1 Chronicles 20
-This precise and short chapter describes briefly some of
the conflicts the nation of Israel had in ongoing wars with neighboring people
groups. It begins with a time phrase of the spring time assault on the land of
the sons of Ammon and in particular Rabbah. This depiction does not include any
of the details as to what happened as David stayed in Jerusalem, but we get a
fuller picture of his disastrous activities in idleness during this campaign
when we parallel it with 2 Samuel 11 & 12. This was the time of his great
sin with Bathsheba in adultery and the murder of the husband-warrior who
trusted his king, Uriah. Although the LORD worked good in this situation by
providing the royal line of Solomon, this time had profound negative results in
David’s family life, and his kingdom was never the same in its purity.
Chronicles chooses not to focus on this, but this is the reality when we cross
reference from other Scripture to get the full details (see 2 Samuel 13-24).
*Application* When God calls us to a work, we had better get with it and not
sit back in idleness. We have all heard that “idleness is the devil’s
workshop,” and this is true. Put your hands to the wheel so to speak and get
busy with the mighty advancing work of the Kingdom. There is no time for
self-pleasure and a propensity to go into “ease” where sins crouches at the
door to still your blessing (Genesis 4:7). Don’t stay at home in your own
Jerusalem.
-Nevertheless, the sons of Ammon were annihilated in their
cities by David’s mighty warriors and great spoils were taken back to the king.
After this, war broke out again with the Philistines at Gezer and again at
Gath. Great men of gigantic proportions were killed and fell to the sons of
Israel in these conflicts. Victory upon victory occurred for the nation at this
time. *Application* Do you have the courage to face giants like David and his
mighty men did? Our giants often have a different form than these physical
wonders of ancient times, but they are daunting none the less. These types of
giants require faith and determination to come up against, which can only come
from complete trust and reliance in the LORD. He is the One who ultimately
fights our battles (Exodus 14:14, Deuteronomy 1:30, Joshua 10:25, Jeremiah 1:19),
and He is the One who ultimately gives every great victory over what to us would
otherwise be a superior opponent or obstacle. Live by faith as a valiant conqueror!
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