Today we are reading 2 Samuel 10. In this chapter we are reading about David’s battle with the Ammonites and the Syrians they had hired. “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?” 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.” 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.” 2 Samuel 10:2-6 ESV The Ammonites responded shamefully to David’s servants who went to comfort them in their time of need. To compound this insult they hired the Syrians to fight David for them. God gave David a victory and caused the Syrians and Ammonites to flee before the army of Israel. When has God caused those who threaten you to retreat? May you see the Lord fighting your battles and be filled with joy! Pastor Tim
