Text: “Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him” (1 Chronicles 19:13).

Context, Context, Context: David was king in Israel. He was God’s man. God was blessing David as prince over the people. But when things are going well, be assured that the Devil is scheming. The enemy hates righteousness and righteous rulers. The enemy and those in his army are possessed by a spirit of jealousy and resentment. As such, they plot to thwart righteousness and scheme to make everything about them instead of about God. That demographic is played her by the Ammonites.

The Ammonites’ Evil Act: “So Hanun took David’s servants and shaved them and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away; and the they departed” (1 Chronicles 19:4). The Ammonites humiliated some of David’s men.

Teaching: But David’s army was built with God’s men and that makes all the difference. It’s character that counts. Joab was one such man in David’s army. And his response? “Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him” (1 Chronicles 19:13).

Encouragement: Joab was a man of honor, character, and courage. That combination is a winner. Satan’s minions, take notice.