Daily Devotional for Wednesday, January 3

Joab’s Battle Against Ammon

“And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city,” 2 Samuel 12:26.

David made it a point to gather the most fearless warriors and set them over his army. Even when fleeing from Saul in the wilderness, he made sure he surrounded himself by men he could trust who would follow him into battle at a moment’s notice.

Joab became the captain of David’s army when he valiantly stormed into Jerusalem ahead of everyone else (1 Chronicles 11:6). Fiercely loyal to David, he followed his orders to put Uriah, Bath-sheba’s husband, on the front lines. The battle with the Ammonites started off well as Joab subdued their Syrian allies. But as David’s personal sin continued, the battle with the Ammonites became drawn-out and violent. Joab was leading the fight without his commander David. We see that as David confessed his sin and repented, God in turn blessed Joab’s efforts on the battlefield. The people of Israel had surrounded the capital city of Rabbah and were ready to storm the walls and take the city as a possession. Ever so loyal, Joab sent word to David to come take the city himself to ensure that the victory belonged to the king. The Lord was again with David and brought forth the victory against the Ammonites and the spoils that came with it. While David’s sin had serious consequences, one being that he would no longer see peace for the duration of his reign, God’s mercy and forgiveness were clearly on David and Israel during the conclusion of this battle.

Sometimes we try to fight our battles on our own. We get far from God, maybe let sin creep into our lives and think we can win the war by ourselves. Let us repent from sinful desires, draw close to the Lord and depend on our church family for encouragement and accountability so that we can fight our battles with the strength of the Lord arm in arm with His people.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Be strengthened in the power of the Lord and His might. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

Ashley Ridings