JESUS today YOU will SAVE me.
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 14
2 Samuel 10
1 And it came to pass after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his stead.
2 Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
4 Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.
5 When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.
6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.
7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.
8 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.
9 When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:
10 And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon.
11 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.
13 And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him.
14 And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.
15 And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together.
16 And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.
17 And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him.
18 And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.
19 And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
11. “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then come over and help me,” Joab told his brother. “And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will come and help you.
12. Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the LORD’s will be done.” NLT
I got your 6…
It’s much easier to be courageous and face your enemy when you know your brother has your back and will come running to help when you need it.
Let’s show our love and make sure each other knows they are not in this alone, so we can go Impact Fort Worth together!
Verses 9-12 NKJV says “When Joab saw that the battle line was against him before and behind, he chose some of Israel’s best and put them in battle array against the Syrians. And the rest of the people he put under the command of Abishai his brother, that he might set them in battle array against the people of Ammon. Then he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.” This showed unity on their part, for they were willing to come and help each other. Even when you think that you are being attacked on all sides; show yourself strong and trust in the Lord.
19 And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more. Praise the LORD! I’ve seen this as well. When people can tell that the blessings/ the hand of the LORD is upon you they tend to think twice before coming against you.
19 And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.
It is not good to be against Israel. We should pray for the peace of Jerusalem and our nation should continue support them and be their alli.
“And when all the kings that were servants to Hadadezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.”
2 Samuel 10:19 KJV
If you can’t beat the good guys. Join them
iLove to Grow in the Word
“When David heard what had happened, he sent messengers to tell the men, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow out, and then come back.” For they felt deep shame because of their appearance.”
2 Samuel 10:5 NLT
A good leader understands what embarrasses their team. David could have said something derogatory to his men or could have tried to force them to serve even though they were humiliated, but he gave them time off as he prepared a plan of action.
Gossip destroys lives
2 Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
4 Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.
King David wanted to show kindness because of the treatment he has gotten from Nahash. Because of a negative gossip, Hanun miss treats David servants; just that action causes hundreds of men to lose their lives in battle. In the same way misunderstanding or gossips could harm people’s heart. This could of been avoided if Hanun would of just ask the servant his purpose. Just ask, confront, you might be surprise of the true purpose which was kindness, not anything else. Lord help us never to listen to gossip, to always search for the true purpose, and to always speak life not death in Jesus Name Amen
12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.
Win or lose we will trust that the Lord will do that which see the him good. What an amazing statement to make, to trust completely in Gods goodness. The greatest advice that I have got during this season in my life, be brave and take courage, and let God do what is good.
It’s so easy to take matters into our own hands, in a world full of pride, arrogance, that make people not trust in God and his providence. Let the Lord do what he pleases, he will always do what is good for you.
Jumping to conclusions
3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
How many blessings have I missed by jumping to conclusions about someone’s intentions? Our brains compare memories to try and figure out what a given situation or scenario’s outcome may be. Our brains look for patterns. Once all the memory data has been analyzed we receive an assumption as to a possible outcome.
Is the stove hot 10 minutes after use? The princes of Ammon did make a mistake but their brains only did what it was supposed to do. David had a history of destroying the enemies of Israel. These people may not have known too much about David when he lived there. Thus, the first conclusions they arrived at was David was there to destroy the city. So, while we allow our brain to operate the way God intended let’s not be too hasty with the first possible solution; especially when it comes to God.
2 Samuel 10:11-12
11) “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then come over and help me,” Joab told his brother. “And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will come and help you.
12) Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the LORD’S will be done.”
We are fighting a spiritual warfare. We are in this together. So let’s have each others back, be there for each other, encourage one another, pray for one another, lift each other up.
Be Courageous POFW, and let’s Fight Bravely Together for the people and the city of Fort Worth, and let the LORD”S will be done.
12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.
12 Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”
Have the courage to fight for the souls that are lost in this city believing of the great things that God will do in this city. The harvest is there waiting for an answer to their problem. Don’t be overwhelmed with the problems of this world, but do everything with prayer and fasting. God has equipped us to save his people, Don’t be afraid but do everything for the Lord believing and trusting in the king of kings.
