2 Samuel 21:16-22 And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight… These huge monsters were dangerous enemies. To slay them was to do valuable service to king and country. To assail them required much courage. Those who killed any of them gained great renown; and their names and deeds were recorded in the chronicles of the kingdom, and, as to some of them, have found a place in the Book of books. I. SOME GIANT FOES OF THE DIVINE KING AND KINGDOM THAT NEED TO BE DESTROYED. We may name superstition, whether pagan, papal, or protestant; infidelity; selfishness; pride; tyranny, ecclesiastical or political; slavery; sensuality; intemperance; war; mammon. Singly, or in partial union, they assail the subjects of Christ, and oppose them in their endeavours to extend his kingdom. And behind lie the devil and his angels, ever active and formidable (Ephesians 6:11, 12). II. TO BATTLE AGAINST THESE MONSTERS IS THE DUTY OF ALL CHRIST'S SERVANTS. 1. It is involved in their Christian calling. The new nature which is given to them is instinctively hostile to Satan and his works. The endeavour to serve God and benefit men necessarily brings them into conflict with these powers of darkness. The attacks made on themselves compel them to fight in self-defence (1 Peter 5:8, 9). 2. They are supplied with arms and armour for the purpose. (Ephesians 6:11-17.) 3. The enslaved and degraded condition to which these giant evils have reduced their victims appeals to and stimulates them. 4. Their own happy condition under the reign of Christ supplies them with a powerful motive. 5. Regard for him impels and strengthens them. Loyalty, desire for his glory, the hope of his approval, and of the honours and rewards he bestows. III. HEROES IN THE FIGHT ATTAIN TO DISTINCTION AND REWARD. 1. Who are the heroes? Not those who engage these giants (nominally) as a profession and for the sake of earthly rewards. But such as (1) renounce for themselves their service, which all who profess to oppose them do not; (2) show great zeal in contending against them; (3) cheerfully expose themselves to hardship and peril in doing so, displaying conspicuous courage and endurance. Those faithful in times of persecution, confessors, martyrs. Those who bear the gospel to savages, or encounter dangerous climates in seeking its extension. 2. Their honours and rewards. (1) In many cases, success; not, alas! in killing these giants - they are not dead yet - but in preserving themselves, and rescuing others from their power, and in diminishing their dominions. (2) Enrolment in the Divine records. Many illustrious names are written in human records; more have been overlooked; but all are in the "book of remembrance written before" God (Malachi 3:16). (3) Final promotion to honour, power, and blessedness (see 2 Timothy 4:7, 8; and the promises made in Revelation 2. and 3. to "him that overcometh"). - G.W. Parallel Verses KJV: And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David. |
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