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1 Chronicles 19:1-19 open_in_new
David's attempt to deal kindly with the new king of Ammon was misrepresented and resented, and his messengers treated with indignity. The issue was their utter rout under Joab and Abishai, notwithstanding their confederacy with the Syrians.
The chapter ends with the account of the decisive victory of David over Zobah. The conflict would seem to have been thrice renewed. The first campaign resulted in David's capture of a position on the Euphrates (18: 3-8). The second victory was gained over them by Joab when they were the allies of Ammon. They gathered their forces for a final attempt after this defeat, and David overcame them, so that they made peace with him, and became his servants. Thus the consolidation of the kingdom went forward, while all the time the king was gathering treasure for building the Temple.
Victory is in itself a peril to any man. David's victories were the direct result of God's blessing on him. "The Lord gave victory to David whithersoever he went" (18:13). Yet in the midst of them he sinned his greatest sin, and that notwithstanding that in his deepest heart he desired the building of God's house. Constant watchfulness is the only guarantee of safety. Not even true desire and great blessing are sufficient if the heart be not personally watchful.