2 Samuel 21:15-17, "Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel, and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. 16 And Ishbi-benob, which was of the sons of the giant, 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: 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel."

Abishai was one of David's faithful servants.  While the children of Israel were engaged in war against the Philistines, one of the sons of the giant, Ishbi-benob, pursued David to kill him.  During the pursuit David became faint, and if it were not for the help of Abishai, David probably would have been slain.

Abishai is a picture of a faithful servant, who was genuinely concerned for the king and came to his aide at a time of desperate need.  Abishai noticed what was happening and responded to rescue King David. He also acknowledged the importance of David's leadership by speaking to him about not going to battle with them any longer.  "...Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel."  David was viewed as being the vital leader of Israel.  Clarke's Commentary on the Bible states; "David is here considered as the lamp by which all Israel was guided, and without whom all the nation must be involved in darkness. The lamp is the emblem of direction and support."  Are you faithful in your service to the LORD, or are you absent without leave?

May you be faithful in your service to the Lord within the church body.  I pray we will be helpful to one another in our fight against the devil.  Be aware of how you can help by serving in the work of the Lord.

Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1.  Are you aware of the needs of others?  How do you seek to help and encourage them?

2. Do you spend time praying for the leadership of your church?  How do you pray?

3. Do you need to be more involved in your church?  How could you be a blessing in strengthening your church family?