“And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated. He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭23‬:‭9‬-10

Eleazar—his name means “God is my Helper.” He was the son of Dodo or Dodai, which means “his beloved,” and he was an Ahohite, which means “brother of rest.” This man lived up to his name by relying on God to help him. He stood when others retreated. He did not make the conduct of others the standard for his life. He stood alone—but never truly alone—the Lord was his Helper! He reminds us that if there is to be victory, it is “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord (Zech. 4:6). Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5), but we “can do all things through Christ who strengthens” us (Phil. 4:13).

Eleazar did not go along with the crowd but stood for what he believed and used what he had—his sword. What an example to each one of us, young or old. In order to be skilled with the sword, we must know it and be familiar with it. Our sword is the Word of God, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17). We are to “be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).

One last thing that stands out about Eleazar is that he shared what he fought for, even though others did not engage in the fight. What he won with his sword became a benefit to others.

Anchor For Today:
Dare to be an Eleazar: hold fast to the Word of God and stand firm in the faith.