All these were descendants of Asher--heads of families, choice men, brave warriors and outstanding leaders. The number of men ready for battle, as listed in their genealogy, was 26,000.
Courageous. The word sounds big and heroic. Top of mind would be firefighters. But since Sherwood Pictures already used them in the other movie, next in line turned out to be their better option: Albany’s police officers. They were men risking their lives against society’s worst. Men who were always on the watch, always on the run. What is most moving in the film was their shift from being mere policemen to becoming family protectors, that is, from extreme action to everyday actions. An ethics site calls it moral courage, or courage demonstrated when the right thing is done, especially when others looked away or chose to do nothing. It’s when these fathers decided to be role models to their children – in faith and integrity. Like their work, the commitment requires them to be on call, meaning, ready and courageous at each call.
Chapter seven of Chronicles was a continuation of Israel’s long list of names. Here we have the lineage of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. It still has that drone music feel with its father and son lines, but what is noteworthy was the seemingly chorus part found in verses four, eleven, and forty: ‘They had men ready for battle’. From Egypt to Canaan, they needed these men to preserve the twelve tribes and fight against the pre-inhabitants of the promise land. During the time of the judges, priests and kings, they were called upon to protect everyone from neighboring countries seeking conquest. Fast forward to the time of Nehemiah, these were men who were rebuilding the walls with one hand and held a weapon in the other. They were the dependable, courageous men of Israel. They were expected to be role models. To do the right things even when others looked away or did nothing. Sadly, these men lowered their weapons and left their watch. They realized too late that t’was not with able bodies alone that they were called men of courage. When the Assyrians and Babylonians came, it was an easy sweep because the supposedly-heroes were so drunk in sin. They may look ready for battle, but they weren’t ready at all.
According to the movie, research shows that on the increase of dropouts, kids on drugs, and teens in prison, in almost every case, each had a similar attribute: most of them came from a fatherless home. We know that it doesn’t just mean the physical absence of the leader, but when that leadership is not found. It’s when the Adams stand silent while Eves approach the tree, or when the Davids walk around the rooftop instead of fighting those battles. To us women, as much as we want our men to be courageous, or at least watch the movie, please realize we just couldn’t decide for them. Not by nagging especially. The most we can do is what Aaron and Hur did when Moses’ hands grew tired and could no longer hold it up against the Amalekites: they found a stone for him to sit on and supported his hands until sundown. Let’s pray for their battles. It’s not easy to be a man. They’re called to be strong and very courageous. But men, please remember that the remaining of the verse does not talk about being action figures. It says be careful to obey God’s word and you will be successful in everything you do. That’s what courageous really looks like: fighting alongside God’s honor and giving Him the win. Nothing’s more manly than that!
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