military, as a lieutenant general, a lieutenant colonel.

2. In military affairs, the second commissioned officer in a company of infantry cavalry or artillery.

3. In ships of war, the officer next in rank to the captain.

Knowing I've warmed up to the idea, SPIRIT then led me to some verses in the Old Testament, which led me to king David.

2 Samuel 23:1-2

King James Version

23 Now these be the last words of David. 

David the son of Jesse said, 

and the man who was raised up on high, 

the anointed of the God of Jacob, 

and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,

2 The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, 

and his word was in my tongue.

GOD told David how leaders ought to be:

2 Samuel 23:3

King James Version

3 The God of Israel said, 

the Rock of Israel spake to me, 

He that ruleth over men must be just, 

ruling in the fear of God.

Then, SPIRIT led me to David's people, and of his anointing.

1 Chronicles 11:1-3

King James Version

11 Then all Israel gathered themselves to David 

unto Hebron, saying, 

Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

2 And moreover in time past, 

even when Saul was king, 

thou wast he that leddest out 

and broughtest in Israel: 

and the Lord thy God said unto thee, 

Thou shalt feed my people Israel, 

and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.

3 Therefore came all the elders of Israel 

to the king to Hebron; 

and David made a covenant with them 

in Hebron before the Lord; 

and they anointed David king over Israel, 

according to the word of the Lord by Samuel.

After which, SPIRIT, through Scripture, told me of Israel's enemies.

1 Chronicles 11:4-5

King James Version

4 And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, 

which is Jebus*; where the Jebusites were, 

the inhabitants of the land.

5 And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, 

Thou shalt not come hither. 

Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, 

which is the city of David.

This is how David responded:

1 Chronicles 11:6

King James Version

6 And David said, 

Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first 

shall be chief and captain. 

So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, 

and was chief.

Thus, the founding of the city of David**.

1 Chronicles 11:7-8

King James Version

7 And David dwelt in the castle; 

therefore they called it the city of David.

8 And he built the city round about, 

even from Millo round about: 

and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

All this was possible through GOD.

1 Chronicles 11:9

King James Version

9 So David waxed greater and greater: 

for the Lord of hosts was with him.

Then SPIRIT told me of David's men:

1 Chronicles 11:10

King James Version

10 These also are the chief of the mighty men 

whom David had, 

who strengthened themselves with him 

in his kingdom, and with all Israel, 

to make him king, 

according to the word of the Lord 

concerning Israel.

These became his trusted lieutenants:

1 Chronicles 11:11

King James Version

11 And this is the number of the mighty men 

whom David had;

Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, 

the chief of the captains: 

he lifted up his spear against three hundred 

slain by him at one time.

2 Samuel 23:8

King James Version

8 These be the names of the mighty men 

whom David had: 

The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, 

chief among the captains; 

the same was Adino the Eznite: 

he lift up his spear against eight hundred, 

whom he slew at one time.

2 Samuel 23:9-10

King James Version

9 And after him was Eleazar 

the son of Dodo the Ahohite, 

one of the three mighty men with David, 

when they defied the Philistines 

that were there gathered together to battle, 

and the men of Israel were gone away:

10 He arose, and smote the Philistines 

until his hand was weary, 

and his hand clave unto the sword: 

and the Lord wrought a great victory that day; 

and the people returned after him only to spoil.

2 Samuel 23:11-13

King James Version

11 And after him was Shammah 

the son of Agee the Hararite. 

And the Philistines were gathered together 

into a troop, 

where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: 

and the people fled from the Philistines.

12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, 

and defended it, and slew the Philistines: 

and the Lord wrought a great victory.

13 And three of the thirty chief went down, 

and came to David in the harvest time 

unto the cave of Adullam: 

and the troop of the Philistines 

pitched in the valley of Rephaim.

2 Samuel 23:14-17

King James Version

14 And David was then in an hold, 

and the garrison of the Philistines 

was then in Bethlehem.

15 And David longed, and said, 

Oh that one would give me drink 

of the water of the well of Bethlehem, 

which is by the gate!

16 And the three mighty men brake through 

the host of the Philistines, 

and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, 

that was by the gate, and took it, 

and brought it to David: 

nevertheless he would not drink thereof, 

but poured it out unto the Lord.

