At the heart of the epilogue to the books of Samuel are two poems: David’s song of praise and David’s last words. But after this, the author includes a detailed list of “the names of the mighty men whom David had” (v. 8). The deliverance God provides for his people is accomplished not only by his chosen king but through the faithful servants of his king. In fact, 1 Chronicles 11:10 tells us these men were those “who gave [David] strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of Yahweh concerning Israel.” In other words, these are men of renown because of their covenant loyalty. So, in this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that God establishes the reign of his king by the work of his faithful servants. Yet what matters most is not what we do for him but what God does through us, and he is pleased to give us the victory and reward us for our service as we follow his Christ.