Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted. 2 Samuel 21:15 NIV
Once again there was a battle! Do you ever feel like you’re engaged in one battle after another? As David fought off the enemy, he became exhausted. I’ve been there a time or two and I’m guessing you have too!
Then Ishbi-benob, who was among the descendants of the giant, the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of bronze in weight, was girded with a new sword, and he intended to kill David. 2 Samuel 21:16 NASB
What do we know about his enemy? He was a strong, well armed giant, with a new weapon to use against David. He wasn’t looking to just harm him, he intended to kill him! Sound familiar? Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NLT We too have an enemy who is well armed and dangerous and he’s not looking to merely harm us; he wants to destroy us!
“But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue and killed the Philistine. 2 Samuel 21:17a NLT
God did not allow the enemy to win the battle. One of David’s men rose up alongside his tired friend, came to the rescue and killed the enemy. I’m so thankful for the people God has put in my life through the years, who have come alongside me, when I was tired, and kept the enemy from destroying me! I’m equally thankful for the times God allows me to serve that role in the lives of my friends.
Sometime after this, David wrote a song of praise in which he made these statements.
“But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I cried to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears.” 2 Samuel 22:7 NLT
“He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me. He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.” 2 Samuel 22:18-20 NLT
If you are tired of fighting one battle after another, cry out to God for help. He will hear you and He will respond. He will support you and lead you to a place of safety. He will rescue you because He delights in you!