READ: 2 Sam. 10:1–19 … And when all the kings who were servants to Hadadezer saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and served them. So the Syrians were afraid to help the people of Ammon anymore.
David, like Saul in the past, faces hostilities from Ammon, the present-day region of Jordan. In Saul’s time, it was King Nahash of Ammon who threatened to gouge out the eyes of the men of Jabesh (1 Sam. 11), prompting Saul to come to their rescue. Now David encounters Nahash’s son, Hanun.
David sends a friendly delegation to Hanun in connection with the death of his father. However, Hanun becomes suspicious and humiliates the envoys. In doing so, he forgets that Israel is the apple of God’s eye. Whoever attacks His people is attacking Him.
David cannot tolerate this insult and expresses his displeasure, leading the Ammonites to reinforce their army with troops from two allies. In response, Joab, Israel’s commander, sets out with his best men.
Joab makes strategic plans and encourages his troops, saying: “Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to Him” (v.12). The battle is thus fought as the LORD’s battle.
After Israel forces their enemies to flee, Hadadezer organizes a regrouping with reinforcements from beyond the Euphrates. However, this leads to a confrontation with the full force of Israel’s army. The enemies flee once more, suffering great losses—40,000 horsemen and 700 chariots are destroyed, and their commander is killed.
The outcome of this victory is that all the kings involved in the war make peace with Israel and serve them. The Syrians are now too fearful to help the Ammonites again. In this way, the LORD, who orchestrated all these events, provides peace.
What does this account teach us about struggles of faith and church?
Sing: Ps. 89:10