2 Samuel 10 Commentary
It should be easy to say David defeated the Ammonites. In fact, we got this information in Chapter 8. Here we have details of what exactly happened. No detail is needless in scripture.
We suspect this Nahash to be the same one who was defeated by Saul at Jabesh Gilead. His son or descendant humiliates David’s envoy of peace. He later mobilizes to attack Israel with reinforcements from Aram. It becomes a regional conflict, many against one. The one is represented by Israel.
The Ammonites are defeated, together with their allies. It’s a huge victory for Israel.
You need to look hard into the scripture to find a moment when the LORD intervened to help the strong. Israel is not strong. The victory is therefore God’s victory. It is a miracle!
It is impossible not to feel the pain of disappointment when a good is not compensated. Good doers are left wondering if doing good makes sense at all. For David and his men, being righteous brought them shame. For many saints, being righteous is the only offense they have committed for their shame, pain, and suffering.
What we may never appreciate in the moment of trouble is that the LORD is in charge of events. This understanding is a great help when the saint reacts with the usual ‘why’ question.
You would guess the LORD was looking for a spark to ignite the war. The LORD may allow shame to unsettle the saint, but the main objective is a greater victory for the saint. Out of this moment of shame for Israel, war begins, whose end result the LORD had already determined.
The battles contain details that would help the saint in his battles today. Firstly, saints can fight as a team. Saints can help each other when one section is in need. Victory in one section triggers victory in the other section. Your victory isn’t yours alone; another’s victory may depend on your victory.
Secondly, see what Joab says. “Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good in His sight.” Fight courageously, but leave the result in the hands of the LORD.
A decision to leave it in the hands of the LORD doesn’t mean we drop our guard. It doesn’t mean a license to relax and freedom from work. The motivation for this hearty effort is for one’s neighbor – a godly ambition to protect God’s property (cities). No wonder the LORD quickly answered!
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