Today I read 1 Chronicles 20, within a year after defeating the Ammonites the war continued against the Ammonites and the Philistines. Today I considered the fierce protectiveness of a leader for his people and warrior kings retaining mighty men that win in battle.
War then Destruction
The Ammonites lost the war but the Israel army came back to also destroy them (1 Chronicles 20:1-3). Joab led the army to destroy all the cities of children of Ammon. David brought out the people in the Ammonites cities and cut them with saws and axes. Then David and the people returned home. Sometimes when you add injury to insult like the Ammonites did in 1 Chronicles 20, the ones you hurt are not satisfied until you are destroyed.
War with Philistines
David’s warriors continued to win against the Philistines, conquering giants and their children in different battles (1 Chronicles 20:4-8). Sibbechai, Elhanan, Jonathan, and David killed giants that came against them or defied Israel. A true warrior king like David retains other mighty men able to win in battle against the enemy.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Know who you are dealing with. The warrior king David went from giving kindness to the Ammonites in 1 Chronicles 19 to death and destruction in 1 Chronicles 20. Considering David’s past as a shepherd killing lions and bears to protect sheep, how much more strength would he display to protect his people. Have you ever seen someone who was gentle and kind become fierce to protect their own?