David's military success

I Chronicles Chapter 18

After bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, David subdued and humbled the Philistines by conquering Gath and surrounding towns. He conquered Moab and destroyed the forces of King Hadadezer of Zobah. David captured one thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers and twenty thousand foot soldiers. He crippled all but one hundred of the chariot horses.

When the Arameans came from Damascus to help King Hadadezer, David killed twenty-two thousand of them and placed garrisons in Damascus and the Armameans became David's subjects. The Lord gave David vitory wherever he went and he bought large amounts of bronze and melted it and molded the bronze Sea, pillars and bronze utensils used at the Temple.

When King Toi of Hamath heard David had destroyed King Hadadzer's army, he sent his son Joram to congratulate David. Joram presented David with many gifts which David dedicated to the Lord.

Another example of how the Lord made David victorious, was when Abishai, son of Zeruiah destroyed eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. Soon the Edomites were also David's subects.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: In 2 Samuel 8:1,2, it is recorded that David killed two-thirds of the people of Moab. His ancestor Ruth was originally from Moab. The list of battles in this chapter shows how God gave David victory after victory. Unblievers think victory comes from their own skills plus a little luck. David acknowledged God's role in his success.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? When he received gifts from King Toi, he dedicated them to God. David knew they had come from God and were to be used for him. Do you think your financial and material blessings are the result of your own skill and hard work? NO. They come from a loving God. Whatever he has given you, dedicate all to him and use all in his service. Don't worry that you may not know how to do this- because God will lead you. The first step is to be willing. Praise be to God!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.