Summary:
The Capture of Rabbah
Verses 1-3
Springtime is when the kings went out to war. Joab led the Israelite army, laid waste to Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. David remained in Jerusalem. Rabbah was left in ruins after Joab's attack. David went and took King Molech's crown, which was 1 talent (~75 pounds) of gold, set with precious stones. The crown was placed on David's head (and then he died of a broken neck...that was a joke. I couldn't help it...) They plundered the city, consigned the people to labor, with saws, iron picks, and axes. This was done to all of the Ammonite towns. Then, David and his army returned to Jerusalem.
War With the Philistines
Verses 4-8
Over time, war broke out with the Philistines, at Gezer. There were three battles: Israel vs. Philistia -
1. Sibbecai the Hushathite vs. Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaites
Israel - 1; Philistia - 0
2. Elhanan son of Jair vs. Lahmi, brother of Goliath the Gittite, with spear and shaft like a weaver's rod
Isreal - 2; Philistia - 0
3. Jonathan son of Shimea, David's brother vs. a Philistine with 6 fingers & toes on each hand & foot
Israel - 3; Philistia - 0
All Philistines were descendants of Rapha from Gath. They all fell at the feet of David and his men.
Lori's Thoughts:
First of all, I'm amazed that anyone can stand to have 75 pounds on their head for any amount of time. That's the equivalent of a large child! I'm sure it was a beautiful crown, but really?! I heard that Adam was like 12 feet tall (*there is no Biblical evidence of this, though), so maybe he could have handled such a crown. But, David was alive post-flood, which I heard resulted in people growing to be less tall (*also, no Biblical evidence). Either way, that's impressive.
Secondly, I think the ruin of Ammon is a good example of how God's prophecy for David's rule came true. "You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery." (Psalm 2:9) This reminds me of the prophecy about Jesus. "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'" (Psalm 110:1) "But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time He waits for His enemies to be made His footstool..." (Hebrews 10:12-13).
I don't agree with forced labor in our day. But, our world works differently now than in David's time. We have individual relationships with God. There's no longer a holy nation versus evil nations. God isn't asking us to do what David did. We are to fight against the spiritual enemy, that is Satan and his demons. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12) This doesn't mean that evil reigns in heaven, but that the devil is not bound to earth. He can travel to heaven. He does so to petition for our demise. (See the book of Job.)
The second half of the chapter symbolize our spiritual warfare. As we grow in faith, the devil sends demons to attack us. We stand and conquer with God. The devil then sends bigger and uglier things our way. But, we have God who is the biggest and scariest contender. His name alone makes the demons flee. "The seventy-two returned with joy and said, 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.'" (Luke 10:17) "He replied...'However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.' " (Luke 10:19-20) Don't take His name lightly.
If things seem to be going worse - financial crises, health problems, car issues, etc. - don't let anyone make you think it's because you lack faith or that it's a punishment for your sins. It may be that you have such great faith as to piss off the devil. Stand! You know who has the victory and He's on your side! Remember, if you feel like you're not moving with God, standing with God is a victory in itself.
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