1 Chronicles 20:1-8
Q.1. How do we know that these were turbulent days? Where was David? In what way did David drift from God? – (1 Chron.20:1-3)
Imagine waging war every spring – at the time when kings go out to battle (1 Chron.20:1), to protect or expand your territory, with the loss of many fighting men. The chronicler reported that David stayed in Jerusalem. This was expanded in 2 Samuel 11:1-5, where David’s sin with Bathsheba was recorded. God used the prophet Nathan to lead David to repentance. After this, Joab besieged Rabbah, the royal city of the Ammonites. He encouraged David to defeat it and claim its wealth. (2 Sam.12:26-31). Here we read about the golden crown of the king, which had a precious stone that weighed a talent. It was worn by David. By this time David had returned to God, and would have written his significant Psalms 32, 40, and 51.
Q.2. What was the Philistine opposition like? What does this record teach us about overcoming overwhelming odds? (1 Chron.20:4-8)
Goliath was not the only giant of Gath. He had four massive relatives. It has been suggested that David selected five smooth stones in order to tackle Goliath … and his brothers, if needed (2 Sam.21:22 c.f. 1 Sam.17:40. Like Goliath, these Philistines taunted Israel and their God. However, what David’s men lacked in size, they made up for in courage and faith. Each of the giants was defeated. This reminds us that we must look beyond our opposition, to the great God Whom we serve, and Who dwells within us (1 Jn.4:4).