2 Samuel 23:11-12 (NIV) – 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.
When we first bought our property nine years ago, the fields had soybeans. By the time we walked on our property five months later, the soybeans had been harvested. From what I remember, the fields were full of hard stalks and were somewhat unpleasant to walk through.
Since then, I have seen many soybean fields. They are usually very green but are also very thick. I have a feeling that lentil fields are similar.
Shammah was one of the top three “generals” in King David’s army. The above verses from 2nd Samuel share the story of one of his exploits. It is a remarkable story. King David’s army was in full retreat. The Philistines had gained the advantage. That is when Shammah apparently decided that he had enough of the retreat. He stopped in the middle of where he was and took a stand.
I’ve got to be honest. Taking a stand in the middle of a lentil field doesn’t sound smart. Yet, that is exactly what Shammah did. He took a stand and God “brought about a great victory.” Exactly how that happened I can only speculate. But it happened.
Right now, I observe that I am in the middle of a battle. It is a battle between truth and lies. It is a battle between those who embrace God and those who don’t. At times I feel like I am retreating. I get tired. I want to hide. I don’t want to engage. It seems to me like the opposition has the advantage.
Then, I read about Shammah. He took a stand. He was initially alone, in a field, of lentils. I don’t think he knew what would happen. He just “took his stand.”
Shammah inspires me. When I feel that the world is against me, when I feel that the opposition is overwhelming, I can be like Shammah and take a stand. When I do, I can embrace trusting the Lord to bring about the victory.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I believe that You call me to take a stand. Even if You call me to take my stand in the middle of a soybean field, I will. I commit to not retreat in the face of an opposition that denounces Your truth. I am Yours. To You belongs the victory.
