2 Samuel 23:12

KJV

But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.

KJV (with Strong's)

But he stood {H3320} in the midst {H8432} of the ground {H2513}, and defended {H5337} it, and slew {H5221} the Philistines {H6430}: and the LORD {H3068} wrought {H6213} a great {H1419} victory {H8668}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he stood in the middle of the plot and defended it, killing the P'lishtim; and ADONAI brought about a great victory.

Berean Standard Bible

But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field, defended it, and struck down the Philistines. So the LORD brought about a great victory.

American Standard Version

But he stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and slew the Philistines; and Jehovah wrought a great victory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Shammah, one of David's mighty men, exemplifies extraordinary courage and faithfulness in 2 Samuel 23:12 by single-handedly defending a field of lentiles against a Philistine onslaught when others fled. This pivotal moment showcases the intersection of human valor and divine intervention, culminating in a resounding victory orchestrated by the Lord, highlighting God's power to work through seemingly insignificant acts of obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a unique and vital section of 2 Samuel (2 Samuel 23:8-39) that serves as an appendix to David's reign, specifically listing and extolling the heroic deeds of his most elite warriors, often referred to as "David's Mighty Men." Following a poetic "last words" of David, this list is not merely a historical record but a testament to the loyalty, bravery, and divine enablement that characterized David's kingdom. Shammah's account immediately follows the exploits of the "Three" (Jashobeam, Eleazar), setting the stage for individual acts of valor. The preceding verse, [2 Samuel 23:11](/2_samuel/23-11 "2 Samuel 23:11 - Shammah's Initial Stand"), establishes the dire circumstances: the Philistines had gathered for battle in a field of lentiles, and the Israelite army had fled, leaving Shammah alone to face the enemy. This narrative structure emphasizes Shammah's solitary, defiant stand against overwhelming odds, making his subsequent victory all the more remarkable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a perennial and formidable enemy of Israel throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy, constantly threatening Israelite sovereignty and territory, particularly in the fertile lowlands. Control over agricultural land, such as a field of lentiles, was not merely about food supply but represented economic stability, territorial integrity, and national honor. Abandoning such a field to the Philistines would have been a significant concession, both practically and symbolically. The act of standing alone against an army was not only an act of immense personal courage but also a desperate defense of vital resources in a time when military engagement was often hand-to-hand and deeply personal. This period was characterized by frequent skirmishes and battles, where the strength and resolve of individual warriors could significantly impact the outcome, often seen as a reflection of divine favor or disfavor.
* **Key Themes:** Shammah's heroic stand in [2 Samuel 23:12](/2_samuel/23-12 "2 Samuel 23:12 - Shammah's Great Victory") powerfully illustrates several recurring themes within the book of Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Unwavering Courage and Resolve** in the face of overwhelming odds, a quality frequently celebrated in biblical heroes. Shammah's refusal to retreat when others fled underscores the importance of individual faithfulness and steadfastness, even in seemingly insignificant battles. Secondly, the verse explicitly attributes the "great victory" to "the LORD," emphasizing **Divine Intervention and Sovereignty**. This reinforces the theological conviction that while human effort and bravery are necessary, ultimate success and deliverance come from God, a theme echoed in [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's") where David declares that "the battle is the Lord's." Lastly, the defense of a humble "field of lentiles" underscores **The Value of the Seemingly Small**. It teaches that faithfulness in defending what might appear minor or common can be used by God to achieve significant, even miraculous, outcomes, demonstrating that God's power is not limited by the scale of human effort or the apparent importance of the task.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stood (Hebrew, _yatsav'_):** This verb signifies to "take one's stand," "to present oneself," or "to be stationed." It implies a firm, resolute, and unmoving posture, often in defiance or readiness for battle. In Shammah's context, it conveys his unwavering determination and refusal to flee, contrasting sharply with the retreating Israelite army. It's not merely being present but actively holding one's ground.
* **Defended (Hebrew, _natsal'_):** While often translated as "deliver" or "rescue," in this context, _natsal_ carries the sense of "to snatch away," "to preserve," or "to protect" from danger. Shammah actively intervened to prevent the Philistines from seizing or destroying the lentil field, indicating a proactive and protective engagement rather than merely passive resistance.
