A Man of Character - 2 Samuel 20-24

2 Samuel 23:39 (ESV)

Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.

In the end of chapter 23 we are reading about “David’s mighty men.”    The narrative is about these nightly men and their accomplishments for and with David.   The list gives longer narratives for some vs others.   There are some excited, brief stories outlined for us to consider. Here is one example:

2 Samuel 23:18-19 (ESV)

Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the thirty. And he wielded his spear against three hundred men and killed them and won a name beside the three. He was the most renowned of the thirty and became their commander, but he did not attain to the three.

However, there is a long list of just the names.  That long list ends with the above verse about Uriah.  The names on the list have little context and we would be hard pressed to find some of their names listed in any other part of God’s Word.   However, the story of Uriah is well known.   After having sexual relationships with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba, and then covering it up by having Uriah placed in the front of the battle (to be killed by the enemy ... for David’s guilt).   It is interested that Uriah has his name on this list.   He was indeed a mighty man.  His boss, David, ordered him killed.  Uriah was willing to fight for the man who actually would order him to be killed.  He kept his integrity, despite the situation.   That is the mark of a mighty man.