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From its capture and punishment of its people we learn —

I. THAT IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE THERE MUST BE NO CESSATION. Rest gives advantage to the enemy, and may delay or frustrate the end in view. "Forwards, children, forwards"! urged Blucher, in meeting Wellington at Waterloo.

1. Make needful preparation.

2. Be ready for every advantage. "The time to go out" must be discovered and seized.

II. THAT IN CONDUCTING SPIRITUAL WARFARE OPPORTUNITY IS GIVEN FOR THE DISPLAY OF VIRTUOUS QUALITIES (2 Samuel 12:26-29). We must, transfer the glory of our conquests to our gracious "Commander and Leader."

III. THAT ALL THINGS IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE WILL BE SUBDUED UNDER GOD'S POWER.

(J. Wolfendale.)

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KJV: And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it.

WEB: It happened, at the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out [to battle], that Joab led forth the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. Joab struck Rabbah, and overthrew it.