I will comment today on the Proverbs chapter we were to read. Proverbs 14:25 & 26 message
The Fear Of God builds up confidence , and makes a world safe for your children. The Fear of God is a spring of living water so you won’t go off drinking from poisoned wells.
Pour into your children the word build their confidence in God and the people of God. Mothers be careful what you say fathers be careful how u act. We must continually pour confidence in them so that when they are mature they will keep the fear of God in their life and they will not go looking for another drink somewhere else in a well that has been poisoned.
We have to keep them close in word share with them so that they too will be strengthened.
11 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.
“And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?”
2 Samuel 10:3 KJV
What voices are we listening to? The side comments? Or God!?
2 David said, “I am going to show loyalty to Hanun just as his father, Nahash, was always loyal to me.” So David sent ambassadors to express sympathy to Hanun about his father’s death. But when David’s ambassadors arrived in the land of Ammon,
3 the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, their master, “Do you really think these men are coming here to honor your father? No! David has sent them to spy out the city so they can come in and conquer it!” (NLT)
Why we should not assume. Why we should not listen to those who are trying to cause division in an already loyal relationship.
3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
Ammon allowed himself to listen to the wrong voice. Instead of believing David or seeking the council of elders he listened to the voice of his peers and ended up at war with the one who wanted to bless him.
2 Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
4 Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.
Be careful who you are letting speak into you, not everyone desires to help, some desire just to destroy you. The enemy will always try to divide and separate the children of God, but we must take a stand and choose to not believe the lies of the enemy but come together in unity!!
3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
The advisors to the king assumed the wrong motive when David’s servants come to their land. As a result a needless war was fought and the children of Ammon and the Syrians suffered great loss. When in doubt, turn to the Lord, ask for discernment of the situation. Run your plan by God and the man of God because ‘In the multitude of counsellors there is safety’. King Hunan listened to the wrong voices. I’m thankful that we have Gods word to guide us and lead us, as well as Pastor and Elders to provide us safety in decision making.
3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
Listening to the wrong advice can have devastating effects on our lives. It’s important to seek out Godly counsel to hear Gods thoughts and desires. Men’s best intentions will not ever match up to Gods perfect will.
2 Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
11 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
Two leaders working together for the same common goal. Any task can be accomplished when the team knows the objective and everyone is pulling in the same direction for the same results.
11 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
Sometimes we can’t do it all. Sometimes we have to ask for help!
BATTLE PLANS
9 When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:
10 And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon.
11 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.
A wise confession is one that is humble not proud.
Humility – I need help
Pride – I can handle this
Joab, recognized his surroundings and was honest about the situation. The challenge was bigger than him. He acted at once.
1. He chose the best (choice) men to assist him.
2. He delegated responsibility to his brother Abishai.
3. He plotted and planned for VICTORY with Abishai.
4. He encouraged them to fight for the LORD and HIS purpose.
We are BLESSED by this principal that we can utilize it in everyday opportunities and battles. In the home, on the job, at the market and in the church. JESUS help us to examine and evaluate that our efforts and battles are for the LORD.
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WOW!
Great COMMENTS today!
Bless you ALL in JESUS name.
11 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 King James Version (KJV)
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Together in unity we can accomplish the mission by Impacting lives and to help save their souls!!
““If the Arameans are too strong for me, then come over and help me,” Joab told his brother. “And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will come and help you. Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the LORD’s will be done.””
2 Samuel 10:11-12 NLT
Just like these men who told one another if you need help let me know….we should do the same for our brothers and sisters in Christ. When they call for help go and help. Be courageous and help them weather it’s praying with them, being a listening ear or just even encouraging them. There is always something we can do to help.
12 Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord’s will be done.” 13 When Joab and his troops attacked, the Arameans began to run away. 14 And when the Ammonites saw the Arameans running, they ran from Abishai and retreated into the city. After the battle was over, Joab returned to Jerusalem.
