I Chronicles 19: A Study in Counsel, Kindness, and Conflict
Now it came to pass after this, that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his stead.
And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.
But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?
Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away.
Then there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.
And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syria–maachah, and out of Zobah.
So they hired thirty and two thousand chariots, and the king of Maachah and his people; who came and pitched before Medeba. And the children of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle.
And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.
And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array before the gate of the city: and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field.
Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose out of all the choice of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians.
And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon.
And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee.
Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the Lord do that which is good in his sight.
So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him.
And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.
And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the river: and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.
And it was told David; and he gathered all Israel, and passed over Jordan, and came upon them, and set the battle in array against them. So when David had put the battle in array against the Syrians, they fought with him.
But the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men which fought in chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.
And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more.
I Chronicles 19 delves into a conflict sparked by misconstrued kindness, highlighting the critical importance of wise counsel and the ultimate reliance on God in times of war. This chapter, rich with historical and spiritual lessons, recounts David's attempt to extend goodwill to the Ammonite king, Hanun, and the unfortunate consequences that followed.
David's Misunderstood Kindness (I Chronicles 19:1-3)
The narrative begins with David's desire to show kindness to Hanun, the new king of Ammon, in honor of his father Nahash, who had shown kindness to David in the past (I Chronicles 19:1-2). This act reflects David's character, marked by loyalty and a desire to reciprocate goodwill. However, David's noble intentions were misinterpreted by Hanun's advisors, who suspected a hidden agenda. They convinced Hanun that David's envoys were spies, sent to survey the land before an invasion (I Chronicles 19:2-3).
This episode underscores the danger of operating under suspicion and the destructive power of bad counsel. The Ammonite leaders' paranoia blinded them to David's genuine intentions, setting in motion a chain of events that would lead to war. It serves as a reminder to seek wise counsel, especially when dealing with matters of great importance, and to avoid making rash decisions based on unfounded fears. How often do we, like Hanun, allow fear and suspicion to cloud our judgment, leading us to misinterpret the actions of others and damage relationships?
The Shameful Treatment and the Call to Arms (I Chronicles 19:4-7)
Fueled by the misguided counsel, Hanun subjected David's messengers to a humiliating act, shaving off their beards and cutting off their garments in the middle (I Chronicles 19:4). This was a grave insult, a deliberate act of disrespect intended to provoke David. Realizing the severity of their offense, the Ammonites prepared for war, hiring mercenaries from Mesopotamia and Syria (I Chronicles 19:6-7).
This section highlights the consequences of poor leadership and the escalation of conflict. Hanun's actions, driven by fear and bad advice, transformed a gesture of goodwill into a full-blown military confrontation. It underscores the importance of considering the potential ramifications of our actions and the need for leaders to exercise wisdom and restraint.
Joab's Leadership and Dependence on God (I Chronicles 19:8-19)
Upon learning of the Ammonites' preparations, David sent Joab and the entire army of fighting men to confront them (I Chronicles 19:8). Joab, a seasoned military leader, strategically divided his forces to engage both the Ammonites and their Aramean allies (I Chronicles 19:10-14). He placed his brother Abishai in command of one division, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and courage. Joab's words to Abishai, "If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to come to my rescue; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue" (I Chronicles 19:12), reflects a spirit of teamwork and reliance on one another.
Before the battle, Joab declared, "Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD's will be done" (I Chronicles 19:13). This statement is a powerful reminder that ultimate victory rests in God's hands. While Joab demonstrated strategic planning and military prowess, he acknowledged God's sovereignty and submitted to His will. This declaration of faith provides a powerful example of how to approach challenges, both big and small: with courage, determination, and a humble recognition of God's power.
The battle resulted in a decisive victory for David's forces. The Ammonites and their Aramean mercenaries were routed, and the Arameans, realizing their defeat, made peace with David and became subject to him (I Chronicles 19:14-19).
Lessons for Today
I Chronicles 19 offers several valuable lessons for contemporary readers:
- The Importance of Wise Counsel: Seek advice from trusted and godly individuals, especially when facing difficult decisions.
- The Danger of Suspicion: Avoid making judgments based on unfounded fears and assumptions. Strive to give others the benefit of the doubt.
- The Consequences of Poor Leadership: Leaders must exercise wisdom, restraint, and consider the potential ramifications of their actions.
- Reliance on God in Times of Trouble: Acknowledge God's sovereignty and seek His guidance in all circumstances.
This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that even when our best intentions are misunderstood and conflict arises, we can trust in God to guide us and grant us victory. Like Joab, we should approach challenges with courage, strategic planning, and, above all, a humble recognition of God's power and a submission to His will. I Chronicles 19 reminds us that true strength lies not only in military might but also in seeking wise counsel and relying on the Lord.