* **Wrought (Hebrew, _pa'al'_):** This verb means "to work," "to do," "to accomplish," or "to effect." When applied to God, as here, it emphasizes His active, purposeful, and effective involvement in bringing about a specific outcome. It highlights God's agency and power in achieving the "great victory," underscoring that the triumph was not merely human but divinely orchestrated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he stood in the midst of the ground":** This clause immediately sets Shammah apart from his fleeing comrades. "He" refers to Shammah, and "stood" (as analyzed above) conveys his resolute, unmoving posture. "In the midst of the ground" specifies his position: he did not retreat to the edge or seek cover but positioned himself directly in the field, confronting the enemy head-on and defending the very plot of land they sought to take. This physical stance is a powerful metaphor for his spiritual and moral resolve.
* **"and defended it":** This phrase clarifies the purpose of his stand. "It" refers to the "ground" or, more specifically, the field of lentiles mentioned in the preceding verse. Shammah's action was not merely a suicidal charge but a deliberate act of protection and preservation. He actively engaged the enemy to prevent the loss or destruction of this vital agricultural resource, demonstrating his commitment to his people's welfare.
* **"and slew the Philistines":** This describes the direct consequence of his defense and engagement. Shammah, through his individual valor and skill, inflicted significant casualties upon the Philistine forces. This highlights his martial prowess and the effectiveness of his solitary stand, transforming a defensive posture into an offensive triumph against the invaders.
* **"and the LORD wrought a great victory":** This culminating clause provides the ultimate theological interpretation of the event. While Shammah's courage and actions were instrumental, the text explicitly attributes the "great victory" (Hebrew: _teshu'ah gedolah_, signifying a significant deliverance or salvation) to the Lord. This emphasizes divine sovereignty and intervention, indicating that Shammah's human effort was empowered, blessed, and brought to fruition by God, making the outcome a testament to divine power rather than merely human strength.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Shammah's stand employs several powerful literary devices. **Heroic Narrative** is central, presenting Shammah as an archetypal warrior whose individual bravery and skill are highlighted against a backdrop of general retreat, elevating his act to legendary status. This is further amplified by **Contrast**, as Shammah's solitary stand is starkly juxtaposed with the flight of the Israelite army, emphasizing his unique courage and faithfulness. The "field of lentiles" functions as **Symbolism**; while a humble crop, it represents the vital resources and territorial integrity of Israel, making Shammah's defense of it a metaphor for defending the nation's very existence and God's provision. Finally, the concluding phrase, "and the LORD wrought a great victory," exemplifies **Divine Causation**, where the ultimate success is explicitly attributed to God's active involvement, transforming a human act of valor into a demonstration of divine power. This literary choice ensures that despite Shammah's heroism, the glory ultimately redounds to the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Shammah's story profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that human faithfulness and divine power are not mutually exclusive but often work in concert. His unwavering stand, even when abandoned by others, demonstrates the importance of individual courage and commitment to God's purposes, no matter how small or insignificant the "field" may seem. Yet, the ultimate victory is explicitly attributed to the Lord, emphasizing that even the most valiant human efforts are empowered and brought to fruition by God's sovereign hand. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God often chooses to work through the dedicated obedience of individuals, transforming seemingly impossible situations into testimonies of His mighty deliverance. It encourages believers to take their stand for truth and righteousness, trusting that God will "wrought a great victory" through their faithfulness.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "The Lord Fights for You")
* [Psalm 44:6-7](/psalm/44-6 "Not by Sword, but by God")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Not by Might Nor by Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Shammah's heroic stand in the lentil field offers a compelling model for contemporary believers. We are often called to "stand in the midst of the ground" in our own lives—to defend our faith, our families, our values, or our integrity when others might retreat or compromise. This story reminds us that faithfulness is not measured by the size of the challenge but by our willingness to stand firm, even when we feel isolated or overwhelmed. It encourages us to identify our "lentil fields"—those areas of our lives or spheres of influence that God has entrusted to us, no matter how humble they may seem—and to defend them with courage and conviction. Crucially, it redirects our focus from our own strength to God's power, assuring us that when we take our stand in obedience, the Lord Himself will "wrought a great victory," transforming our human efforts into divine triumphs. This narrative calls us to active, courageous, and God-dependent living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lentil fields" in your life or community is God calling you to stand and defend, even when others might retreat?**
* **How does Shammah's reliance on the Lord, despite his own bravery, challenge your understanding of personal effort versus divine intervention?**
* **In what specific situations do you need to trust that "the LORD will wrought a great victory" through your faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Who was Shammah, and why is his story significant?**

