This chapter recounts 2 Samuel chapters 12 and 21. Due to its short length, I will provide the entire chapter as a reference to how many of these recounted chapters are presented. As usual, see how this chapter aligns with our lesson(s) in 2 Samuel, draw some conclusions, make some connections, and strive to deepen your knowledge. Here’s the chapter in its entirety:
“The following spring, the time of year when kings go to war, Joab led the Israelite army in successful attacks against the towns and villages of the Ammonites. In the process they laid siege to the city of Rabbah and destroyed it. But David had stayed behind in Jerusalem.” (1 Chronicles 20:1) This paragraph is completely different from the paragraph in 2 Samuel that references the battle at Rabbah. In that paragraph, Joab sends the following message to David, “I have fought against Rabbah and captured its water supply. Now bring the rest of the army and finish the job, so you will get credit for the victory instead of me.” Wow…that’s loyalty and selflessness!
The remaining paragraphs recount the story with aligning details, but with some variations. Check out those differences and variations by rereading 2 Samuel.
“When David arrived at Rabbah, he removed the crown from the king’s head, and it was placed on David’s own head. The crown was made of gold and set with gems, and it weighed about seventy-five pounds. David took a vast amount of plunder from the city. He also made slaves of the people of Rabbah and forced them to labor with saws, picks, and axes. That is how he dealt with the people of all the Ammonite cities. Then David and his army returned to Jerusalem.” (1 Chronicles 20:2-3; 2 Samuel 12:29-31)
Battles against the Philistines
“After this, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. As they fought, Sibbecai from Hushah killed Saph, a descendant of the giants, and so the Philistines were subdued. During another battle with the Philistines, Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath of Gath. The handle of Lahmi’s spear was as thick as a weaver’s beam! In another battle with the Philistines at Gath, a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot – a descendant of the giants – defied and taunted Israel. But he was killed by Jonathan, the son of David’s brother Shimea. These Philistines were descendants of the giants of Gath, but they were killed by David and his warriors.” (1 Chronicles 20:4-8; 2 Samuel 21:15-22)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! As a result of reading both 1 Chronicles and 2 Samuel, you helped us see selflessness in action. You demonstrated what “building others up around you” looks like. Thank you, Lord! We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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