18/08/2024
แดกสแดสแด ษช๊ฑ แดแดแดส?
If you have been meditating on Scripture according to the schedule of Living Life, the monthly devotional, we read 2 Samuel 23 this week. In this chapter, there is a record of King Davidโs last words, along with a list of the 37 mighty warriors who fought battles with David. These men were mighty warriors who had faith in God, and whose courage brought victory to King David and the nation of Israel.
The chapter starts by listing the first three mighty men named Adino, Eleazar and Shammah. These three men, upon hearing Davidโs desire to drink water from the well of Bethlehem, broke through the host of Philistines and brought water to David. David was not only astonished by their love and loyalty, but also couldnโt drink the water and instead poured it on the ground as an offering to God. The list continues with three other mighty warriors next to the first three. Then, the last 31 mighty menโs names are recorded. However, where is Joab? Joab served his king David for many years as the captain of the host. Why isnโt his name mentioned among the 37? Shouldnโt he be on the top of the list?
There are reasons why Joab is missing from the list of Davidโs mighty men. Yes, Joab was one of the mighty warriors who brought so many victories to Israel. He was a fearless leader who faithfully served his nation and leader. However, there were two things that were lacking in Joab.
One thing was that he was a self-righteous man. He would generally obey the king; however, often times, he would act on his own conscience against the will of King David. When David assumed reign of not only Judah, but the entirety of Israel, Abner played a vital role in bringing the rest of the tribes of Israel. David wanted to accept Abner and install him as one of his cabinet members, even though he had been the captain of his previous enemy King Saul. Joab could not accept Davidโs decision, acted out of revenge (Abner killed his brother Abishal earlier), and ended up killing Abner. Later in the story of King David, Joab killed Davidโs son, Absalom, when David pleaded to all that Absalomโs life to be spared. Later, Joab also killed Amasa, who was the caption of the host at the time of Absalomโs revolt. Joab was a constant thorn on the side of King David. Joabโs name couldnโt be on the list.
Another thing Joab lacked was love for his leader David. Joab was obedient and faithful in the general sense. However, that was not enough. He didnโt love his leader. If he loved David, he would have understood why David wanted to include enemies like Abner and Amasa. If Joab loved David, then he would have understood Davidโs father heart over his rebellious son. Yet, Joab still went ahead and did what seemed to be right to his own conscience. If Joab loved David, he wouldnโt have hurt David. The first three loved David and risked their own lives to provide water for their leader. All had obedience and faithfulness, but one lacked love.
To do work for the kingdom of God, we not only need to be committed to God with obedience and faithfulness, but we also need to be committed to our leaders. Obedience and faithfulness are good. But letโs add love for our leaders. Love your leaders in all areas. God will do amazing things when our lives are bound together in love to do His will. Love you all.
Serving God and His people,
Pastor Shine
https://gmiem.blogspot.com/2014/06/where-is-joab.html
