How often have you heard that we need to submit to God’s
will? As Christians, we hear this theme
in many contexts – through our prayers, in the face of key decisions – when
consoling those suffering a great loss.
These directives can lead to a mental picture of removing ourselves from
the equation completely – thereby allowing God complete control without any intervention from us. Just get out of God’s way and let Him take
care of it!
While it is true that we are to bow to God’s will, the passage for
today goes further. It goes further in that we are to participate in God’s will
to the best of our abilities – but then we are to seek out God’s will in the
situation, not just separating ourselves through submission. God’s Word…
“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.”” (1 Chronicles 19:10-13 ESV)
Fyi - This scene is also described in 2 Samuel 10:11-12.
A little background is in order.
David is now king over Israel; Jerusalem has been captured and made the
capital; a few battles have been completed with the Philistines and an alliance
was formed with Hiram of Tyre. Israel’s
government is established and orderly - “So David reigned over all Israel,
and he administered justice and equity to all his people.” (1 Chronicles
18:14, ESV).
Nahash, the king of the Ammonites recently died and David sent
condolences to his son Hanun. Hanun’s leadership
convinced him that David’s men were spies and so they shaved them and cut the
bottom of their clothes so that their butts were exposed – and sent them
cowering back to Jerusalem. David he
incepted his crew and offered them protection and asylum to avoid more humiliation.
Of course this made David quite mad – and the Ammonites knew
it! So they mustered their fighting
forces and hired mercenaries to help.
Verse 6 tells us that Hanun paid 1,000 talents of silver or 75,000
pounds – which is valued at $36 million at today’s market value ($30/oz as of
12/28/2012). It is a huge sum to pay –
all because they misinterpreted David’s gesture of good will!
David then sent his armies to ward off any attacks – with Joab at
the helm. Picture the scene in v8-9 – an army of 32,000 chariots, standing at
the gate of the city - kings from other lands at a distance opposite David's
army (see 2 Sam verses for clarity).
From Logos Deluxe Map Set
Surrounded, Joab divided into groups for battle –
“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.” (1 Chronicles 19:10–11, ESV).
David’s leaders could have very easily thrown up their hands in the
face of this adversity – and declare that this was in God’s hands now because
it was beyond their capabilities. They
did not however – they relied on the talents God gave them through their
previous experiences at war.
“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.” (1 Chronicles 19:12, ESV)
Joab and Abishia did what they could given their resources and
their talents as military leaders - and they agreed to help each other if they
got into trouble with their respective duties.
So, they not only trusted their God given talents - but also trusted
each other.
Most importantly they acknowledged the sovereignty of God and
desired the will of The Lord.
“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.”” (1 Chronicles 19:13, ESV) emphasis mine.
How can we use the teaching in 1 Chronicles and 2 Samuel in our lives today?
First – be sure to do what you are able with the talents God has
given you. Do you know what those
talents are? We all have God given capabilities in the form of natural talents
and all Christians have special talents from the Holy Spirit! If you’re not sure, maybe it is time to take
a Spiritual Gift Inventory. Ephesians Four Ministries has a free evaluation tool. It is our obligation to know and use the Gifts to
edify the Body (1 Corinthians 12).
Next, trust your partnerships – never go it alone! Partners come in many forms – your spouse or
other family members, friends from small group, etc. Maybe you don’t have all the talents needed
to tackle the challenge – but God certainly equipped someone with the means to
aid you.
Most importantly, call on the will of God and trust that He is
able to see you through – “…and may
the Lord do what seems good to him”.
Allow Him to be the guide through the adversities of life!
In addition to The Holy
Bible, A Harmony of Samuel, Kings and
Chronicles (Crockett, William Day & Beecher, Willis Judson) was used as
a reference in this blog. Both available resources in Logos Bible Software v4.
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