1 Chronicles 19

1 Chronicles 19:1

19:1-4 Nahash had fought against Israel in the days of Saul (1 Samuel 11). Evidently he had also rendered some unrecorded service to David during Saul’s reign. Because of this, messengers were sent . . . to comfort his son, Hanun, after his father’s death. But Hanun followed unwise counsel and treated the ambassadors contemptuously. 19:5-7 Fearing reprisal, the people of Ammon hired mercenaries and prepared for war. 19:8-15 Joab along with his brother . . . Abishai defeated the combined forces of the Ammonites and Syrians. Joab’s exhortation in verse 13 inspired the Israelites and showed that he had the proper perspective as he faced the battle. 19:16-19 The Syrians . . . sent for their relatives beyond the River and planned to avenge their recent loss. David realized the danger, quickly gathered his forces, and took up the offensive. The surprised army, under Shophach, was no match for Israel, and the proud Syrians . . . became David’s servants.