When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. But 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. (2 Samuel 23:11b-12, NIV)
In the aftermath of one of David’s battles against the Philistines, we meet Shammah. David and his men had just won a huge victory and were weary from the battle. The people came, plundered, and left. But there were lentils growing in the field and someone had to guard them. So, a small company of soldiers stood watch.
In an unexpected turn of events, the Philistines rallied.
Maybe the word Philistine brings to mind the giant David killed with a single stone. If all Philistines were Goliath-like giants, the sight of these mammoth sword-wielding men charging at the tiny band of Israelite soldiers would’ve struck fear in them. Given the choice between their lives and the lentils, they fled.
Except for Shammah.
The Bible doesn't say he vacillated or considered his options. He didn’t pull out his abacus and calculate the monetary worth of the lentils. He stayed true to his calling. He took his position in the middle of the field and held it.
Shammah had made a commitment, one that didn’t depend on the task or how many stood with him. No matter the outcome, he chose to stay and fight. The exact number of Philistines he fought is unknown. We do know the Lord brought about a great victory! God gave Shammah the power and strength to wipe out his enemies. He honored Shammah’s faithfulness. The Lord allowed a single man to win the war!
It's hard to fathom how the name Shammah, which means waste or appalling desolation, came about. One source says the name was given due to his mother’s significant suffering during childbirth. Can you picture a mother holding her newborn and saying, “I’ll call you waste”?
However, we know our God redeems and makes everything new. In fact, listed in the Hebrew names for God, we find Jehovah Shammah – God is there.
What a turnaround! From an unpleasant name to one of comfort, hope, and joy!
If we look closer at the situation in the lentil field, we see Shammah wasn’t alone when he defeated the enemy. We are not alone in this Christian walk. An army of one can turn the tide, but not because of us or our strength. Victory is won by who is there in the battle with us.
If we keep our eyes on the Lord, what’s in the field—the size (stature) of the enemy or how many oppose us—is irrelevant because Jehovah Shammah is there, right beside us.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1, NIV)
Such a great reminder to keep our commitments--and our faith!
Thank you for this post. What a wonderful reminder of our need to stay the course when we feel weak, and of God's faithfulness. I needed this today. Thank you.