“The unknown names of significance”
“A band of brothers”
Thesis: Unknown people of significance are the real heroes of today and they deserve to be honored and remembered for their sacrifice. Their sacrifice of their lives, their precious time, their loyal hearts, have bestowed on us our personal freedoms today.
Introduction:
Without realizing it many of us have fallen prey to thinking that people of most significance are people like star athletes, actors, actresses, musicians, and even politicians. These are the ones we applaud and become excited to meet in person. These are the ones who we ask for their autographs and then show it off as a valuable treasured signature to others.
But really these are not the hero’s. Heroes and heroines are the note worthy individuals who turned “nobodies into some bodies.” They are the people behind the scenes who have given their loyalty and their lives for noble causes. They have sacrificed so that others may have the freedom to live free. They have stayed in the shadows and never been mentioned by name. They have drifted into obscurity because their status goes unnoticed and in some cases even gets undervalued and unappreciated.
These bands of brothers may be forgotten by others and most of the country but not by their fellow warriors and fellow brothers. Their names will be etched in their memories for ever and they will never forget the sacrifice of the unknown names of countless soldiers who have given their lives for the gift of freedom for this country.
They are the veterans of our country – the ones who first fought for our independence in New England against the British and ran into battle with the motto, “No King but King Jesus.” (See “The Spirit of the Amercian Revolution” David Barton; “The New Heavens and the New Earth” Cushing Stout; Sibley’s Harvard Graduates, Clifford Shipton.)
They are the soldiers who have fought for our country throughout the many wars which sought to destroy this country and rob her of her freedom. These soldiers of honor are even the ones today fighting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. These are the unsung heroes who are the nobodies of history – because most do not know their names - but they are the some bodies who have given us our freedom here in America today. The Veterans who are here today each know of men and women who gave their lives and served our country faithfully. These men all have a band of brothers who they know by name and it’s important for us today to hear their names today.
Scripture Texts:
There are a few passages in the Bible which highlight the “Unknown names of significance.” You find these references in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11.
King David the King of Israel is on the verge of passing away. Israel’s historians have gathered around their hero King David. They are looking for a detailed history of his many triumphs, his war stories, his brilliant commands, his wise statesmanship, his expansion of Israel, and His prosperous kingdom. But no, David does not brag about himself or the other famous people in his cabinet. He recalls the names of the people he considered to be the true heroes of Israel’s rise to power and prominence in the world. These are the names of the nobodies who had a significant lasting impact on the nation of Israel. They according to my Bible where sent and equipped by God to assist, to protect, and to enable David to become king of Israel.
Can I say that everyone is known by God and He knows all the men and women who have sacrificed for others – trust me this is why in the Bible we have this list of names to remind us that our freedom is not free it cost others their lives, their time, their wounds and their hearts so that we today can enjoy a nation with liberty and freedom for all.
Please note the Pew Bible’s in front of you and you can note these significant warriors name on pages: 2 Samuel 23 pg. 233 and then later flip to pages 293-294 to see the names in print again in 1 Chronicles 11. These two Scriptures passages cover the same time frame and give us greater insight when looked at together.
2 Samuel 23:1-39
1These are the last words of David:
“The oracle of David son of Jesse,
the oracle of the man exalted by the Most High,
the man anointed by the God of Jacob,
Israel’s singer of songs:
2 “The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me;
his word was on my tongue.
3 The God of Israel spoke,
the Rock of Israel said to me:
‘When one rules over men in righteousness,
when he rules in the fear of God,
4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise
on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
that brings the grass from the earth.’
5 “Is not my house right with God?
Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant,
arranged and secured in every part?
Will he not bring to fruition my salvation
and grant me my every desire?
6 But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns,
which are not gathered with the hand.
7 Whoever touches thorns
uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear;
they are burned up where they lie.”
8These are the names of David’s mighty men:
Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.
9Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the men of Israel retreated, 10but he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.
11Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. 12But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory.
13During harvest time, three of the thirty chief men came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 15David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 16So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. 17“Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this!” he said. “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” And David would not drink it.
Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.
18Abishai 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. 19Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them.
20Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab’s best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 21And 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. 22Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men. 23He 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.
24Among the Thirty were:
Asahel the brother of Joab,
Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem,
25Shammah the Harodite,
Elika the Harodite,
26Helez the Paltite,
Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa,
27Abiezer from Anathoth,
Mebunnai the Hushathite,
28Zalmon the Ahohite,
Maharai the Netophathite,
29Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite,
Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin,
30Benaiah the Pirathonite,
Hiddai from the ravines of Gaash,
31Abi-Albon the Arbathite,
Azmaveth the Barhumite,
32Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
the sons of Jashen,
Jonathan 33son of Shammah the Hararite,
Ahiam son of Sharar the Hararite,
34Eliphelet son of Ahasbai the Maacathite,
Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,
35Hezro the Carmelite,
Paarai the Arbite,
36Igal son of Nathan from Zobah,
the son of Hagri,
37Zelek the Ammonite,
Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,
38Ira the Ithrite,
Gareb the Ithrite
39and Uriah the Hittite.
