The God who Gives Victory
The God who gives Victory.
1 Chron 18
“And the Lord helped David wherever he went.”
Within the Ancient Near East, diplomacy was achieved at the end of a sword. In a time when city-states struggled for prominence, battles were often fought to obtain wealth and prosperity. Countries would be sworn enemies for generations. Consequently, for David to secure the borders of Israel and bring peace and prosperity to the land, he would have to obtain it first on the battlefield. Chapter 18 provides us with a list of the victories David achieved as he expanded the boards of Israel. It was a time of prosperity in the nation as David’s armies captured not only the surrounding region and captured their wealth. Because of his victories, the countries bordering Israel would pay tribute to David to avoid conflict on the battlefield.
The victory David achieved was more than expansionism. These were victories over the sworn enemies of Israel. The term “helped” refers to salvation from one’s enemies. The nations mentioned had previously attacked Israel and sought to destroy them. Consequently, God protected them and gave them victory. These are the same nations that God would use to bring punishment upon Israel when they walked in disobedience to God.
Because of his victories, David established his rule by administering justice and righteousness for all his people. Justice speaks of the establishment of law and the execution of the law. The word righteousness refers more to the establishment of God’s moral law. Ultimately, Israel was a theocracy with God as the ultimate ruler, and so they were to obey his law and commands.
Each of us today faces our enemies. It is not in the form of maundering armies, but they are still threats to our well-being and safety. We meet the daily struggles and issues that leave us with a sense of vulnerability and apprehension. It may come from a problem with our health, a situation at work, or adverse circumstances. In these times of difficulty, God’s unseen hand is always at work protecting us and providing salvation. God continuously invites us to pray in times of difficulty. While we affirm this as true, we struggle to realize it on a personal level. We fall prey to worry and anxiety as we struggle to deal with the problems and challenges of life.
Just as God fought for David and Israel, so he also fights for us. In Matthew 6:25-34, Christ affirms his care for us when he urges us not to worry about our circumstances. In these verses, Christ does not promise us freedom from adversity but God’s provision for us amid the struggles of life. Therefore, we must focus on His kingdom instead of being anxious about our needs. We must surrender to God’s sovereign rule and place ourselves under his authority. As our king, he then fights the battles for us. Because he takes responsibility to care for us, we no longer need to be anxious, and we are free to pursue of life of obedience to him.
This is our comfort that the God of the universe fights for us and brings us salvation. Not only does he save us from sin, but he also saves us from anything that threatens our spiritual lives and our relationship with him. He is a God who fights for us in every situation we face.
1 Chron 18
“And the Lord helped David wherever he went.”
Within the Ancient Near East, diplomacy was achieved at the end of a sword. In a time when city-states struggled for prominence, battles were often fought to obtain wealth and prosperity. Countries would be sworn enemies for generations. Consequently, for David to secure the borders of Israel and bring peace and prosperity to the land, he would have to obtain it first on the battlefield. Chapter 18 provides us with a list of the victories David achieved as he expanded the boards of Israel. It was a time of prosperity in the nation as David’s armies captured not only the surrounding region and captured their wealth. Because of his victories, the countries bordering Israel would pay tribute to David to avoid conflict on the battlefield.
The victory David achieved was more than expansionism. These were victories over the sworn enemies of Israel. The term “helped” refers to salvation from one’s enemies. The nations mentioned had previously attacked Israel and sought to destroy them. Consequently, God protected them and gave them victory. These are the same nations that God would use to bring punishment upon Israel when they walked in disobedience to God.
Because of his victories, David established his rule by administering justice and righteousness for all his people. Justice speaks of the establishment of law and the execution of the law. The word righteousness refers more to the establishment of God’s moral law. Ultimately, Israel was a theocracy with God as the ultimate ruler, and so they were to obey his law and commands.
Each of us today faces our enemies. It is not in the form of maundering armies, but they are still threats to our well-being and safety. We meet the daily struggles and issues that leave us with a sense of vulnerability and apprehension. It may come from a problem with our health, a situation at work, or adverse circumstances. In these times of difficulty, God’s unseen hand is always at work protecting us and providing salvation. God continuously invites us to pray in times of difficulty. While we affirm this as true, we struggle to realize it on a personal level. We fall prey to worry and anxiety as we struggle to deal with the problems and challenges of life.
Just as God fought for David and Israel, so he also fights for us. In Matthew 6:25-34, Christ affirms his care for us when he urges us not to worry about our circumstances. In these verses, Christ does not promise us freedom from adversity but God’s provision for us amid the struggles of life. Therefore, we must focus on His kingdom instead of being anxious about our needs. We must surrender to God’s sovereign rule and place ourselves under his authority. As our king, he then fights the battles for us. Because he takes responsibility to care for us, we no longer need to be anxious, and we are free to pursue of life of obedience to him.
This is our comfort that the God of the universe fights for us and brings us salvation. Not only does he save us from sin, but he also saves us from anything that threatens our spiritual lives and our relationship with him. He is a God who fights for us in every situation we face.
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