Now it came to pass after this, that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his stead.
And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.
But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?
Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away.
Then there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.
And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syria–maachah, and out of Zobah.
So they hired thirty and two thousand chariots, and the king of Maachah and his people; who came and pitched before Medeba. And the children of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle.
And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.
And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array before the gate of the city: and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field.
Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose out of all the choice of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians.
And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon.
And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee.
Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the Lord do that which is good in his sight.
So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him.
And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.
And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the river: and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.
And it was told David; and he gathered all Israel, and passed over Jordan, and came upon them, and set the battle in array against them. So when David had put the battle in array against the Syrians, they fought with him.
But the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men which fought in chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.
And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more.
I Chronicles 19 delves into a conflict sparked by misconstrued kindness, highlighting the critical importance of wise counsel and the ultimate reliance on God in times of war. This chapter, rich with historical and spiritual lessons, recounts David's attempt to extend goodwill to the Ammonite king, Hanun, and the unfortunate consequences that followed.
David's Misunderstood Kindness (I Chronicles 19:1-3)
The narrative begins with David's desire to show kindness to Hanun, the new king of Ammon, in honor of his father Nahash, who had shown kindness to David in the past (I Chronicles 19:1-2). This act reflects David's character, marked by loyalty and a desire to reciprocate goodwill. However, David's noble intentions were misinterpreted by Hanun's advisors, who suspected a hidden agenda. They convinced Hanun that David's envoys were spies, sent to survey the land before an invasion (I Chronicles 19:2-3).
This episode underscores the danger of operating under suspicion and the destructive power of bad counsel. The Ammonite leaders' paranoia blinded them to David's genuine intentions, setting in motion a chain of events that would lead to war. It serves as a reminder to seek wise counsel, especially when dealing with matters of great importance, and to avoid making rash decisions based on unfounded fears. How often do we, like Hanun, allow fear and suspicion to cloud our judgment, leading us to misinterpret the actions of others and damage relationships?
The Shameful Treatment and the Call to Arms (I Chronicles 19:4-7)
Fueled by the misguided counsel, Hanun subjected David's messengers to a humiliating act, shaving off their beards and cutting off their garments in the middle (I Chronicles 19:4). This was a grave insult, a deliberate act of disrespect intended to provoke David. Realizing the severity of their offense, the Ammonites prepared for war, hiring mercenaries from Mesopotamia and Syria (I Chronicles 19:6-7).
This section highlights the consequences of poor leadership and the escalation of conflict. Hanun's actions, driven by fear and bad advice, transformed a gesture of goodwill into a full-blown military confrontation. It underscores the importance of considering the potential ramifications of our actions and the need for leaders to exercise wisdom and restraint.
Joab's Leadership and Dependence on God (I Chronicles 19:8-19)
Upon learning of the Ammonites' preparations, David sent Joab and the entire army of fighting men to confront them (I Chronicles 19:8). Joab, a seasoned military leader, strategically divided his forces to engage both the Ammonites and their Aramean allies (I Chronicles 19:10-14). He placed his brother Abishai in command of one division, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and courage. Joab's words to Abishai, "If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to come to my rescue; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue" (I Chronicles 19:12), reflects a spirit of teamwork and reliance on one another.
Before the battle, Joab declared, "Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD's will be done" (I Chronicles 19:13). This statement is a powerful reminder that ultimate victory rests in God's hands. While Joab demonstrated strategic planning and military prowess, he acknowledged God's sovereignty and submitted to His will. This declaration of faith provides a powerful example of how to approach challenges, both big and small: with courage, determination, and a humble recognition of God's power.
The battle resulted in a decisive victory for David's forces. The Ammonites and their Aramean mercenaries were routed, and the Arameans, realizing their defeat, made peace with David and became subject to him (I Chronicles 19:14-19).
Lessons for Today
I Chronicles 19 offers several valuable lessons for contemporary readers:
- The Importance of Wise Counsel: Seek advice from trusted and godly individuals, especially when facing difficult decisions.
- The Danger of Suspicion: Avoid making judgments based on unfounded fears and assumptions. Strive to give others the benefit of the doubt.
- The Consequences of Poor Leadership: Leaders must exercise wisdom, restraint, and consider the potential ramifications of their actions.
- Reliance on God in Times of Trouble: Acknowledge God's sovereignty and seek His guidance in all circumstances.
This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that even when our best intentions are misunderstood and conflict arises, we can trust in God to guide us and grant us victory. Like Joab, we should approach challenges with courage, strategic planning, and, above all, a humble recognition of God's power and a submission to His will. I Chronicles 19 reminds us that true strength lies not only in military might but also in seeking wise counsel and relying on the Lord.