17 And he said, 

Be it far from me, O Lord, that I should do this: 

is not this the blood of the men that went 

in jeopardy of their lives? 

therefore he would not drink it. 

These things did these three mighty men.

2 Samuel 23:18-19

King James Version

18 And Abishai, the brother of Joab, 

the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. 

And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, 

and slew them, and had the name among three.

19 Was he not most honourable of three? 

therefore he was their captain: 

howbeit he attained not unto the first three.

2 Samuel 23:20-23

King James Version

20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, 

the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, 

who had done many acts, 

he slew two lionlike men of Moab: 

he went down also and slew a lion 

in the midst of a pit in time of snow:

21 And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: 

and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; 

but he went down to him with a staff, 

and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, 

and slew him with his own spear.

22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, 

and had the name among three mighty men.

23 He was more honourable than the thirty, 

but he attained not to the first three. 

And David set him over his guard.

2 Samuel 23:24-39

King James Version

24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; 

Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

25 Shammah the Harodite, 

Elika the Harodite,

26 Helez the Paltite, 

Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,

27 Abiezer the Anethothite, 

Mebunnai the Hushathite,

28 Zalmon the Ahohite, 

Maharai the Netophathite,

29 Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, 

Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah 

of the children of Benjamin,

30 Benaiah the Pirathonite, 

Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash,

31 Abialbon the Arbathite, 

Azmaveth the Barhumite,

32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, 

of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,

33 Shammah the Hararite, 

Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,

34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, 

the son of the Maachathite, 

Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,

35 Hezrai the Carmelite, 

Paarai the Arbite,

36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, 

Bani the Gadite,

37 Zelek the Ammonite, 

Nahari the Beerothite, 

armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,

38 Ira an Ithrite, 

Gareb an Ithrite,

39 Uriah the Hittite: 

thirty and seven in all.

Such was valor in those days.

Wherein Israel sought GOD for victory.

In the New Testament, here's the Source of our victory:

1 Corinthians 15:57

King James Version

57 But thanks be to God, 

which giveth us the victory 

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

If we are not victorious today, it is only because we don't seek JESUS.

It's really as simple as that.

John 15:5

King James Version

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: 

He that abideth in me, and I in him, 

the same bringeth forth much fruit: 

for without me ye can do nothing.

Let GOD govern, through His Son, JESUS.

And be taught by the HOLY SPIRIT -- as born again -- that you may be wise.

Lastly, GIVE all GLORY to GOD.

That's how we can have good governments, able governments, just governments, and godly governments.

Something the world needs badly right now.

*Jebus -- later renamed "Jerusalem".

**UNCOVERING the CITY of DAVID

Related material:

CHRIST's soldier

LEADERS for GOD

WARRIOR of the SPIRIT

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

Image: Free Bible Images

The SIMPLEST government

Proverbs 9:10

King James Version

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: 

and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

All I know, I know through SPIRIT.

Today, He "feeds" me an idea.

A revolutionary idea.

A ticklish idea, but a brilliant idea.

He knows it will percolate in my brain.

And it shall brew right.

Sure did.

Before you know it, we've created a "NEW" government in our heart.

The SIMPLEST. and most REVOLUTIONARY, government.

A government that governs ALL nations.

Where peace, love, joy, and harmony will thrive.

You will not need a U.N.

Consider this:

GOD is President.

JESUS is Vice-President.

The HOLY SPIRIT is House Speaker.

Now, time to back it up with Scripture.

What makes GOD "president"?

Romans 13:1 

King James Version

13 Let every soul be subject 

unto the higher powers. 

For there is no power but of God: 

the powers that be are ordained of God.

What makes JESUS "vice-president"?

Colossians 2:10

King James Version

10 And ye are complete in him, 

which is the head 

of all principality and power:

What makes the HOLY SPIRIT "house speaker"?

Mark 13:11

King James Version

11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, 

take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, 

neither do ye premeditate: 

but whatsoever shall be given you 

in that hour, that speak ye: 

for it is not ye that speak, 

but the Holy Ghost.

Now, let's take it a step further.

The CONSTITUTION.

As a kid, I was taught the Constitution is the "law of the land".

