4 Philistines killed by David's servants
The last verses gave a summary of this section:
21:22 These four were the descendants of Rapha who lived in Gath; they were killed by David and his soldiersThe 1st Philistine was the descendants of Rapha and he had a fearful weapon. The main thing was, he wanted to kill David.
21:16 Now Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, had a spear that weighed three hundred bronze shekels, and he was armed with a new weapon. He had said that he would kill David.
David was described as becoming exhausted v.15, and then his servant came to his aid and killed the Philistines v.17.
The 2nd to 4th Philistines were very similar to the 1st one, most of them were the descendants of Rapha. They were huge and had strong weapons. However, they were all killed by a servant of David v.18-21.
I think the author tried to point out the dangers David faced. When he became old or physically not fitted anymore, he was still able to defend his country. However, it was not because his enemies became weaker, or less fearful, it was because he had the mighty warriors by his side. Those people helped him and supported him because they see him as valuable among them.
(NAC) it suggests that David’s leadership was as valuable to the nation as a steady light source would be on a dark night
v.17b Then David’s men took an oath saying, “You will not go out to battle with us again! You must not extinguish the lamp of Israel!”
Reflection:
(1) We see that we need each other's support. It is impossible that we are strong all the time. When we have weakness sometimes in some areas, we help each other out. Most importantly, God was there to help David and us. When I am down, He picks me up.
(2) Has other people, like the 4 mighty warriors mentioned here, helped you and saved you from danger or troubles? Or you can thank God who saved us from our sins and death.
(3) Do you value other people as "the lamp?" They are, like David, valuable to your group as a steady light source would be on a dark night, and therefore, you will support this person wholeheartedly. Or you will serve God Who is our Light.
Audrey
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