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Tired and frozen to the sword
Liz Schroeder
by Liz Schroeder
March 7, 2025

Eleazar might be one of the most famous warriors in Israel whom we’ve never heard of. 

“As one of the three mighty warriors, [Eleazar] was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the Israelites retreated, but Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead” (2 Samuel 23:9,10).

Eleazar is given the distinction of being one of King David’s “three mighty warriors,” the best of the best. When all the other soldiers fled, Eleazar stood his ground, defending—of all things—a field of lentils. There was no time to stretch his sword-wielding hand between kills, and his hand froze to the sword. 

Who can relate to Eleazar? Are you too tired to even raise your hand? Then I want you to know that you’re not alone and you’re in the right place.

Maybe you feel like you’re the only one putting in the effort to save your marriage. You’re the only one who struggles with ethics in your workplace. No one else in your classroom seems to be fighting for the biblical definition of sexuality.

Listen, Eleazar: Stand your ground. When you are fighting a battle that aligns with God’s will, the Lord will bring about the victory. Keep fighting because the battle belongs to God.