Known By God, Honored in Heaven

By Romina Chevren

“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)

In today’s passage, we’re introduced to a long list of warriors—men who stood by David through seasons of conflict, transition, and deep spiritual shaping. Unlike the well-known stories of David slaying Goliath or the celebrated feats of the Three Mighty Warriors, these names often go unnoticed. Yet each one played a vital role in establishing David’s reign and fulfilling God’s purposes for Israel.

Among them was Abishai, brother of Joab, who led the Thirty. Though he didn’t attain the fame of the Three, he once raised his spear against three hundred men and killed them. His courage, though perhaps less publicized, was no less real. Then there was Benaiah, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel. He struck down two of Moab’s best men and, in a particularly memorable feat, went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. He also faced and defeated a powerful Egyptian warrior with nothing but a staff. Because of his courage, he was later put in charge of David’s bodyguard.

What do these names—and the many that follow in verses 24–39—have in common? They weren’t kings, prophets, or public heroes. They weren’t always mentioned in songs or stories. But they were faithful, courageous, and loyal. They were fighters, protectors, and men of honor. And they were remembered—named—in the eternal Word of God.

This long list may feel like a roll call from ancient history, but it speaks volumes about how God sees people. Each name represents someone who fought unseen battles, endured hardship, and gave their strength in service of God’s chosen king. In human history, their stories might have faded. But in God’s record, none of them were forgotten.

How often do we labor in ways that feel invisible? Maybe you feel like your daily faithfulness—raising children, caring for aging parents, enduring at a difficult job, or serving quietly at church—goes unnoticed. But God sees, and He records. He honors faithfulness in all its forms, not just the loud, dramatic, or public acts of courage. For every Goliath-slayer, there are dozens of men and women who carry the load, fight in the background, and refuse to abandon their post.

Benaiah, in particular, offers us a striking image. Killing a lion in a pit on a snowy day was no comfortable or convenient act. Yet he didn't wait for perfect conditions. He simply did what was required. He acted with courage when the moment called for it.

Are you facing “lions” today? Are the conditions less than ideal—cold, dark, slippery, uncertain? Take heart. Like Benaiah, your obedience and bravery—even in harsh conditions—can lead to future honor and deeper trust from God.

David relied on these men, but more importantly, God honored them. Their names, inscribed in Scripture, remind us that greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t always about visibility—it’s about faithfulness.

You may never lead thousands or have your story told in front of crowds. But if you remain faithful to God, fight the battles He places in front of you, and stay loyal to your King, you’ll be remembered by the One whose recognition matters most.

These warriors stood by David, the anointed king. We stand by Jesus, the anointed One who reigns forever. Our service, loyalty, and sacrifices in His name will never be wasted.

Pause: Take a moment to be still before God.

• Are you in a season of quiet service or unseen faithfulness?
• Do you ever feel like your effort or obedience doesn’t matter because it isn’t recognized?
• What “lion in a snowy pit” are you facing right now—a hard situation where you feel unprepared or alone?

Let the Holy Spirit remind you: God sees every hidden act of courage and loyalty. You’re known by Him, even if the world overlooks you.

Practice:

1. Write down one area where you’re being faithful behind the scenes—whether it’s caregiving, serving, resisting temptation, or persevering in a hard season. Offer that hidden work to God in prayer: “Lord, I give You this unseen labor. Help me stay faithful and trust that You see.”
2. Encourage a quiet warrior. Send a message or thank someone whose behind-the-scenes faith has inspired you. Let them know they’re seen and valued—by you and by God.
3. Ask yourself this: “Am I more focused on being noticed or on being loyal to my King?” Let your answer guide your actions today.

Pray: Lord, thank You for reminding me that You see what the world often overlooks. Help me to be faithful in the small things, to fight the battles You give me with courage, and to serve with loyalty even when no one applauds. Let my life honor You, my true King, and may I be remembered in heaven not for my fame, but for my faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.