He was son of Jehoiada, chief priest and leader of the Aaronites who came to David at Hebron (1 Chronicles 12:27); one of (a second) three "mighties" (with Abishai and, perhaps, Asahel), and above the thirty (1 Chronicles 27:5, 6); captain of the host for the third month; and commander of the body guard (2 Samuel 8:18; 2 Samuel 20:23). He remained faithful to Solomon in the conspiracy of Adonijah, was commissioned to execute Joab, and appointed commander-in-chief in his stead (1 Kings 1:26, 36; 1 Kings 2:29, 35). He was "a valiant man, of many illustrious deeds." His name (equivalent to "built by Jah") is suggestive of the Divine source of his strength, valour, and successful conflicts with the enemies of the people of God. He slew

(1) two Moabitish champions, or princes, "lions of God" (2 Samuel 8:2);

(2) a ferocious lion, which had been driven by a heavy fall of snow into the neighbourhood of human habitations, to the terror of the inhabitants, and had taken refuge in a pit or (empty) cistern; and

(3) an Egyptian giant (fighting on the side of the Philistines). "His valour and virtues are recorded, not only for commemoration and remembrance, but likewise for example and imitation of his virtues, and to show how great works the Lord wrought by weak means" (Guild).

1. We ought never to contend, except in a good cause; for truth, justice, and liberty, the honour of God, the kingdom of Christ, and the welfare of men. "If it be possible," etc. (Romans 12:18).

2. We cannot avoid conflict altogether without sin, captivity, dishonour, and destruction. In a world like this there is often no choice but to fight or be slain. "Curse ye Meroz," etc. (Judges 5:23). "Contend earnestly for the faith," etc. (Jude 1:3). "Now we must fight if we would reign."

3. We must not be dismayed by the power of the enemy; "in nothing affrighted by the adversaries" (Philippians 1:28); their strength, their number (two to one, ver. 20), their formidable appearance, their varied character, natural or spiritual; lionlike men, real lions, or "your adversary the devil," who, "as a roaring lion, walketh about," etc. (1 Peter 5:8). Be strong and fear not.

4. We should not be unduly concerned about our own safety; but seek, above all things, to do our duty faithfully, and use our best endeavours to secure the ends for which we strive. Having traced the footprints of the lion in the snow, "he went down" (voluntarily placing his own life in imminent peril to secure the safety of others.) "and slew the lion in the pit" (knowing that he must succeed or perish) "in a time of snow" (which is apt to benumb man's strength and to cool their courage, and when beasts of prey are most fierce and ravenous from hunger). "None of these things move me," etc. (Acts 20:24; Acts 21:13; 2 Timothy 4:16, 17).

5. We must make the best of our resources, however inadequate they may appear; and not shrink from the conflict until we are as fully armed as our opponents. "He went down to him with [only] a staff" (ver. 22); skilfully and adroitly deprived him of his spear ("like a weaver's beam"), rendered him defenceless, and turned his weapon against himself. We must fight with such means as we have.

6. We should never forget the example of our great Leader (1 Samuel 17:50); that he sees us, is ready to help us, and will greatly honour "him that overcometh" (vers. 22, 23; Revelation 2:26).

"Though the sons of night blaspheme,
More there are with us than them;
Hell is nigh, but Christ is nigher,
Circling us with hosts of fire."

7. We should be encouraged by the remembrance of past successes, achieved by ourselves and others. These are a sure earnest of the final victory of the kingdom of light over the kingdom of darkness. "Greater is he that is in you," etc. (1 John 4:4). - D.

We too are called upon to slay, to destroy and to overthrow. Are we anxious to slay a lion?

1. There is a lion to be fought by every man — Satan (1 Peter 5:8). We are called upon to fight against —

2. Self-indulgence.

3. Worldly fashion.

4. Worldly ambition.Truly there is battle enough now to be done. Whosoever will set himself against the customs of his time, the popular policies of the circle in which he moves, the prejudices of the persons whose friendship he values, will find that he must have a sword in his right hand, and that even whilst he sleeps he must have his armour so near that at a moment's notice he can be once more in the fray.

(J. Parker, D. D.)