1. The Israelites conquer Rabbah (1-3)

Joab led the Israelite army in waging war against the Ammonites. Their land was laid waste and their capital was besieged. Meanwhile David had not gone off to war, as was customary for kings in the spring, but remained in Jerusalem. (1 Sa. 11) Rabbah was left in ruins by the Israelites. David came out and took the Ammonite crown. The Ammonites were consigned to heavy forced labor.

2. The Israelites kill Philistine enemies (4-8)

Chronicles closes the section on David’s military victories by mentioning the exploits of David’s men. God raised up courageous fighters who went up against various Philistine giants, descendants of the Rephaites living in Gath. These included the brother of Goliath whom David had killed. After these all fell to David and his men, the Philistines were also subjugated to the Israelites. God used David to subdue the nations surrounding Israel, just as God had promised.


Application: Lord, please raise up faithful people, including me, who boldly engage in spiritual battles with prayer and your word.
One Word: Will you enter the spiritual battle?