1 Chronicles 19 📓 God Uses Imperfect People

1Now it came to pass after this, that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his stead.

 2And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.

 3But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?

 4Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away.

 5Then there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

 6And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syriamaachah, and out of Zobah.

 7So they hired thirty and two thousand chariots, and the king of Maachah and his people; who came and pitched before Medeba. And the children of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle.

 8And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.

 9And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array before the gate of the city: and the kings that were come were by themselves in the field.

 10Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him before and behind, he chose out of all the choice of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians.

 11And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon.

 12And 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 help thee.

 13Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.

 14So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him.

 15And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

 16And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians that were beyond the river: and Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.

 17And it was told David; and he gathered all Israel, and passed over Jordan, and came upon them, and set the battle in array against them. So when David had put the battle in array against the Syrians, they fought with him.

 18But the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men which fought in chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the host.

 19And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more.

COMMENTARY by Dave Burnette

Written By: God through Inspiration

Penned By: Ezra

Date Penned: (430 BC)

Overview: A History of God's Chosen People (c. 1-29)

Theme: The Reign of David (c. 10-29)

Message: Courage, Misunderstanding, and Victory Through the Lord (v. 1-19)

1 Chronicles 19 Commentary

(19:1-2) Kindness Should Be Freely Given - David sought to show kindness to Hanun because Hanun's father, Nahash, had previously shown kindness to him. David's actions remind us that gratitude should lead us to extend mercy and compassion to others. Even when kindness is misunderstood or rejected, believers are still called to do good because it reflects God's own character.

(19:3-5) Misjudging Good Intentions - Hanun listened to suspicious advisors who wrongly assumed David's messengers were spies. Instead of receiving an act of compassion, he humiliated David's servants and turned a peaceful situation into a needless conflict. Poor counsel and suspicion often destroy relationships. Wisdom carefully seeks truth before making accusations or acting on assumptions.

(19:5) Compassion for the Humiliated - David instructed his embarrassed servants to remain at Jericho until their beards had grown again. Rather than exposing their shame, David treated them with dignity and compassion. Godly leaders care for those who have been wounded, protecting their dignity while giving them time to recover.

(19:6-7) Sin Often Creates Greater Problems - Once the Ammonites realized they had offended David, they did not seek forgiveness but instead hired a massive army to defend themselves. One sinful decision frequently leads to another as people attempt to escape the consequences of their actions. Repentance is always wiser than trying to cover sin with more sin.

(19:10-13) Courage Combined with Trust in God - Faced with enemies on every side, Joab wisely divided his forces and encouraged his brother Abishai to support him if needed. He concluded, "Be of good courage... and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight." Godly courage is not self-confidence but confidence in God's sovereign will. We should prepare wisely while ultimately trusting God for the outcome.

(19:12-13) Serving Together - Joab and Abishai agreed to help one another if either battle became overwhelming. God's people are never meant to stand alone. The Christian life is strengthened through mutual encouragement, prayer, and support. We fight spiritual battles most effectively when we stand together.

(19:14-15) God Gives the Victory - As Joab advanced, the Syrians fled, and when the Ammonites saw their allies retreat, they fled as well. The victory came because God fought for Israel. Many battles that appear overwhelming quickly change when God intervenes. Believers can face difficult circumstances with confidence because the Lord remains sovereign over every conflict.

(19:16-18) Perseverance in Spiritual Battles - The Syrians regrouped after their initial defeat and returned with an even larger force. Likewise, spiritual opposition often returns after an initial victory. Christians must remain watchful, faithful, and dependent upon God, remembering that victory belongs to those who continue trusting Him rather than becoming complacent.

(19:19) God's Power Brings Peace - After witnessing God's hand upon Israel, the Syrians made peace with David and refused to aid the Ammonites any longer. God's victories often accomplish more than defeating enemies—they establish peace and demonstrate His authority before others. When God works, even former opponents may recognize His hand.

(19:13) "Let the LORD Do That Which Is Good in His Sight" - Joab's statement captures a timeless principle of faith. We are responsible to obey God, prepare diligently, and act courageously, but the final outcome belongs to the Lord. Faith rests not in controlling circumstances but in trusting God's wisdom and goodness. Whether in victory or trial, believers can confidently leave the results in His hands.

LIFE APPLICATION by Dave Burnette

Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we Continue in the book of 1 Chronicles with Chapter 19 and we see see David fighting the Ammonites. What catches my eye is how David continued to defeat the enemies of Israel who gave them problems in the past. In making application we see how the Lord uses people who have a heart for God to do the Will of God. Our obedience and humility to a Holy, All Powerful God, will see the Lord do might miraculous things through our lives. Even though David committed many sins he was a man after God's Own Heart and as a result God used him. God uses imperfect people who repent and seek after God to do mighty things for Him. How about you? Do you see how God can use you even though you are not perfect? Let us learn from our text today and the life of David to remember that God uses imperfect people who have a repentant heart toward Him to do mighty things for the Lord.