How should we respond when faced with opposition, according to 1 Chronicles 19:6? Background: A Diplomatic Good-Will Visit Gone Wrong David sent ambassadors to comfort Hanun, king of the Ammonites, after Hanun’s father died. Hanun’s advisers convinced him the envoys were spies, so he humiliated them. Word reached David, and tension rose. What the Ammonites Did When Opposition Loomed (1 Chronicles 19:6) “ When the Ammonites realized they had become a stench to David, Hanun and the Ammonites sent a thousand talents of silver to hire for themselves chariots and horsemen from Mesopotamia, Aram-maacah, and Zobah.” Their immediate moves: • Took stock: they “realized” they were offensive. • Reacted in fear and pride: instead of apologizing, they armed themselves. • Relied on human power: they bought allies and military muscle. Why Their Response Was Misguided • Pride trumped humility. A humble apology could have diffused the situation (Proverbs 11:2). • They doubled down on offense by escalating conflict (Proverbs 15:18). • Trust shifted from God to silver and chariots: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7) • The result was defeat and greater loss (1 Chronicles 19:17–19). A Better Way to Respond When We Face Opposition 1. Acknowledge Wrongdoing • If we caused the offense, own it quickly (Matthew 5:23-24). 2. Choose Humility Over Pride • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) 3. Seek Peace, Not Escalation • “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) 4. Depend on God, Not Human Resources • Jehoshaphat’s prayer models this: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” (2 Chronicles 20:12) 5. Respond with Faith-Filled Courage • David before Goliath: “The battle belongs to the LORD.” (1 Samuel 17:47) Putting It into Practice Today • Pause and pray before reacting; let God’s Spirit temper any knee-jerk response. • Ask, “Have I contributed to this conflict? Do I need to repent?” • Replace retaliation with reconciliation—reach out, clarify, apologize if needed. • Resist the urge to stockpile “chariots” (money, influence, social media allies) for self-protection; lean on God’s strength instead. • Remember: opposition is an opportunity to display Christlike humility and faith, not a cue to muster worldly firepower. |
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