2 Samuel 10:6
David Sends Joab to Battle
The enemies know that David can’t just let this pass by. They strengthen and pull together, a part near the city and a part in the field. Joab is sent to battle by David. He follows a tactic, together with Abishai, in which they divide the forces. They agree to come to each other’s aid if the other one gets into trouble. This contains an important lesson. We see here an example of brotherly love that is willing to help the other, when necessary. The strong must support and help the weak. Those who, by grace, have gained a victory over temptations, can counsel and comfort those who are tempted, and pray for them. In this way the members of the body help each other (1Cor 12:21; 25). Joab encourages Abishai and himself (2Sam 10:12). He points out what it is all about, namely “our people” and “the cities of our God”. Furthermore, with the words “may the LORD do what is good in His sight” he puts the matter into the hands of the LORD. They gain the victory. Despite his beautiful words Joab is a wicked man. He is cunning, also in his piety. He separates what he and others do and what the LORD will do. It seems nice, but here is a man who knows well what he himself is capable of and who at the same time theoretically also knows that God is there. This is because he lives in the midst of a religious people. His motto is: ‘Help yourself, and God may help you.’ Each for himself and God for all of us. This is liberal theology. In reality God does not play a role in his plans at all. In the judgment that David exercises over the heathen, after the proof of grace in Mephibosheth to the remnant, we see prophetically how things will go in the end time.
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