Today I read 1 Chronicles 19, which tells of David and the Ammonites battling because people feared David’s nice actions. Today I considered David did not start the war but he finished it, fear should not lead us to sin, and a good leader considers his follower’s emotions.
From Kindness to Finishing the War
David desired to show kindness but was insulted and required to war instead (1 Chronicles 19:1-19). King Nahash, over the Ammonites, died and David sent condolences to Nahash’s son Hanun. Hanun listened to others and believed David’s servants were spies, shaving the servants and striping them naked. The Ammonites, concerned about what their actions would cause, then hired fighters from Syria to help battle against David. David sent Joab and the mighty men to fight. They were surrounded by the Ammonites and Syrians but still winning. The Syrians sent for reinforcements and David responded by gathering Israel to fight. David won and even obtained more servants. Sometimes people are showing kindness but fight to win if they have no other choice.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
The Bible talks about your father’s friend being your friend. David was trying to live that principle with his kind gesture. Maybe it is because of David’s fame and strength they feared him. Regardless of the reason, we must be careful to not let fear without proof rule our actions to the point of sinning against others. Have you ever seen someone let fear lead them to do something that they hurt themselves in the process?
David provided for his people’s emotional well-being. The servants David sent to the Ammonites were humiliated. David did not make them suffer ridicule at home but let them go to Jericho to recover first. David cared about his servant’s mental state. Have you ever had a leader or supervisor who showed this level of care for the people under them?