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1 Chronicles 19:15 "And when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled, they likewise fled before Abishai, Joab's brother, and entered the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem."

 

Joab and the "army of the mighty men" had been sent by King David to confront the Ammonites who were amassing an army against Israel at the city of Medeba (1 Chronicles 19:7). When Joab and his men came toward the city, the Ammonites came out before them, while the Syrians came behind them. So Joab put his brother Abishai in charge of a force to confront the Ammonites, while he confronted the Syrians. (1 Chronicles 19:10-11). When Joab drew near to the Syrians for battle, they fled before his men (1 Chronicles 19:14), and when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians had fled, they fled as well.

 

Sometimes all it takes is a show of force to deter an enemy. We can't really know that until we actually stand up to them, but if we are on God's side, we should have the courage to go towards the battle and let Him lead us either way. Joab did not know the Syrians and Ammonites would flee before him, in fact, he told his brother that they would each come to the other's aid if things looked bad. But neither had to engage in battle because their bravery and confidence was enough to put their enemies to flight.

 

This bravery and confidence comes from knowing God's will and being willing to do it. It takes a good relationship with God, but once we have that (and have done some discernment if it is a tricky situation), then we know what we are to do, and we know God is with us no matter what. Joab and Abishai had been given orders by King David to meet the enemy. They had no qualms that God might not be with them, so they had great confidence. That alone was enough to send their enemies packing. It is the same for us in this great spiritual, and sometimes physical, battle in which we are engaged. We should be open always to God's will, we should give Him our fiat in all things. Then, when He puts us to a task, we can have complete confidence that we are in the right, and will succeed one way or another in doing His will. Sometimes, we won't have to do anything more than show up!