BEYOND EHUD: THE LEFT-HANDED WARRIORS OF BENJAMIN PART 2: THE 700 WARRIORS GOD TRAINED

BEYOND EHUD: THE LEFT-HANDED WARRIORS OF BENJAMIN

PART 2: THE 700 WARRIORS GOD TRAINED

Judges 20:16 (NLT)

"Among Benjamin's elite troops were 700 select left-handed warriors, each of whom could sling a stone and hit a target within a hair's breadth, without missing."

In Part 1, we discovered that the tribe of Benjamin, whose name means "Son of the Right Hand," became known for producing left-handed warriors. We learned that God often uses what people overlook and that our differences can become instruments in His hands when surrendered to Him.

Today, we move from their identity to their preparation. The Bible does not simply tell us that there were 700 left-handed men. It describes them as elite troops.

This means they were not ordinary soldiers. They were carefully selected, highly trained, and exceptionally skilled. Their effectiveness was not merely the result of natural ability. It was the product of discipline.

God Values Both Gift And Growth

Every one of these warriors may have possessed natural potential. But potential alone does not win battles. Potential must be developed. A seed has the potential to become a tree, but without nurturing, it remains a seed.

Likewise, God places gifts within us, but He also calls us to cultivate them. Too many believers pray for opportunities while neglecting preparation. We want God to use us greatly, but we are unwilling to grow deeply. The warriors of Benjamin remind us that God honors preparation.

Selected Before They Were Deployed

The Bible calls them "select" warriors.

Selection implies examination.

It implies qualification.

It implies a process.

Not everyone in Benjamin became part of the 700. These men distinguished themselves. They demonstrated commitment. They developed their skill.

God often prepares people long before He publicly uses them.

David spent years tending sheep before he wore a crown.

Joseph served faithfully as a slave and a prisoner before he governed Egypt.

Jesus spent about thirty years in preparation before beginning His public ministry.

Preparation is never wasted.

Discipline Produces Distinction

These warriors were not described as lucky. 

They were described as skilled. 

Skill grows through repetition.

It grows through patience.

It grows through discipline.

Behind every accurate sling was countless hours of practice.

Behind every successful warrior were moments when nobody was watching.

Our spiritual lives work the same way.

Prayer develops spiritual strength.

Studying God's Word sharpens our discernment.

Obedience builds our character.

Private discipline prepares us for public responsibility.

God Trains Before He Trusts

One of the greatest principles in Scripture is this:

God prepares people before He entrusts them with greater assignments.

Sometimes we become frustrated because we feel overlooked. But what if God is not delaying us? What if He is developing us?

The hidden season is often God's training ground.

Every challenge.

Every disappointment.

Every act of faithful obedience.

Every lesson learned.

God uses them all to shape us into effective servants.

The training may be difficult. But it is never meaningless.

Excellence Glorifies God

The warriors of Benjamin did not settle for average. They pursued excellence.

As believers, excellence should not be driven by pride. It should be driven by stewardship.

When God gives us a gift, we honor Him by developing it to the best of our ability.

Whether we preach...

Teach...

Lead...

Sing...

Write...

Serve...

Or encourage others...

We should strive to do it wholeheartedly for God's glory.

As Paul reminds us:

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."

— Colossians 3:23 (NLT)

Training Prepares Us For Spiritual Battles

The 700 warriors did not know every battle they would face. But they prepared anyway.

Likewise, we do not know every challenge tomorrow will bring. That is why we must prepare today.

A believer who waits until temptation arrives before seeking God is already behind. A leader who waits until crisis comes before building character is unprepared.

Victory is often determined before the battle begins. Preparation today becomes strength tomorrow.

Practical Lessons

1. God gives gifts, but He expects us to develop them.

Potential becomes powerful when it is cultivated.

2. Hidden preparation leads to public effectiveness.

Do not despise seasons of training.

3. Discipline is the pathway to excellence.

Consistency produces growth.

4. Every season of preparation has a purpose.

God is shaping you for assignments you may not yet see.

Key Takeaway

God is not only looking for available people; He is also developing prepared people. The greater the assignment, the deeper the preparation.

Call To Action

Take a moment to reflect.

Am I developing the gifts God has placed within me?

Have I become impatient with God's process of preparation?

What spiritual disciplines do I need to strengthen?

Am I pursuing excellence for God's glory or merely seeking recognition?

Remember:

God's preparation may be hidden from people, but it is never hidden from Him. The battlefield rewards what the training ground produced.

Prayer

1. Father, thank You for every gift and ability You have placed within me. Help me to develop them faithfully for Your glory.

2. Lord, give me the discipline to remain faithful in seasons of preparation, even when no one notices my efforts.

3. Father, shape my character, strengthen my faith, and make me ready for every assignment You have prepared for me.

4. Lord, deliver me from impatience, and help me to trust Your timing and Your process.

5. Father, let my life reflect excellence, humility, and unwavering commitment to Your purpose.

Next Part Preview

PART 3: THE WARRIORS WHO NEVER MISSED

The Bible gives an astonishing description of these 700 warriors:

"...each of whom could sling a stone and hit a target within a hair's breadth, without missing."

— Judges 20:16 (NLT)

How did they develop such extraordinary precision?

What does their accuracy teach us about spiritual focus, intentional living, and aiming at God's purpose without distraction?

Join us as we continue our journey through:

BEYOND EHUD: THE LEFT-HANDED WARRIORS OF BENJAMIN

Grace and peace be with you until we meet again in the next part of this life-transforming journey.

God is speaking, are you listening?

Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson

(EL-PJ God's Penman)