The extinction of the dodo bird has been so well known for such a long time that it has given rise to the expression, βdead as a dodo.β There is, however, another dodo that we fear is also on the verge of extinction:
βEleazar the son of Dodoβ¦smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the Lord wrought a great victory that dayβ¦β (II Sam. 23:9,10).
Eleazarβs name appears here among a list of βthe mighty men whom David hadβ (v. 8), and in smiting the Philistines until βhis hand clave unto the swordβ and they literally had to pry his fingers from the hilt, this dedicated soldier proved himself mighty indeed! What an inspiration this makes him to those of us who are called upon by God to βendure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christβ (II Tim. 2:3)βand that would include all who name the name of Christ.
It is the duty of every believer to βput on the whole armour of Godβ (Eph. 6:11), armor which includes βthe sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of Godβ (Eph. 6:17). Continue to use it even when someone tells you they donβt believe the Bible is Godβs Word. No soldier ever sheathed his sword just because his opponent said he didnβt believe it would cut! source
