2 Samuel 10 ~ War No More

2 Samuel 10


After this the king of the Ammonites died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. 2 And David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent by his servants to console him concerning his father. And David's servants came into the land of the Ammonites.

But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Has not David sent his servants to you to search the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it?” 4 So Hanun took David's servants and shaved off half the beard of each and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away. 

When it was told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.”

6 When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, 
the Ammonites sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zobah, 20,000 foot soldiers, and the king of Maacah with 1,000 men, and the men of Tob, 12,000 men. 7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the host of the mighty men. 

And the Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the gate, and the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country.

9 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 he arrayed them against the Ammonites. 11 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 come and help you. 

Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” 

So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to battle against the Syrians, and they fled before him. 14 And when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled, they likewise fled before Abishai and entered the city. Then Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.

15 But when the Syrians saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they gathered themselves together. 16 And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the Euphrates. They came to Helam, with Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer at their head.

And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together and crossed the Jordan and came to Helam. The Syrians arrayed themselves against David and fought with him. 18 And the Syrians fled before Israel, and David killed of the Syrians the men of 700 chariots, and 40,000 horsemen, and wounded Shobach the commander of their army, so that he died there. 

And when all the kings who were servants of Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. So the Syrians were afraid to save the Ammonites anymore.

James Taylor makes an interesting analogy today in the words about Truth.

People can be quick to point out a lie or accuse someone of back stabbing. This works with apparent goodness. Apparent goodness can be very showy. It's the mercy that speaks more quietly.

Wikipedia points to public speculation about the song "Fire and Ice". James Taylor has publicly explained "Fire and Ice" three times and his explanation was greeted with suspicion he lied. When you run the stories together - did we really want him to explain to a rock concert ...? Did he lie at the Madrid Concert? Doubt it. Taylor was explaining a sad song, with a humorous reference to recovery and truth.

James Taylor's full explanation went like this -
Taylor explained to host Scott Simon that the song was written in three parts: [A Work In Progress.]

The first part was indeed about Taylor's friend Suzanne, who died while Taylor was in London working on his first album after being signed to Apple Records. Friends at home, concerned that it might distract Taylor from his big break, kept the tragic news from him, and he only found out six months later.

The second part details Taylor's struggle to overcome drug addiction and depression.

The third part deals with coming to grips with fame and fortune, looking back at the road that got him there. It includes a reference to James Taylor and The Flying Machine, a band he briefly worked with before his big break with Paul McCartney, Peter Asher, and Apple Records.

Waiting for a Rush to Judgment

Jesus wasn't one to stand up on a rock and Say, "I'M THE SON OF GOD". Which leads people to discuss their feelings of His Supremacy in deep thoughts on soul deep issues without something very important -

Something Very Important

The Source

How can we debate Jesus is the Christ without knowing what the Word is? Our largest History of Jesus is the Word of God.

How can we discern what to trust and what to believe?

We are built to respond to God and truth. We are told to seek and to find. To see a sign of a miracle is Good. This encourages us. To stop is not to stop God. To refuse an invitation to Wonder isn't fatal.

Yet... why wouldn't we take our Wonder to the Word of God?


Look at Jeremiah 15, look at 2 Samuel 10 today.

Not one of mankind spikes the football and remains in Victory.

Look at the 2 Samuel 10. David has found Victory!!! He is KING. It's good to be King. Except. A war has started - because - David sent off hand condolences.

And Then. Bam! One unleashing of unkindness has started a whip cord backlash. And WAR erupts.

What we don't see King David of God do - he does Not say

1. "Well, I never really wanted to be King."
2. "I Quit."
3. "Nothing never good Ever happens to me."
4. "Why does Everything Always Go Wrong."
5. "Ruddy Ol God, Dammit."
6. "Let's dig out the old gods and try them."
7. "WHAT! PANIC!!!"
8. "IT"S THE END OF THE WORLD!!!"

David instead is going to do his best with what is at hand. And he is not going to sit sweating out the fact that what kicked this off was a kindness from a loving heart in the days of poor travel.

However, when you read the Psalms of David - you have reached the Source - and we JUST KNOW that David is going to pour out his heart to GOD. David is going to whine and complain and cry to - the Source. God.

And how does Father GOD react to the One who Relies upon GOD?

Oh. Look. God explained that - in the Source.

John 16:33

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Let us pray together - 

Father God for Peace! Jesus Delivers us and is our strong defender. We will Trust in Jesus, blessed redeemer. The Holy ONE. When we have a "time" the One we look to is the Rock. The foundation of our Wonder and Joy. Father GOD You alone kept David rolling - I'm throwing myself in with You! Deliver me for the Holiness of Your Name.

Father God !

In times of peace - I say Jesus is God. When I am torn down by the tremendous of events life has the possibility to unleash - I know You will restore my soul. When I need a direction - I pray for You , Abba to lead me in the paths of righteousness for blessings.

When death arrives for a funeral or my own, I will only look to You. You are with me. 

In faith, I proclaim You anoint my head with oil. I will look to what is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- With You I Will Think about such things.

When I take time to remember what I have learned, what I have experienced, I will let my cup of gratitude overflow. You are teaching me. I Thank You. 

In Jesus, Goodness and Mercy will be the footprints I leave.  All the days of my life. 

Jesus, You Love me. Yes, Jesus loves me. I shall dwell in the House of the Lord. Forever.

In Jesus is our Alleluia! Amen!

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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