I Chronicles Chapter 19

Please read:  I Chronicles 19 –

At this point in history, Israel was the strongest and most powerful country in the world.  When enemies tried to defeat Israel, they themselves were either found running from Israel’s armies or were killed in battle.  And one of Israel’s greatest victories came as a result of a misunderstanding.  David had tried to extend kindness to the Ammonites when their king had died but it was misread as an act of spying.  David’s messengers had been sent to the new king, Nahash’s son.  But when they were imagined to be spies, they were treated very disrespectfully.  The men were forced to return home with their beards half cut off and their clothes half cut off exposing their nakedness.  Being disgraced in such a manner was difficult for these men, but when David heard about what had happened, he offered his men a way to restore their dignity by staying at Jericho for a time.  And from this one incident a whole war was about to begin.

Let's Reflect

1.  Those disgraced men had not travelled too far when David heard about what happened.  Are you as amazed as I am how quickly messages were spread?

2.  David could have sent a message to his men to come back home, and they would figure it out.  But instead, he offered grace to his men.  What did he tell them to do?

3.  This act of humiliation did not sit well with David and the Ammonites knew it.  The Bible says the Ammonites sent 1,000 talents of silver to some men.  What was the purpose of sending money?

4.  Again, David was made aware of what was going on, how the Ammonites were amassing a huge army.  There was the Ammonites gathered at the outskirts of their country and in another location were the hired armies, the Syrians, ready to surround Israel.  What did Joab, the captain of David’s army do realizing they were surrounded?

5.  Before the battle commenced Joab made a strong speech recognizing that ultimately who was in control of the outcome of this battle?

6.  Joab led the charge against the Syrians with one part of the army of Israel and his brother led the charge against the Ammonites with the other part of the army.  What was Joab’s brother’s name?

7.  What happened in this split tactic of fighting against the Ammonites and Syrians?

8.  The Syrians had been humiliated and sent messengers to bring other Syrian forces to come and join them in a retaliation battle.  When David heard about this Syrian plan to attack Israel, he stepped in with the whole army of Israel.  The Syrians suffered great losses in that battle.  The numbers are staggering.  There was only one thing left to do.  What did the servants of the king of Syria do?  See verse 19.