19:1-2 David was not incapable of diplomacy, he just wasn't given much opportunity for it. But the kingdom of Israel had good relations with king Nahash of Ammon. When their king died, David extended kindness to the new king, Nahash's son.
God does not teach us to have an "us against the world" attitude. He genuinely hopes that we will take any, every opportunity to mend, secure or reaffirm our relationships, national and personal. The kingdom of Israel did not seek total domination; it was quite content as it was, established and provided for by God within its own borders. Similar should we be as individuals: content with the space and provision God has given us, using none of it to further selfish motivations.
And so David sent his servants to Hanun (in the land of the people of Ammon) to comfort the new king. David was a compassionate man, evidenced by his tender relationship with God. The young new king had just lost his father and David hoped to provide comfort.
19:3 But David's servants are ill-received; they are believed to be spies with nefarious intentions. It may never have occurred to David that such false suspicions would arise; the kingdom of Israel was very much established according to the will of God, the mindset of the world might have been far from him. For a child of God, it would be unthinkable to betray and target an ally (especially) in their moment of weakness.
19:4 But the people of Ammon were not in the righteous sphere of God and therefore Hanun is easily convinced that David means harm. Hanun tragically represents the type of hasty fear the world lives with. They are without contentment and security. Even allies appear as enemies.
In response to David's kindness, David's servants were humiliated: their was ripped indecently; their heads were shaved. They were sent home ashamed.
19:5 When David learned about their humiliation, he did not respond with haste or fear or anger. Instead, David responded with empathy: he allowed the men time to recover in Jericho, to regrow their beards (which were highly regarded in their culture).
19:6-7 The people of Ammon realized that they destroyed relations with Israel. In a frantic scramble, they hired chariots and horsemen to help them defend themselves from a situation they unnecessarily caused. Their behavior was immature, hasty but we cannot too harshly judge them; often, we too allow our fear and immediate, emotional feelings to drive our behavior. From these accounts, we should learn the benefit of trusting God, being kind, and reacting always with patient solemnity.
19:8-9 The people of Ammon started the war again. When David learned that they had assembled an army against Israel, David sent Joab (commander of the Israelite army) and his men into battle.
19:10 Joab analyzes the situation with his experienced eye for battle and discerns that Israel is surrounded. And yet, it is with a calm and focused mind that Joab plans Israel's defense. God will provide us with the material and temperament we need when we need it, when we trust Him to.
19:11-12 Joab begins to arrange the army and its captains. He promises reinforcement to whichever division has the most difficult opposition. As a unit, the army of Israel will defeat their enemies; supporting each other rather than searching for personal glory.
9:13 Just before engaging in battle, Joab motivates the army under his leadership with this: "Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight." Joab reminded the people of God's presence and their motivation for fighting. He reminded them of an immense comfort and relief that they may not have been considered in that intense moment: that this battle would occur in accordance with God's will. Before facing any challenge, we have the benefit of remembering that we have placed God as the authority in our lives. The very God who has our best interests at heart and never fails.
The Israelite army was defending itself; it was innocent. Though battles today often have (glaringly obvious and sometimes discreet) political motivations, on personal levels, we can ensure that our motivations are always pure. And when our motivations are pure, so is the force of God in our defense.
19:14-15 The hired Syrian army shrunk and fled from the Israelite army. Ammon noticed that their reinforcement fled and then fled themselves. Israel barely had to lift an arm before their opposition realized they were outmatched. For Israel's reinforcement was God, in defense of their innocence.
19:16-19 David himself joins the effort when the Syrians redouble their attack on Israel. They fought and David prevailed; many of Israel's former enemies submitted themselves as servants. Ammon lost their ally. God will thoroughly dismantle our enemies (literal and figurative) when we become soldiers in His army of righteousness.
Be Strong: confident in your purpose of defending the innocent and protecting the righteous.
Be of good courage for your people: let not fear discourage you from ensuring justice for those who deserve it.
Know that God will do what is good in His sight: when you cannot rely on your own strength or courage, rely on God's.
