This chapter details some dealings (ie. battles) with the Ammonites, and by extension, the Syrians as well.
“…the king of the Ammonites died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. And David said, ‘I will deal loyally with Hanun… as his father dealt loyally with me.’ So David sent by his servants to console him concerning his father… But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, ‘Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Has not David sent his servants to you to search the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it?’ So Hanun took David’s servants and shaved off half the beard of each and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away.” (v1-4 abr)
Due to following the poor advice he receives, Hanun ends up starting a war with Israel that he can’t win. The allies he hires, the Syrians, can’t defeat Israel either and lose over 40,000 troops (and end up becoming slaves to Israel). It would seem one poor decision leads to another in this account.
Isn’t that the way it often works? We make one bad decision, then a couple more bad decisions, which turns into a series of bad decisions, often escalating in scale, until our life is spiraling out of control? Not only did Hanun doom his entire nation, he brought Syria down with him.
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way. We don’t have to turn one bad decision into a series of poor choices. We have a choice, and we have a redeemer. Scripture assures us God will provide a way out.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Cor 10:13) “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Php 4:13) “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psa 1:2) “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Php 4:8)
When we make a poor choice and sin (notice I said ‘when’, not ‘if’) we can confess that to God, and ask for His deliverance from temptation. He will grant us the strength to overcome temptations, or, He will grant us an emergency exit to flee the temptation. There’s also a pro tip: when we focus on Him and His word, or things that are of God, it leaves less room in our minds for temptation to enter in the first place.
If you’re struggling with temptation, as I often do as well, I encourage you to lean on God and His word, and on His people. When we notice a temptation creeping in, we need to stop what we’re doing and immediately turn our focus to God (pray, phone a friend, read an encouraging verse, etc). With a strong foundation of support we can overcome or escape any temptation that is known to mankind. We don’t have to get trapped in a series of bad decisions, we have a choice.
Father God, our Glorious and Magnificent Lord, we honor, praise, and adore You. You have lavishly blessed us with Your protection and guidance. Father please help us to accept Your help, immersing ourselves in You and Your love. By fixating on You it leaves less room for temptation. We praise You for guarding our hearts and mind, and delivering us from the evil one. In the name of Jesus our Redeemer and Savior, who broke the power of sin in our lives, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training