Answer: Shammah was one of King David's "Mighty Men," an elite group of warriors celebrated for their extraordinary valor and loyalty. His story in [2 Samuel 23:11-12](/2_samuel/23-11 "Shammah's Heroic Stand") is significant because it highlights his unique courage in defending a seemingly insignificant field of lentiles against the Philistines when the rest of the Israelite army fled. It's a powerful illustration of individual faithfulness, the importance of defending what is entrusted to us, and the ultimate truth that God empowers and brings about victory through human obedience. His act is recorded as a testament to both human heroism and divine intervention.

**What was the significance of defending a "field of lentiles"?**

Answer: While a field of lentiles might seem minor, its defense was profoundly significant. In ancient Israel, agricultural produce was vital for sustenance and economic stability. Allowing the Philistines to seize or destroy such a field would have been a direct attack on the community's livelihood and a symbolic surrender of territory. Shammah's defense of this humble field underscores that faithfulness and courage are required not just in grand battles but also in protecting the seemingly small, everyday provisions and resources that God provides. It teaches that God can use acts of faithfulness in "small" areas to bring about "great victories," demonstrating His care for all aspects of His people's lives.

**How does the phrase "the LORD wrought a great victory" inform our understanding of human effort and divine action?**

Answer: This phrase is crucial because it attributes the ultimate success of Shammah's courageous stand directly to God. While Shammah's bravery and skill were undeniable and necessary, the text makes it clear that the "great victory" was not solely a human achievement but a divine one. It teaches that human effort and obedience are important, but they are empowered, sustained, and ultimately brought to fruition by God's sovereign will and power. It reinforces the biblical truth that "unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain" ([Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Unless the Lord Builds the House")), and that God often chooses to work through faithful individuals to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that the glory belongs to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Shammah's heroic stand against overwhelming odds, culminating in a divinely wrought victory, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Shammah defended a field of lentiles, a temporal resource, but Christ stood in the gap for humanity, defending us against the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the devil. Where Shammah stood alone when others fled, Jesus stood utterly alone in Gethsemane and on the cross, facing the full onslaught of spiritual darkness and the wrath of God for our sake ([Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36 "Jesus in Gethsemane")). His resolute "stand" on the cross, a seemingly weak and defeated position, was in fact the decisive battle where He "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "great victory" wrought by the Lord in Shammah's time foreshadows the infinitely greater victory accomplished by God through Christ's resurrection, which conquered death and secured eternal salvation for all who believe ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "Victory Over Death")). Just as the Lord empowered Shammah, the Father empowered the Son to accomplish His redemptive mission, demonstrating that true victory is always from God and through His chosen instrument, Jesus Christ, the ultimate Warrior who secures our eternal "lentil field" of salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 23:10

He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

Proverbs 21:31

The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.

Psalms 3:8

Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.

Psalms 44:2

[How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.