Bible Lesson 16 1 Chronicles Book.
Just for your thoughts.
Bible Lesson 16
1 Chronicles Book.
Meditation Verse: “Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God; and let the Lord do that which is good in His sight.”
— 1 Chronicles 19:13
Background of the Incident
Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, was the ruler of the Ammonite kingdom. During the reign of Saul (1 Samuel 11:1–2), he besieged Jabesh-Gilead. At that time Saul had just become king. He gathered all of Israel together and delivered the people of Jabesh. Because of this, Nahash harbored some enmity toward Saul.
However, David seems to have maintained a friendly relationship with Nahash. This is evident from David’s words in verse 2, “Nahash showed kindness to me.”
This likely means that during the time David fled from Saul, Nahash might have shown him some favor or assistance.
Later, Nahash died, and his son Hanun became king in his place (1 Chronicles 19:2). David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me,” and sent his servants to comfort him concerning his father’s death.
But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites, the princes of the Ammonites suspected them of being spies and humiliated them, sending them away in disgrace. Hanun then gathered a large army and hired Syrian mercenary forces to fight against Israel.
When David heard this, he sent Joab and all the army of mighty men to battle (2 Samuel 10:7). David himself did not go to the battlefield; instead, he sent his military commander, Joab.
For Joab, this was a great test — he had to face the powerful army of the Ammonites on one side and the hired Syrian troops on the other. At that moment, Joab spoke these brave words:
“Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God; and let the Lord do that which is good in His sight.” (1 Chronicles 19:13)
Spiritual Application
Yes, in our own battlefield today, our Commander is Jesus Christ. He has sent us into the spiritual battlefield. We stand on behalf of Jesus Christ. Our battle is not only on this earth but also in the heavenly realms (Read Daniel Chapter 10).
When we stand courageously for Him, victory becomes ours. The Lord will surely do what is good in His sight. Just as Joab stood on behalf of David, today we stand on behalf of Jesus Christ in this spiritual war.
Every believer must be zealous and devoted for God and His Church. In today’s world, where governments and powers are often unfavorable toward us, every believer is called to stand firm, courageous, and faithful in their calling.
The greatest ministry we have today is to protect ourselves, preserve our families, and establish the next generation — fulfilling the personal ministry that God has entrusted to us until the end.
When we act boldly and faithfully for the Lord, God will surely accomplish what is good for us, our families, and our ministry.
What we need is strength and faith. If we firmly hold onto these two, victory will surely be ours.