I thank my social studies teacher for giving the best, and simplest definition.

What shall it be then, if GOD governs?

The Bible, of course.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

King James Version

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 

and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, 

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, 

thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

But what if there are many religions?

Precisely the cause of never-ending chaos.

Satan really knew what he was doing when he messed up our brains.

And put hatred in our hearts.

If you really want peace, it's doable.

You just need to believe in ONE GOD.

With citizens being born again.

Being new creatures in CHRIST.

2 Corinthians 5:17

King James Version

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: 

old things are passed away; behold, 

all things are become new.

Can you now imagine a world of peace?

Of course, you can.

Of course, you want to.

Except Satan doesn't want you to.

Nevertheless, GOD's WILL be done.

It's an idea whose time has come today.

We need to have this simplest government.

If we are to become part of the Rapture.

You will not want to be left behind.

And endure a godless government.

It will be hell.

Related material:

The TRIUNE GOD

FEAR the LORD verses

PEACE through JESUS

The devil's DEVICES

Re-educating self

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

AMERICA's re-elected HOUSE speaker

 

Psalm 127:1

King James Version

127 Except the Lord build the house, 

they labour in vain that build it: 

except the Lord keep the city, 

the watchman waketh but in vain.

There is something Mike Johnson's doing right.

This, as he was voted speaker of the house today.

FIRST, he prays for the victims of the Louisiana incident.

SECOND, he honors his wife and children's sacrifices.

THIRD, he honors GOD's WORD above all.

"the Word of God is, of course, the ultimate source of all truth"

-- Wikipedia

FOURTH, he spoke of the programs he will be supporting.

All for America -- first.

In truth, GOD should be FIRST.

But had Johnson, a Christian, said that, Congress would be in a riot.

You know the left, the woke, the timid, and the unconvinced.

Still, for me, GOD is ALWAYS first.

Philippians 2:10-11

King James Version

10 That at the name of Jesus 

every knee should bow, 

of things in heaven, 

and things in earth, 

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess 

that Jesus Christ is Lord, 

to the glory of God the Father.

Colossians 1:18

King James Version

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: 

who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; 

that in all things he might have the preeminence.

May people wake up to GOD's TRUTH.

For it will correct all their current thinking.

It's interesting to know the young, speaker Johnson  also doesn't have as many "enemies" as other Republicans have.

Here are some past excerpts on Johnson:

"When Johnson became House speaker, he was the least experienced representative to fill the office in 140 years."

Representative Ken Buck, a Republican from Colorado, says Johnson had won the speakership "because he has the fewest enemies of anybody in the Republican Party".

'In May 2024, Politico wrote that Johnson had aligned himself with former President Trump "while not being treated like a golden retriever" and that he had "fortified his reputation in consequential ways.'

"he has operated in good faith with Democrats" and "stayed respectful of the opposition"

-- "Speaker of the House", Wikipedia

With all that, is it any surprise Mike Johnson has been re-elected Speaker of the House in America, even as it was a narrow margin of 218-215?

"Johnson was re-elected speaker on the first ballot, with every Republican except Thomas Massie* voting for him and every Democrat voting for Hakeem Jeffries."

-- "119th Congress", Wikipedia

Three days ago, we wrote a post, "TRUMP and JOHNSON".

He has been appointed by president-elect Trump to be House Speaker.

In the U.S. presidential line of succession, the speaker is second, after the vice-president.

America is on the road to recovery with the Trump team.

Nation-wise, militarily, economically, and spiritually.

CHRIST's enemy knows that.

Precisely why he placed obstacles before them.

And that's for another post.

---------------

*NOTE: Thomas Massie represents Kentucky's 4th congressional district since 2012.

Interestingly, he seems to have strong views about Israel:

"Massie joined eight Democratic representatives in 2021 in voting against $1 billion in funding for Israel's Iron Dome air defense system, saying that he opposed all foreign aid out of concern about the national debt."

"In November 2023, he was the only member of Congress to oppose a resolution affirming Israel's right to exist..."

"In July 2024, Massie boycotted Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress, calling it "political theater"; he was the only Republican to do so."

-- "Foreign policy", Wikipedia

Of course, Rep. Massie probably has some sound, and legitimate stand, on foreign policy, and we shall look into that.

