Thoughts that strike me as I walk through the Bible each morning... May they bear fruit.

NOTE: As my Bible study of the Old Testament progressed (encompassing five-plus years of three-to-four very EARLY morning hours, missing perhaps six-to-eight days during those years) I made the choice to postpone the writing on my thoughts until I had completed the Old Testament. Upon completion of the Old Testament study, I undertook a comprehensive writing project focusing on how to read and study the Bible. The result of that project is a book on the topic, covering—

The original giving and early dissemination of the Word by God,
Its travel over the centuries to what we read today,
The various tools and resources which assist our study (both common and uncommon), and
Numerous manners of conducting your study.

The book is in its final (hopefully) editing revision. The point of this aside is that I expect to be able to return to my writing, and gleanings, very shortly. (March 2022)

July 28, 2016

Ask Your Brother...

July 28, 2016/ Don Strain

There are so many answers one might give if asked their first thought of King David – heritage of Jesus, slayer of a giant, writer of Psalms, mighty man, or even adulterer. We might also think first of his faithfulness, but if we do my guess is that it is not necessarily specific to his going to God before battle and again immediately after (by giving Him the credit), though these are familiar as well. These he did, and for it was greatly blessed by God – in wealth and strength.

It could be said, though, that David did not enjoy a full assuredness of, and in, himself. This is indeed a righteous quality. But it could also be a little hard to believe that after so many victories one would be able to yet not develop a bit of cockiness, even if not exhibited. And as a given with a great king, David’s manner was also found evident in his trusted leaders.

After assuming the throne of Israel, one of David’s first efforts in foreign policy was to send an envoy to Hanun, king of Ammon, after the death of his father Nahash (see 1 Chronicles 19). He sent them in consolation and in recognition of the aid that Nahash had given him during his flight from Saul. (Saul was the first king of Israel who had sought David’s life because of the prophet Samuel’s anointment of David as the next king, though Saul was still in power.) David also knew that Nahash had not assisted him out of compassion, but out of a desire for Saul’s demise. Nonetheless, David’s gesture was righteous compassion and prudent policy in neighborly treatment, even with a subordinate (in power) nation.

Alas, exhibiting his true colors, Hanun did not well receive the ambassadors from David but utterly humiliated them. David’s reaction is a great message of compassion and treatment by a great leader, but not the focus here.

Forward to the Ammonites reaction to what they had done in abusing David’s men. Consistent with their suspicion of David’s intent in sending the envoy, they now convinced themselves that Israel was arming against them in retaliation (though not the case), and set out to make the first strike. The army of Ammon executed a wise strategy by soliciting help from a neighboring nation and creating a dual thrust, in the front and from behind. Israel’s reaction would be critical.

Joab, David’s nephew and general of his army, was responsible for defending Israel against the threat. In a moment demonstrative of David’s traits, Joab felt uncertainty upon realizing the dual threat. NOTE: ‘Uncertainty’ here does NOT denote fear, or cowardice. Opposite of that, he reacted in the wisest manner by soliciting guidance – not from God, as David was want to do (though no fault on Joab here, David had already done that), but from his brother Abishai, one of his generals.

Spoiling the intrigue, their reaction was successful and David’s army subdued the Ammonites. But the real message here is in that encounter between the brothers – Joab and Abishai. It’s a message of leadership and love, from which all Christians can learn.

In this discussion between the two brothers we find –

1. Great wisdom is found in a great leader -

· David, in wisdom, went to God before battle.

· Joab, in wisdom, went to his brother for advice, which was successful.

2. The encouragement of one another –

· v. 13 - “Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God…”

· Jesus prayed for Peter so that he would “strengthen (his) brothers” likewise (Luke 22:32).

· Confidence begets trust, trust begets ability.

· Are we not called, then, to do the same – to strengthen each other?

3. Prayer –

· v. 13 (continued) – “…and may the Lord do what is good in His sight.”

· That His will be done, remembering that for Him we do this.

Our love of Christ should be manifest in our love for each other – the Great Commandment, “to love one another as I have loved you.” Strength we gain in encouragement – the same strength and courage as Joab. The strong must help the weak, it is our duty. Brotherly love is our greatest armament in spiritual warfare. Let us each encourage one another in counsel, comfort and prayer.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” (1 Corinthians 12:21 ESV)