David Defeats Ammon and Syria
As many who have followed me for a bit, I have fallen into the Psalms, and I can’t get up! (As if I would want to.) The Psalms are a majestic collection of poetry, of heart felt human experiences that constantly challenge me in my own frail attempt to follow the true King. As many of the Psalms are written by David, my study on the Psalms has spurred me on to looking at the life of David, is the main contributor to this book, and to follow the victories and tragedies of the shepherd King of Israel.
Many times in the narrative, we will see the Lord Jesus, imperfectly, yet a reflection of His spirit in a man with weaknesses.
2 Samuel 10:7-14
7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the host of the mighty men.
8 And the Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the gate, and the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country.
9 When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians.
10 The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and he arrayed them against the Ammonites.
11 And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you.
12 Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.”
13 So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to battle against the Syrians, and they fled before him.
14 And when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled, they likewise fled before Abishai and entered the city. Then Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.
As Joab, the commander of the armies of Israel, was sent into battle by David, and as he entered into battle at the gates of the city of Ammon, he faced a difficult situation. He found he was about to be attacked from behind by Ammons mercenaries.
It must have seemed to be an inevitable defeat, being surrounded by forces that would overwhelm him and his men. But Joab did not voice this seeming situation. He did not enter battle, considering a possible defeat, but provided two options to his leadership.
You help me if I am in trouble. I will help you if you are in trouble.
In the ensuing battle, he took some of the best men of Israel to fight the Syrians. I assume the Syrians were the greater threat. The remaining army were to continue the fight at the gate of the enemy. This was a time of a great (and unexpected) challenge for Abishai his brother, for the forces fighting at the gate were essentially stripped of their best men, and their leader Joab would be focused on a fight elsewhere.
Abishai was propelled into a situation he may not have been prepared for, but Joab saw no other option. Abishai would have to step in and lead a reduced fighting force. But Joab, as all good leaders, provided three motivations for the fight.
Be of good courage
Courage is a funny thing. We sometimes think it is a feeling of strength that allows others to ride through life without fear. What courage actually is, is a decision to not allow fear to overtake your life. The most courageous times I have lived through was with the realization of failure, and the occasional feeling of fear rising in my heart. Yet by the mercy and strength provided by the Lord, the fear did not overtake me. But let me tell you, the fear was dang near close to the surface at times!
Be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God
Joab reminded the armies for the reason to be courageous. There was much to be lost if victory wasn’t secured. Not only the loss of loved ones who may fall under the domination of the enemy, but entire cities of Israel may be destroyed if the armies of Israel are defeated, weakened and not able to defend the nation. This was serious stuff, and Joab laid it on the line. Buck up men – this is a big event!
May the LORD do what seems good to him
In the battles of David, and as Joab led the armies, the Lord was depended upon to continue the expansion of the nation, for He had already proven Himself to be leading David into greatness. Success upon success feeds on itself, and with the Lord providing the leadership, Joab could provide this encouragement, reminding the men of the One who was orchestrating the nations rise into power.
This passage speaks of the mutual encouragement believers are to have for each other. As Joab spoke of helping when half his army seemed to be weak, we too are to look about in the Body of Christ for those who are struggling in the battle.
This passage speaks of the possibility of great responsibility coming at an unexpected time on one in a time of emergency. Abishai was thrust into a very difficult position. He led a small army that held the battle at the gate at bay until Joab had his way with the Syrians. Abishai took the responsibility and held his position!
This passage speaks of the attitude of victory, and as Joab would not consider a defeat, it is instructive for us to remember. We are on the winning side, even when things look very dire. Defeat was not in Joab’s playbook!
Finally, this passage speaks of the importance of flexibility in a time of emergency. Joab rearranged his entire battle plan to face a changing battle situation. As a living organism called the Body of Christ, we too have a Leader looks for those who are flexible in their service to His calling. Although the principles of service to the King never change, arena’s of service, or responsibilities of service may change. Flexibility in those changes are to be considered a great strength.
This passage speaks of the Christian life in many more ways than first considered!
In what way does it speak to you?
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion.
Come join us at Considering the Bible
