March 24, 2024

The king of the Ammonites, Nahash, passed away and David had sympathy for the son, Hanun, who was to reign in the place of his dad, so he sent his servants to share his condolences. However, some of the ammonite princes began speaking fear into the ear of the newly appointed king, saying that the men from David were spies. Because of that, the king had half of the servants beards cut off and sliced off the bottom half of their garments and sent them away. To save the servants further embarrassment, David had them stay in Jordan until their beards grew back. When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, they call on the Syrians for help. David sent Joab with an army of men to war. When Joab saw that they had hired Syria to help them, he divided the army into two sending his brother, Abishai, to go against the Ammonites while he battled the Syrians. They agreed that if one of them got in trouble the other would come to help. It’s smart to prepare for the worst but expect the best. Joab and his men went against the Syrians and they fled only to rally again. David heard about the Syrians and gathered all Israel together and killed 700 chariot drivers and 40000 horsemen. After that the Syrians made peace with Israel and became subject to them. They never helped the Ammonites go against Israel again.

Anyone going against the children of God should beware because Jesus takes the insults and injuries done to them as if they were done to himself and will avenge them accordingly. 

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.” 2 Samuel 10:12