We also learn that he wanted Johnson "out" before, thus, we are not surprised he didn't vote for speaker Johnson this time:

"On April 16, 2024, he co-sponsored a motion to vacate filed by Marjorie Taylor Greene in an attempt to oust House speaker Mike Johnson."

-- Wikipedia

Related material:

TRUMP and JOHNSON

TRUMP and VANCE

The TRUMP series

Related videos:

Steve Forbes: Trump's victory with Speaker Johnson establishes his authority

IMPERMANENCE of policies

 Ecclesiastes 5:15-16

King James Version

15 As he came forth of his mother's womb, 

naked shall he return to go as he came, 

and shall take nothing of his labour, 

which he may carry away in his hand.

16 And this also is a sore evil, 

that in all points as he came, so shall he go: 

and what profit hath he 

that hath laboured for the wind?

Do policies last?

Are they subject to change?

Why are they changed?

Was there a need to change?

We have one good example from a world war to cold war video.

Watch the 55th minute onwards.

You will see the negotiations among Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin.

This, at the Yalta conference.

The subject of negotiations?

Germany, Poland, the U.N., and Japan.

What were the issues involved?

How did they negotiate?

What were their motives?

Did the world leaders stick to the original agreements?

What transpired post-conference?

Of course, Stalin spied on the other two world leaders.

He had a dossier on each, months before the negotiations.

He also installed cameras and microphones at the Yalta compound.

He was ahead of the game because of such methods.

Churchill and Roosevelt had to make concessions.

Poland was sacrificed.

Same with Japan.

Roosevelt died 11 days after the conference.

Vice-president Truman succeeded him.

Stalin looked down upon this new president.

Not realizing Truman had an ace up his sleeve.

America had their "Little Boy".

The atomic bomb.

Signifying the superiority of the Americans at that point.

Of course, the Soviets had spied on the Americans.

Thus, creating their own bomb, too.

But the Americans got there ahead of them.

While Stalin was sly, Truman was pragmatic.

He could write a simple, "No" to Stalin.

Which, of course, enraged the tyrant.

Seems Stalin met his Missouri match.

Roosevelt died.

Churchill lost his re-election.

Truman dropped the bombs in Japan.

All are mortal.

All died.

They had their successors.

Policies come, policies go.

As it has been, so it shall continue.

All subject to the whims and winds of man, and war.

Is the world improving?

You tell me.

But there's one thing that will never change.

We all die.

We cannot expect our policies to be the same.

People who take our place may have different agendas.

Unless we be of the same GOD SPIRIT, we cannot produce anything of real value.

The world has revealed, it has no room for the LORD.

And yet, they forget one thing:

Our lives are in GOD's hands.

He gave us His spirit.

Genesis 2:7

King James Version

7 And the Lord God formed man 

of the dust of the ground, 

and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; 

and man became a living soul.

He forms this spirit in us.

Zechariah 12:1

King James Version

12 The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, 

saith the Lord, 

which stretcheth forth the heavens, 

and layeth the foundation of the earth, 

and formeth the spirit of man within him.

That spirit goes back to GOD.

Ecclesiastes 12:7

King James Version

7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: 

and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

With these in consideration, we must not think we live forever.

We must not produce "dynasties", "cronies", or "clones".

Only believers live "forever", through CHRIST.

Who promised us eternal life.

John 3:16-17

King James Version

16 For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only begotten Son, 

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world 

to condemn the world; 

but that the world through him 

might be saved.

John 10:27-29

King James Version

27 My sheep hear my voice, 

and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; 

and they shall never perish, 

neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, 

is greater than all; 

and no man is able to pluck them 

out of my Father's hand.

John 17:3

King James Version

3 And this is life eternal, 

that they might know thee the only true God, 

and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

If you are a leader, whether of a family, a business, a community, an organization, or a nation, it's best you be of GOD.

Delight in the LORD.

And yet be fearful of Him.

For His policies live forever.

We are as nothing compared to His power.

Related material:

The ONLY election that MATTERS

The MAGNIFICENCE and MAJESTY of GOD

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

Related video:

1945-1953 From World War to Cold War

PAUL corrects ATHENS

 

Acts 17:16

King James Version

16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, 

his spirit was stirred in him, 

when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

What happened when Paul went to Athens?