There were thirty-seven in all.
Pew Bible pages 293 & 294
1 Chronicles 11:9-47:
9And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD Almighty was with him.
10These were the chiefs of David’s mighty men—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the LORD had promised—11this is the list of David’s mighty men:
Jashobeam, a Hacmonite, was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.
12Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. 13He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. 14But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory.
15Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 16At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 17David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 18So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. 19“God forbid that I should do this!” he said. “Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?” Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it.
Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.
20Abishai the brother of Joab 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. 21He was doubly honored above the Three and became their commander, even though he was not included among them.
22Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab’s best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 23And he struck down an Egyptian who was seven and a half feet tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s rod 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. 24Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men. 25He 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.
26The mighty men were:
Asahel the brother of Joab,
Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem,
27Shammoth the Harorite,
Helez the Pelonite,
28Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa,
Abiezer from Anathoth,
29Sibbecai the Hushathite,
Ilai the Ahohite,
30Maharai the Netophathite,
Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite,
31Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin,
Benaiah the Pirathonite,
32Hurai from the ravines of Gaash,
Abiel the Arbathite,
33Azmaveth the Baharumite,
Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
34the sons of Hashem the Gizonite,
Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite,
35Ahiam son of Sacar the Hararite,
Eliphal son of Ur,
36Hepher the Mekerathite,
Ahijah the Pelonite,
37Hezro the Carmelite,
Naarai son of Ezbai,
38Joel the brother of Nathan,
Mibhar son of Hagri,
39Zelek the Ammonite,
Naharai the Berothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,
40Ira the Ithrite,
Gareb the Ithrite,
41Uriah the Hittite,
Zabad son of Ahlai,
42Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, who was chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him,
43Hanan son of Maacah,
Joshaphat the Mithnite,
44Uzzia the Ashterathite,
Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite,
45Jediael son of Shimri,
his brother Joha the Tizite,
46Eliel the Mahavite,
Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam,
Ithmah the Moabite,
47Eliel, Obed and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.
T.S. - In these passages of Scripture “David’s Band of Brothers” – “His Mighty Men” listed by name and some even have some details added about their heroic life stories. They are placed here to be remembered and honored for their sacrifice for their country.
I. David’s “Band of Brothers”
a. Note: His mighty men of valor did feats of heroism which helped to place David as King of Israel and to raise this country up into a super power of its day. They where God’s soldiers sent and equipped by God to fulfill His divine will and purpose.
i. The first soldier highly decorated is Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite:
1. 800 men in one battle were slain by his sword – it is calculated that this battle would have lasted for 13 hours. This was hand to hand combat and is really an amazing scene of heroism.
ii. The second medal of honor winner is Eleazar the son of Dodo:
1. While most of Israel’s men hid in their fox holes Eleazar attacked the Philistines who were a mean bunch of state of the art warriors wheeling iron weapons of the day. He stayed on task defending Israel and defeating the Philistines until his fellow soldiers had to pry his hands off of his sword.
iii. The third hero of Israel is Shammah son of Agee:
1. In a fight against the same arch enemies the Philistines while the rest of the soldiers fled he stood his ground and stopped an assault on Israel by the Philistines. He brought a great victory for Israel that day.
iv. Some of the other unknown soldiers brought to life again by an appreciative leader – names long forgotten - but not by their leader.
1. Two other noted commanders and heroic warriors of Israel:
a. Abishai became known for killing three hundred enemy soldiers in one battle with a spear. Which would be much harder to do than with a sword.
i. He was the chief of the three above.
b. Benaiah was quit the warrior. He killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day. He stuck down two mighty opponents of Moab. He took out an Egyptian who was over 7 feet tall who had huge spear with a club.
i. He became chief of David’s Body Guard.
T.S. – I am sure most of you here today have never heard these soldier’s names before but they are honored in the Bible as mighty men of God – and for being loyal to their nation’s leader “David”.
II. Lessons to be learned from these real life stories of heroism and honor:
a. These men where fierce warriors but they were also loyal to David and when he wanted a glass of water from a well.
i. The top three noted above fought through the Philistines line to get David a drink. David was so humbled by what they did – their selfless devotion to Israel and to him as their King - he poured the water out to the Lord as an offering.
1. David knew these men were gifted by God for such a time as this and he wanted to thank the Lord for giving him such dedicated loyal brothers in wartime.
ii. The truth was David and his soldiers were devoted to one another and loved each other – like only a band of warrior brothers can do – they knew that their job was a God ordained one and they stayed committed to the vision.
1. In the Band of Brothers movie series there is a quote – that I would like to highlight this morning:
a. “They depended on each other. And the world depended on them.”
i. You could say that about these soldiers listed in our texts today.
b. But the list in 2 Samuel 23 goes deeper than the three and the other 2 – it lists 37 men in all by name.
i. We need to remember that when David first ended up on the run we are told that 400 men followed him – then later in Scripture his army had grown to 600 men.
