This chapter parallels 2 Sam 10. It details the Ammonite betrayal and war with them and the Syrians. Today we’ll mainly focus on the final verse of this passage:
“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. The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and they were arrayed against the Ammonites. 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 help you. Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.’ ” (v10-13)
Israel is completely surrounded by the Ammonites and the Syrians, and there’s a one-sided battle, but it doesn’t end the way you might assume. From a military tactical perspective, the situation must have seemed hopeless. Yet, Joab (David’s general) knows that the battle is in God’s hands, which gives their army the advantage. Sure enough, as soon as Israel charges in two directions at their foes, both surrounding armies flee in terror and fall to Israel (more accurately, they are defeated by God).
I encourage us today that no matter how hopeless the situation appears to be, we can ‘be strong, and use our strength for our people and in the service of our God, and leave everything else in the Lord’s hands.’ If we take Joab’s truth to heart, making it our truth, we can have the courage to face anything in life – whether we have a job interview, an addiction, or a cancer diagnosis, nothing in life is more powerful than our God. God still defeats our enemies before us today, no matter what form that enemy takes (for example, some of my greatest enemies are my self-doubt and poor confidence).
Father God, our Sovereign and Glorious King, You are truly awesome and beyond compare. Nothing in this world, or in the spiritual realm, can prevent Your lovingkindness from reaching us. Father please help us to fully trust in You, no matter the circumstances. Please help us to rely on Your strength and courage when we face the impossible. Please help us to face our fears and overcome impossible odds because You are fighting our battles for us. We worship, praise, and honor Your holy name, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training