When I imagine this playing out I don’t just see the Arameans take one look at Joabs army and run but I think they saw the power of God with them. Both the armies of Arameans and Ammonites could of took out one army but when Joab army attacked they felt the power of the Lord being against them too and that’s where they ran away because they feared the power of the Lord. This is what the enemy fells when this church marches into this community! The enemy won’t give up with out a fight but with God on ourside the victory is always with us and the fear of the Lord always is in the enemy and he run away. What a mighty God we serve!
2 Samuel 10:19 (KJV Strong’s)
19 And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.
David wanted to honor Ammon, and then, one thing led to another, and the Syrians were intimidated, and afraid of Israel and David.
What seemed like a gesture of kindness became a strategic military advancement. David was disrespected and God blessed David for wanting the do right by the King’s father for helping him.
Wars, battles, challenges, and fights may end up miracles, and blessings in disguise. Do what’s right by God and he will do what’s right by you.
11 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.
2 Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
David was known for his ability to fight and win, because he was always trusting in God. Fear will make you do and say stuff that sounds or looks good at the time, but in the end will only cause destruction. Because the princes of the children of Ammons fear, they caused a lot of death and destruction, They were so afraid that they called in allies to fight with them and caused a great slaughter. Its best to trust in God and not be afraid because he is always going to be there. Trusting in my self or acting out of fear will only bring hurt and destruction! Help me Lord!
17 And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him.
18 And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.
19 And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more
18 And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.
19 And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.
Let the Lord be our deliver.
2 Samuel 10: to David thought I will show kindness to Hann son of Nahash just as his father showed kindness to me. So David send a delegation to express his sympathy to Hanun concerning his father. When David’s men came to the land of the Ammonites the Ammonite Commander said to Hanun their lord. Do you think David is honoring your father by sending envoys to you to express sympathy? Hasn’t David sent them to you only to explore the city and spy it out and overthrow it? So Hunun seized Davids envoys shaved off half of each of man’s beard cut off their garments at the bottom and sent them away.
11 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.
11 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.
We need each other. We should have each others back. We are in this togther fighting for one cause to expand the kigdom of God.
“When the Arameans saw how badly they’d been beaten by Israel, they picked up the pieces and regrouped. Hadadezer sent for the Arameans who were across the River. They came to Helam. Shobach, commander of Hadadezer’s army, led them. All this was reported to David. So David mustered Israel, crossed the Jordan, and came to Helam. The Arameans went into battle formation, ready for David, and the fight was on. But the Arameans again scattered before Israel. David killed seven hundred chariot drivers and forty thousand cavalry. And he mortally wounded Shobach, the army commander, who died on the battlefield. When all the kings who were vassals of Hadadezer saw that they had been routed by Israel, they made peace and became Israel’s vassals. The Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites ever again. So David mustered Israel, crossed the Jordan, and came to Helam. The Arameans went into battle formation, ready for David, and the fight was on. But the Arameans again scattered before Israel. David killed seven hundred chariot drivers and forty thousand cavalry. And he mortally wounded Shobach, the army commander, who died on the battlefield. When all the kings who were vassals of Hadadezer saw that they had been routed by Israel, they made peace and became Israel’s vassals. The Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites ever again.”
2 Samuel 10:17-19 MSG
““If the Arameans are too strong for me, then come over and help me,” Joab told his brother. “And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will come and help you. Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the LORD’s will be done.””
2 Samuel 10:11-12 NLT
It’s very important and a key to not give up when everything gets tough or feels at pressure! Your testimony of not giving up could be the victory that causes someone to receive the Holy Ghost or even be baptized in the name of Jesus! Don’t despise the test or trial! Embrace it and know God is working things out for your good!
“Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.” The word of God (Jesus) identified courage and choice. They were faced with either fighting or running, which their choice was recorded for all to see, even unto this day. One will be faced with choices in life and although they may never be seen, one can rest assured the Judge (Jesus) is recording. Dear God, help us to be as courageous and make choices that please you, in Jesus name. God Bless America, Israel, Jerusalem, and you all in Jesus name, Amen!
