They faced impossible odds; tens of thousands of soldiers, from multiple nations, surrounded them on either side. He looked toward his brother and saw the anxiety – the uncertainty – in his eyes. They had fought many battles together and shared many impressive victories, but this was too much for even the mightiest of warriors to handle. They would be overcome, not by skill, but by size. Death was certain.
He saw that men were beginning to assemble near the distant city gate, next to the tower of the royal palace. He thought through the coming hours of combat; surely he and his soldiers would be slaughtered. As commander of the army, he needed to devise a plan that would take as many pagan warriors to the grave with them as possible. Maybe triumph was improbable, but they would not die as cowards – they would boldly attack these despicable people, and hope for a favorable outcome!
He decided to divide the army in half. His brother would lead one half against the force behind him, as he assaulted the army currently assembling in front of him.
Unfortunately, he would probably not see his brother again – one, if not both, of them was sure to die in this battle. He shook the thought out of his mind, this was no time for emotional instability.
“Abishai, come!” he yelled.
His brother turned from a conversation with a young, inexperienced soldier – who was likely seizing a final opportunity to speak with a legendary veteran.
Abishai now approached. “What are we to do? The Ammonites have brought Arameans and other nations along with them! This force must number 60,000 men – at least.”
“Settle down. You are a leader of men; if our soldiers see fear in your eyes, they will return home like pathetic dogs – whimpering, with tails between their legs.” He began drawing in the dirt, representing the forces surrounding the city.
“I apologize, Joab. It’s just –"
“I will take half of our men, and move offensively against the Arameans. You will lead the rest of the army against the Ammonites assembled behind us. We will move simultaneously, and try to catch our enemies off guard together. Go now, we have little time to make the first move.”
“If we don’t –"
“If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to come to my rescue; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to rescue you. Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.” *
“I know Yahweh is behind us, but –"
“Abishai, stop talking! Go!”
Abishai left with a final nod of the head, and pat on the shoulder."Strength and courage, Joab!"
Abishai left with a final nod of the head, and pat on the shoulder."Strength and courage, Joab!"
Both forces were ready within an hour. Joab was now looking toward the men on the other side of the city gate, his sword and spear in hand, ready to attack – with some of the greatest Hebrew fighters by his side.
The king was confident in Joab’s ability to lead this attack, but Joab himself felt vulnerable against such a great force. As the Arameans began yelling their hideous war cry, the knowledge of impending slaughter shivered done the spines of his men. Joab knew this could be the end.
To Be Continued
* 2 Samuel 10:11-12 (NIV)
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