1 Chronicles 19

19:1-7 The new Ammonite ruler, Hanun, took exception to Israel’s presence so close to his nation. The Ammonites hired Aramean armies from the north, and these combined forces assembled at Medeba to challenge David’s control of Moab’s plateau.

19:9-13 The enemy armies drew their battle lines strategically; the Ammonites positioned themselves so that the city of Medeba could serve as a refuge, while the Israelites also had to deal with a second offensive from the Arameans. Joab divided his forces to fight on both fronts from a central rallying point.

19:13 Joab knew that the battle was not being waged to gain more territory but to defend the people and the cities of Israel from invasion (cp. 19:8). • Joab placed his trust in God, knowing that the outcome depended on the Lord’s providence.

19:16-19 In the battle against the Arameans, David accomplished three objectives: He challenged Hadadezer’s supremacy, threw the alliance of the Arameans into disarray, and prevented any possible future alliance between the Arameans and the Ammonites.