In those days, spring was when kings went to war. It was also a time of good weather and many crops after the spring harvest, a season to relax. So, Joab, David’s chief general, led the armed forces and laid waste the land of the Ammonites, who became Israel’s enemies in the previous chapter (1). But David remained in Jerusalem.

In 19:1-20:3, the Chronicler, the author of this book, follows 2 Sam 10-12 closely but omits the account of David’s sin with Bathsheba (11:2-12:25). His intention was not to embellish the king because he did not omit a different sin in the next chapter. Rather, the focus of the account was David’s victories given by God in spite of himself.

Verse 1 says “David remained in Jerusalem,” but immediately afterward in verse 2, it says, “David took the crown from the head of their king.” The author omits the events in between, which must have been well known to the readers (cf. 2 Sam 12:26-29). Despite not fighting in battle, David not only took the crown of the enemy king (2,3) but also had another giant enemy killed by his nephew, which was reminiscent of his killing of Goliath (6,7). His enemies “fell at the hands of David and his men” (8b). God gave David many victories.
Application: Father, thank you for victories you give me in spite of my weakness and shortcomings. Your name be praised! Amen.
One Word: “Victory in Jesus”