In 2 Samuel 10, we read of the Ammonites and the Syrians joining forces to battle Israel. Joab, the commander of Israel's army, saw that the battle set against him would be fierce. So he "chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians" (2 Sam. 10:9). "The rest of his men he put in charge of Abishai his brother, and he arrayed them against the Ammonites" (2 Sam. 10:10). Then Joab said, "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may YHWH do what seems good to him" (2 Sam. 10:11-12).
Now that's revealing. Joab and his brother Abishai take the necessary steps to win this battle. Joab chooses the best men. Abishai prepares his men. They agree to help each other if the enemy is too strong. And then they stir each other up to be courageous for their people and the cities of their God. And yet. They know something. Even after all the preparations, God must grant victory. God will determine the outcome. God will "do what seems good to him" (2 Sam. 10:12). This is Calvinism. And there Joab and Abishai lived. And there I love to be.
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