“And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?” Although there was no deceptiveness in David’s actions there were those that twisted his gesture of kindness to appear as though there was. We must learn to continually pray and ask the Lord to reveal his truth, so that all may clearly see and hear. God help us that we may not be deceived or falsely accused, in Jesus name.
2 Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
The man of God can’t always help you with everything but has servants he can send you to while you go through rough times.
All of that war from a few people and their false words.
Sometimes people look too much into what is being said that they cause themselves to miss the original meaning of the message. Don’t assume and try not to over think. Some things are simply just black and white..
2 Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
ITs a sad day when a mans act of kindness is seen as being deceitful and causes war. Pastor preached a great message Wednesday about love.
One can not discern love when their ear in tuned to negativity. A negative word from a fellow leader, friend, or neighbor could distort the reality that someone is extending a loving hand to you.
Let us grow in love and in discernment in a effort to distinguish between true love and discretion.
Deception
In this Chapter David wants to show kindness again to others as it was done on to him. He wants to be kind and return the favor to Hanun because his dad the King had shown favor to him. Favors don’t always get respected. Gossip and other back biting from those that refuse to do the will of God
may lead Iinto battle just like the case of David .
Truth: Rejoicing Trumps Resistence
2 Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
The term “prince” is used in the Bible to describe individuals of authority under a king or other ruling individual or governmental body, or an individual who (less formally) simply has permitted authority and management over others perhaps through influence or relationship or by consent due to necessity.
We know that this titling can apply within the ranks of men but also with regards to angels and demons:
Daniel 10:13
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Because rank/lines of authority are established even in the spirit realm amongst individual angels and demons, we can have greater insight into how we as people interact in the spirit realm:
Zechariah 3:1-7 AMP
1 Then the guiding angel showed me Joshua the high priest [representing disobedient, sinful Israel] standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at Joshua’s right hand to be his adversary and to accuse him.
2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! Even the Lord, who [now and ever] has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is this not a log snatched and rescued from the fire?”
3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy (nauseatingly vile) garments and was standing before the Angel [of the Lord].
4 He spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And He said to Joshua, “See, I have caused your wickedness to be taken away from you, and I will clothe and beautify you with rich robes [of forgiveness].”
5 And I (Zechariah) said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with rich garments. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.
6 And the Angel of the Lord [solemnly and earnestly] admonished Joshua, saying,
7 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘If you will walk in My ways [that is, remain faithful] and perform My service, then you will also govern My house and have charge of My courts, and I will give you free access [to My presence] among these who are standing here.
The devil stood at the high priest’s right hand, which signifies a position of power and authority:
Mark 14:62
And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
To have the devil standing to his right, the place of power, would imply that he had allowed him to stand in that position, which is confirmed by his symbolic physical state of filth representing Israel’s sin. As an aside, the fact that Joshua was the high priest shows us that not a single one of us is excluded from the temptation and opportunity to fall into this situation. As we heard preached there’s no such that as being “too spiritual and advanced in the Kingdom to need grace;” we all need Jesus and His grace each and every day or we too can quickly find ourselves in Joshua’s shoes.
Jesus extended forgiveness and traded Joshua’s stained and dirty clothes for clean ones symbolizing a washing away of sins and renewal, however, it didn’t stop there; Zechariah asked for a clean turnin to be put on his head and after this, the Lord spoke to Joshua by calling him to walk in repentance and choose a righteous path. If Joshua followed God and let Him be Lord of his life, then God would not only give Joshua the opportunity to rule and lead in the natural realm but also have spiritual authority and free access to His presence.
Zechariah’s consent to the devil standing previously at his right hand—with God telling him later that he must choose a repentant life of righteousness and servanthood to God and His people—shows that Joshua allowed the devil’s words and desires to trump God’s. In fact, the devil wasn’t standing by Joshua giving him encouragement or assistance, rather he stood as Joshua’s enemy to work against him and accuse him before God in the heavenlies. Joshua had moved past the point of the devil tempting him and trying to look appealing, the devil was able to freely work against him while Joshua simply stood by.