How did this apostle approach the Greeks?

How did he respond to their idolatry?

How did they respond to him?

Here he is disputing with the Jews:

Acts 17:17

King James Version

17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue 

with the Jews, 

and with the devout persons, 

and in the market daily 

with them that met with him.

How did they respond?

Acts 17:18

King James Version

18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, 

and of the Stoicks, encountered him. 

And some said, What will this babbler say? 

other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth 

of strange gods: 

because he preached unto them Jesus, 

and the resurrection.

Acts 17:19-20

King James Version

19 And they took him, 

and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, 

May we know what this new doctrine, 

whereof thou speakest, is?

20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: 

we would know therefore what these things mean.

Evangelist Luke, author of "Acts of the Apostles", had this to say about the Athenians:

Acts 17:21

King James Version

21 (For all the Athenians 

and strangers which were there 

spent their time in nothing else, 

but either to tell, 

or to hear some new thing.)

Standing in the midst of Mars' hill, Paul spoke to the idolatrous Greeks:

Acts 17:22-29

King James Version

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, 

and said, 

Ye men of Athens, 

I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, 

I found an altar with this inscription, 

To The Unknown God. 

Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, 

him declare I unto you.

24 God that made the world and all things therein, 

seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, 

dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, 

as though he needed any thing, 

seeing he giveth to all life, 

and breath, 

and all things;

26 And hath made of one blood 

all nations of men 

for to dwell on all the face of the earth, 

and hath determined the times before appointed, 

and the bounds of their habitation;

27 That they should seek the Lord, 

if haply they might feel after him, 

and find him, 

though he be not far from every one of us:

28 For in him we live, 

and move, 

and have our being; 

as certain also of your own poets have said, 

For we are also his offspring.

29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, 

we ought not to think that the Godhead 

is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, 

graven by art and man's device.

He then finished with a stern warning:

Acts 17:30-31

King James Version

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; 

but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

31 Because he hath appointed a day, 

in the which he will judge the world in righteousness 

by that man whom he hath ordained; 

whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, 

in that he hath raised him from the dead.

The response of the Greeks?

Acts 17:32-33

King James Version

32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, 

some mocked: and others said, 

We will hear thee again of this matter.

33 So Paul departed from among them.

Acts 17:34

King James Version

34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, 

and believed: 

among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite,

 and a woman named Damaris, 

and others with them.

How about you?

How would you respond to someone like Paul?

How would you respond to the gospel of JESUS CHRIST?

When GOD made me born again in 2019, I immediately embraced the Bible, like a thirsty child.

There was no other book I'd touch after that.

Do you also realize "democracy" is patterned after the Greek ideal?

Is that why our governments are in chaos?

That they separated church and state?

And look to their "unknown god"?

Or their many gods?

Some things are evident.

Just that man refuses to see.

Much less acknowledge.

But the Rapture cannot be held back.

It is the next stage in GOD's timeline.

Which could occur at any moment GOD deems fit.

Where do you stand right now?

Are you born again?

Have you repented?

Do you believe the gospel?

Do you look to JESUS as our Savior?

Or have you resisted all attempts to acknowledge the LORD?

JESUS settles the matter Himself:

Matthew 12:36-37

King James Version

36 But I say unto you, 

That every idle word that men shall speak, 

they shall give account thereof 

in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, 

and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

John 8:24

King James Version

24 I said therefore unto you, 

that ye shall die in your sins: 

for if ye believe not that I am he, 

ye shall die in your sins.

John 10:26-27

King James Version

26 But ye believe not, 

because ye are not of my sheep, 

as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice, 

and I know them, and they follow me:

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, the truth, and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, 

but by me.

Related material:

On the RISE and FALL of GOVERNMENTS

The CHOSEN vessel

Idolatry

PAUL in TURKEY

Sin AWARENESS

REPENTANCE

SALVATION

WORD of GOD

Related video:

The Complete Story of Paul: The Apostle to the Gentiles

Image:

The Parthenon above was photocopied, and photographed, by the author.

I found that image, back in college, while taking up Architecture.

It was too long ago -- I don't remember the source.