_I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness unto me._ DAVID AND HANUN Powerful though David had proved himself in every direction in the art of war, his heart was inclined to peace. The position which he had gained as a warrior would naturally have made Hanun m... [ Continue Reading ]
_If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me._ PIOUS PATRIOTISM I. Mutual helpfulness. As occasion demands, says Joab, you will help me, or I will help you. Now, this is a word for us all. God has so ordained that we are mutually dependent on one another; and I hardly know which of... [ Continue Reading ]
_Be of good courage and let us play the men _ OF COURAGE In those words you have these two parts: the braveness of his resolution: “Be of good courage and let us play the men. ” The humbleness of his submission: “And the Lord do that which seemeth him good.” Or, if you will, thus: an exhortation... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Joab drew near, and the people that were with him unto the battle._ VICTORY It is one thing, when men may either fight or fly, and another when they must either fight or die. The Syrians in the battle referred to in the text had their option to fight or fly, for that otherwise they must either... [ Continue Reading ]