Joshua may not have even realized the authority that he gave the devil to speak into his life, but God described His deliverance of Joshua from that situation as being like taking wood both out of and saving it from the fire. Joshua was not simply in danger of being harmed by the devil, he had already given heed to the devil’s lies and accepted his accusations; he was already touched by fire and affected by it. Because of this acceptance, his actions and lifestyle were not blameless, and as part of his deliverance he needed that clean white turban on his head (signifying a deliverance of his mind and what ruled there.)
Such acceptance could have come subtly, such as allowing the devil to influence his thinking slowly, first appealing to Joshua’s own carnal thinking as bait. Perhaps Joshua entertained thoughts of shame, maybe even resorting to condemning and accusing others to distract himself from his own failings and inner turmoil. Perhaps he fostered selfishness and turned his compassion inward at the expense of everyone around him, loving himself too much to care for others or see his own sin. Perhaps he became lazy with his duties as high priest and had little heart for it, redirecting passion to other pursuits that only fueled carnality and devilish sin.
Perhaps Joshua began to view others as competition or adversaries against him outside of the true context of their interactions, just as Hanun did when he allowed another sort of prince (or rather a collection thereof) to have authority over his mind and influence him to defy truth and both attack and publicly humiliate David and his men.
This mindset in particular revealed that the wisdom (or underlying “spirit”) of the words and actions of the princes of the children of Ammon in response to David’s messengers was not godly. In fact, in James this attitude is described as one literally standing in “defiance of the truth,” especially with regards to ourself and our actions and how others around us are affected. What better way to initiate a fight or entertain contention—especially over a situation not calling for such—than to stand in defiance of the truth?
James 3:13-18 AMP
13 Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth.
15 This [superficial] wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile].
18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].
1 Corinthians 13:1-7 NLT
1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.
3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
// Comment: It doesn’t matter who we are or what we accomplish, natural or spiritual, our actions alone do not dictate that we have love; love can be proved by actions but actions alone do not prove or determine the truth of the presence of love in us. Love begins as a state of our heart and mind and is in the attitude by which we operate, loving actions are only an extension of that. //
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud
5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
// Comment: Love does not stand in defiance of the truth, nor is it afraid of truth, but rejoices in truth because truth allows for love to flourish; it is a lie of the enemy to say truth is just a better opportunity for condemnation or that it is inconvenient. God IS THE TRUTH, and He said that He is the Truth sandwiched between saying He is the Way and the Life. Truth shows up between the opportunity for compassion and forgiveness Jesus revealed on the cross and the abundant life and joy with Him that flows through restored relationship with Him. //
7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
The most beautiful part of the passage from Zechariah is that in the same moment we must acknowledge that not one of us is “above” falling into Joshua’s position, we also must acknowledge that even if we do God desires to extend compassion and forgiveness to us and restore us so that we are as unspotted from sin before Him that it’s as if we never fell into that state in the first place. When Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, He made sure that we would understand that those three qualities are a package deal. Defying truth means also rejecting eternal life and our access to receiving it, but in an instant of repentance we can receive our deliverance and healing and realize the nature of His love that He lavishes on us so richly.
1 John 3:1 NIV
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Psalm 26:2-3
2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
Some bad counsel
David was sending people to comfort Hunun because his fathered died. He took the bad counsel of “the princes” and caused the death of many of his people.
This concept is set for us to gather wisdom from its events. When people come to you with compassion you should allow them to minister to you. Also we should consider the counsel we get from others and make sure that they are not self seeking or trying to get something from you. Even when considering what others are saying we should pray to see if what they are saying is what God says. Don’t just listen to the the young. Seek the wisdom of the older generations as well.
3 the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, their master, “Do you really think these men are coming here to honor your father? No! David has sent them to spy out the city so they can come in and conquer it!”
Again the consequences of listening to others, in other words gossip/rumors. Go to the main source to get and find out answers. Like Pastor says, “all answers go through me”.
“”Be strong. Let’s be brave as we fight for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what he thinks is best.””
2 Samuel 10:12 NIRV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5 NIRV