1Ch 19:6-7 | KingComments | STEP | The enemies now realize that David cannot simply let their insults pass by ( ). They reinforce and join together, one part near the city and one part in the field. Then Joab is sent to battle by David ( ). The enemies then draw up in battle array ( ). Joab oversees the situation and notices that he is enclosed. This doesn’t cause him to panic. As an experienced general with great military insight he determines a tactic, together with Abshai, in which they divide the forces ( ). They agree to help each other when the other gets into trouble. Joab encourages Abshai, and himself, and encourages to be strong and show themselves courageous ( ). These are not things of feeling or circumstances, but a choice to be strong and courageous. He points out that it is about “our people and … the cities of our God”. The people, their people, and God’s cities are at stake. This is the challenge of the fight. With the words “may the LORD do what is good in His sight” he further puts the matter in the hands of the LORD. We see here that besides the appeal to the responsibility to be strong and to take courage (cf. ) there is also the awareness that everything depends on what the LORD does (cf. ). The enemy allies are contested by Joab with wisdom, while we also hear from his mouth a certain faith. In this book, Joab’s actual attitude – that he ultimately puts his own interests higher than David’s – does not come to the fore. His real motives, his going after his own interest, we see more in 2 Samuel. After determining the tactics and inspiring words, Joab fights with the Syrians, who flee before him ( ). His victory has a positive effect on his brother Abshai, who is fighting with the Ammonites. When the Ammonites see that their allies have been defeated and have fled, they no longer have the courage to fight on. They also flee ( ). Every victory we achieve weakens the enemy and often also means a victory for our fellow fighters over their enemies. After the battle Joab goes to Jerusalem, probably to report to David. After their defeat, the Syrians regrouped and reinforced themselves with other fellow countrymen ( ). When David hears about it, he himself goes to war. He gathers “all Israel” and defeats the enemy. All Israel is under the authority of David and he is acknowledged by them as king. This unity is important in view of the building of the temple. For the building of the temple, in addition to the already mentioned materials, the factors of peace and safety and the unity of the people are of great importance. After David’s punishment, the Syrians make peace with him and surrender to him. The Syrians also do no longer associate with Israel’s other enemy, Ammon.

‏ 1 Chronicles 19:6-7

The Ammonites and Syrians Defeated

The enemies now realize that David cannot simply let their insults pass by (1Chr 19:6-7). They reinforce and join together, one part near the city and one part in the field. Then Joab is sent to battle by David (1Chr 19:8). The enemies then draw up in battle array (1Chr 19:9). Joab oversees the situation and notices that he is enclosed. This doesn’t cause him to panic. As an experienced general with great military insight he determines a tactic, together with Abshai, in which they divide the forces (1Chr 19:10-12). They agree to help each other when the other gets into trouble.

Joab encourages Abshai, and himself, and encourages to be strong and show themselves courageous (1Chr 19:13). These are not things of feeling or circumstances, but a choice to be strong and courageous. He points out that it is about “our people and … the cities of our God”. The people, their people, and God’s cities are at stake. This is the challenge of the fight. With the words “may the LORD do what is good in His sight” he further puts the matter in the hands of the LORD. We see here that besides the appeal to the responsibility to be strong and to take courage (cf. 1Cor 16:13) there is also the awareness that everything depends on what the LORD does (cf. Phil 2:12-13).

The enemy allies are contested by Joab with wisdom, while we also hear from his mouth a certain faith. In this book, Joab’s actual attitude – that he ultimately puts his own interests higher than David’s – does not come to the fore. His real motives, his going after his own interest, we see more in 2 Samuel. After determining the tactics and inspiring words, Joab fights with the Syrians, who flee before him (1Chr 19:14).

His victory has a positive effect on his brother Abshai, who is fighting with the Ammonites. When the Ammonites see that their allies have been defeated and have fled, they no longer have the courage to fight on. They also flee (1Chr 19:15). Every victory we achieve weakens the enemy and often also means a victory for our fellow fighters over their enemies. After the battle Joab goes to Jerusalem, probably to report to David.

After their defeat, the Syrians regrouped and reinforced themselves with other fellow countrymen (1Chr 19:16). When David hears about it, he himself goes to war. He gathers “all Israel” and defeats the enemy. All Israel is under the authority of David and he is acknowledged by them as king. This unity is important in view of the building of the temple. For the building of the temple, in addition to the already mentioned materials, the factors of peace and safety and the unity of the people are of great importance.

After David’s punishment, the Syrians make peace with him and surrender to him. The Syrians also do no longer associate with Israel’s other enemy, Ammon.