“Abishai the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them. Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the Three Mighty Warriors. He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard. Among the Thirty were: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem, Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, Helez the Paltite, Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa, Abiezer from Anathoth, Sibbekai the Hushathite, Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai from the ravines of Gaash, Abi-Albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan son of Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam son of Sharar the Hararite, Eliphelet son of Ahasbai the Maakathite, Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, Igal son of Nathan from Zobah, the son of Hagri, Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah, Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite and Uriah the Hittite. There were thirty-seven in all.”—2 Samuel 23:18–39 (NIV) 

This passage reads like the closing credits of an epic movie—the list of warriors whose names history almost forgot but God chose to record in His eternal Word. We encounter names like Abishai, Benaiah, and a string of others—some with heroic stories, others remembered simply by name or lineage. But make no mistake, each of these men mattered. Each stood in courage, loyalty, and strength. And each helped David fulfill the calling God had placed on his life.

Take Abishai, for example. He’s described as the most honored among the Thirty and a fearless leader. He once raised his spear against 300 enemies and killed them. He didn’t earn the top title like “chief among the Three,” but his contribution was irreplaceable. Then there’s Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada. He chased a lion into a snowy pit and killed it—talk about courage in bad conditions! He also faced a giant Egyptian warrior and won with only a club in hand. His bravery earned him a place of leadership over David’s bodyguard.

These aren’t just tales of physical strength, they’re testimonies of fierce devotion, strategic action, and humility in service. These men weren’t seeking glory for themselves. They stood in the shadows of their king, David, giving everything so God’s chosen leader could fulfill his mission. In doing so, they fulfilled theirs.

It’s easy to read such lists and feel disconnected. Most of us aren’t warriors in a literal sense. We aren’t charging into battlefields or facing lions. But spiritually, emotionally, and relationally, we’re fighting every day. We’re fighting for our families, our faith, our integrity, and our communities. And like David’s mighty men, our names may never make the headlines . . . but heaven sees.

What’s even more powerful is that God not only sees your work, He writes it down. This list in 2 Samuel 23 isn’t about fame; it’s about faithfulness. God honored these men by recording their names, their deeds, and even their obscure backgrounds. Why? Because in God’s eyes, faithfulness is never wasted. Small acts of obedience matter. Private victories matter. Loyalty matters.

Many of the names in verses 24–39 are mentioned without much detail. We don’t know their full stories, but God does. Perhaps they held the line during a fierce battle. 

Perhaps they defended David in the dead of night. Perhaps they simply showed up and stayed until the end. Whatever they did, it mattered enough to be remembered forever.

We live in a culture that celebrates fame, spotlight, and recognition. But the kingdom of God celebrates faithfulness, even when it’s hidden. You may never get a medal for raising godly children, staying faithful in your job, forgiving someone who hurt you, or consistently praying for others, but you’re a mighty warrior in God’s army.

Today, ask yourself, “Am I serving like one of David’s mighty men? Am I willing to be loyal, brave, humble, and faithful in the place God has assigned me?” God sees your service, your endurance, and your sacrifices—and He remembers your name.

Pause: Take a moment to reflect on your daily battles. Where have you shown quiet courage? Where are you tempted to give up or go unnoticed? Allow God to speak over your hidden faithfulness.

Practice:

• List one area where you’re serving faithfully, even if no one notices.

• Pray for strength to continue, and ask God to help you value His reward above earthly recognition.

• Encourage someone else today whose work may go unseen. Remind them that God sees—and honors—their sacrifice.

Pray: Lord God, thank You for the example of David’s mighty men—faithful, courageous, and loyal in battle. Help me to serve You with the same quiet strength, even when no one sees. Make me brave in spirit and faithful in the small things. Let my life bring You honor, not for recognition, but because I love You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.