1. So there are many more lives, many more faces who are still unknown to us in history but their lives made an eternal difference for the nation of Israel and for God’s plans.
ii. In this list we have a song about the faithful heroes that King David says made him and Israel successful. I find it amazing that David focused his praise on the “no-names” who made Israel’s rise to fame possible. It was the sacrifice of these unknown soldiers that brought freedom and liberty to Israel.
1. David knew it and he never forget it.
2. I am sure this is why they loved him and served him and God.
a. Chuck Swindoll states, “God kept His covenant with David by providing these fighting men and rejecting anyone less worthy (2 Samuel 23:4-6) (Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives, page 8).
iii. These few names in the Bible remind us of the many rows of white crosses along the wind-swept hills of Normandy.
1. It reminds me of the cemeteries at Gettysburg, Bunker Hill, Pearl Harbor and other famous places of battle.
a. Swindoll reminds us all, “We’re free today because, in June 1944, during the three month battle of Normandy, nearly fifty-three thousand “nobodies” paid the ultimate price to defeat Nazi tyranny…Visitors to the patch of land near Colleville-sur Mer, France, frequently weep quietly because there the real heroes of the war are silently honored” (Page 8, 9).
iv. King David in out texts today is paying tribute and honor to his soldiers. He is doing a Memorial Day tribute to the unknown ones who need to be known by all of Israel.
1. In these passages - he is saying they are, “Nobodies who are the some bodies who deserve all the credit for our great nation.”
2. I say that today we too need to pay tribute to the Veterans: Because these men/women made this nation possible and these men’s and women’s sacrifices made this nation free!
a. We too need to remember them and honor their names and their memories.
b. They are the people of significance that need to be honored so that we do not forget that freedom is not free. It costs!
T.S. – King David honored his faithful band of brothers and we too need to do the same today for our nation’s veterans.
III. The reality is the no-names – the soldiers of history for America have made a lasting impact on this country and in all of our lives.
a. Their sacrifice and dedication have bestowed upon us the freedoms we have today.
i. We cannot take these freedoms for granted or we cease to value the lives that have been given for our personal freedoms today.
ii. We need to honor this country and God for the blessings given to us and show her and its Veterans proper respect.
1. See photo of parade of wounded Veteran standing while others ignore the colors of this country.
a. Reference the flag and what it represents.
b. I want to personally remember a no-name person who is a somebody to me today:
i. His name is Lawrence Joseph McCartney he is my Grandfather – he died a few years back but not before making a decision to surrender his heart to Jesus. Here is what he did for our country, for me, for my kids and for my grandkids today:
1. He served in the Navy for 5 years during World War 2 – he was in the battle of Midway on the USS Duffy Destroyer. He was stationed in Guam during World War 2. He was instrumental in capturing 6 Japanese sailors who provided the War effort with necessary intelligence.
2. He also served in the Air Force for 23 years:
a. My Grandfather did three terms in Vietnam with the Air Force.
b. His first term was with Bombers, his second term put him in charge of the service of a group of F-16 fighters in Vietnam.
c. My Grandfather was decorated by the Air Force for figuring out a major problem with one of their jet engines which had caused many casualties.
d. My Grandfather was the chief mechanic on Gary Powers U2 Spy plane which was shot down over Russia.
e. He retired out of the Air Force after serving the Navy and Air Force for 28 years.
f. He retired with the rank of an E-9 out of Castle Air Force base in California.
Closing thought:
Today we have honored the men and women who have given their lives for this country in our service: I am reminded that these individuals – those announced on the screen and those of you sitting in the audience today have taught me three things which I greatly appreciate and will never forget:
There are three character traits that I see modeled by people of significance:
1. A selfless mindset:
a. People who make the most difference in life are the ones who seldom get the credit or acclamation. They also never complain about the role and the impact they made on this nation and on others. They willingly were devoted to the cause at hand and gladly served their God and their country.
2. A mission perspective:
a. These people focus on things that matter most.
b. They value freedom, honor and sacrifice.
c. They value others over themselves.
3. A commitment to unity:
a. These people nurture unity and harmony with others.
b. They set aside petty differences and choose to forgive offense from others for the greater good of all.
c. They understand the connection that occurs between a “Band of Brothers.” On the battlefield.
Let me close with a few quotes from the movie series “Band of Brothers.”
A Quote from Band of Brothers: “They depended on each other. And the world depended on them.”
I say, “We need to depend on each other so that our community and country can depend on us.”
Quote from Band of Brothers: “There Was A Time When The World Asked Ordinary Men To Do Extraordinary Things.”
I say, “Once again today we need ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things for their neighbors and for our country.”
Thank you for sacrificing for us and for giving us our freedom!
Closing video illustration: From Blue Fish TV – Memorial Day 08 clip
