2 Sam. 23:9-12; 1 Chr. 11:12.

Of David's first three mighty men, two are distinguished for exploits in defending what might seem of very small consequence, especially in relation to David and his kingdom. Eleazar strove for a parcel of ground full of barley; Shammah for a piece of ground full of lentils. These things might seem insignificant to many, but in both instances it stands recorded that "the Lord wrought a great victory," words of deepest meaning when uttered by the Spirit of God.

These actions might not advance David's accession to the throne, but they preserved and defended for him and his company the provision and sustenance required for their daily need in the time of their rejection and suffering, and suited reward would be given when the kingdom would be established. These contests were with David's enemies, who either devoured or destroyed their substance. It might be said it was a day of small things,, but these men despise it not on that account, but rightly valued all in connection with David and his claims.

It is a most suggestive lesson. Nothing of what supplies spiritual nourishment to God's people should be surrendered to the enemy. Let his efforts be resisted to the utmost, even till the hand cleaves to the sword as if it were one. Be it but barley and lentils-the food of the poor and the lowly, whom the oppressor may ridicule and speak of as "eaters of barley bread." Such indeed was Gideon in the eyes of the Midianites, but this barley cake smote and overturned their tent (Judges 7:1).

The simplest truth thus guarded and defended against the enemy may result in a great victory. In the natural man's view, or in worldly eyes, it may be of little account (Neh. 4:1-3), but the interests of the Lord and His own take a different aspect to the soldier identified with the true David, and in fellowship with His thoughts. When the world and the flesh would take away what belongs to David and his company, let no effort be spared to defend it; often much depends on small things. It was not cities that these mighty men of valor defended, but parcels of ground; yet the results were great, and they are classed in the leading three among David's mighty men. Let us be careful of our parcels of barley and lentils; their loss may ultimately give the enemy a great advantage, and for us mean growing weakness.

Let us remember too that individual faithfulness is of prime importance when there is collective failure and weakness. In both of the cases before us the men of Israel had "gone away," perhaps indifferent, or had "fled" through fear, leaving unguarded the precious parcels of ground. But the Lord had His man ready for each occasion among those who made the cave of Adullam their dwelling, and the rejected David their Lord.

The heart that values the small things will best value the great, for we must prove our faithfulness in little things before we are able for larger responsibilities in service. Let us set a right value on all that relates to Christ and His interests here.

A comparison of the text in these passages may present great difficulty, and hinder in a detailed interpretation; yet we may think of these two portions as supplementary to each other, and not contradictory. Shammah is not mentioned in Chronicles, and his exploit seems attributed to his fellow-soldier Eleazar; but note that the plural form of verse 14, taking in account the passage in Samuel, might warrant us in thinking that Shammah was associated with Eleazar.