Let's Talk ... A Quick Study of Warring for Your Prophecy

# Exploring the Depths of 1 Chronicles 17 - 21: A Journey of Faith and Warfare

Understanding God’s Approval and David’s Response

Imagine having God’s stamp of approval to do anything your heart desires. The prophet Nathan came to King David in 1 Chronicles 17:2 and said, "Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee." But then, in 1 Chronicles 17:4, that same night, God spoke to Nathan, saying, "Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in." In 1 Chronicles 17:8, God assured David that He would take care of his enemies and make his name famous. Even more astonishing, in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14, God promised David that even after his death, his lineage would be established in His kingdom forever.

Now, let’s be honest. Most of us would be ecstatic at this point. Here you are, once a shepherd boy in the middle of nowhere, anointed by God to become a king. A prophet tells you that you can do what you want and that God has your back. You might think that after such a blessing, life would be easy. You would expect David to kick back, relax in the palace, and let the maidservants feed him grapes. Instead, David responded to Nathan's prophecy by humbling himself before God. 1 Chronicles 17:16 says, "David came and sat before the LORD."

David sitting before God is a key indicator of his relationship with Him. Consider the consequences of approaching a king without being summoned. Take Queen Esther, for example. She knew that going before the king without permission had serious consequences. In Esther 4:16, she commanded, "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me." This illustrates the seriousness of approaching authority. Similarly, the high priest would wear bells when entering the Holy of Holies. If those bells stopped ringing, the people knew something was wrong. Coming into God’s presence demands reverence and honor. David understood this. Despite being a king, he recognized that God placed him in that position. He was, above all, a servant of God. After communing with the Lord, David got up and went to war.

The Reality of Prophecy and Spiritual Warfare

The manifestation of a prophecy is not always automatic. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us that we have an adversary, the devil, who walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. When Satan presented himself before the Lord, he was after Job. He couldn’t kill Job but aimed to set him up for failure. In Luke 22:31, Jesus told Simon, "Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat." But praise God, we have an advocate! In Luke 22:32, Jesus reassured Simon, "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." Knowing we have an adversary, we must remain steadfast in faith. As Philippians 3:14 states, we must "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Secondly, James 2:17,26 reminds us that "faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." Having faith alone is not enough. Consider when Jesus healed the ten lepers in Luke 17:12. He instructed them to show themselves to the priests, and "as they went, they were cleansed." Just as the psalmist wrote in Psalms 37:23, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD." God will illuminate the path you need to walk. Sometimes, it requires more faith than others, especially when you still see the symptoms, like the lepers did. But remember, as they went, they were healed.

Some situations may require you to have that as-you-go faith. It may be those as-you-go moments that are pivotal in bringing the prophecy into fruition. At times, warfare is necessary to fulfill the prophecy. After receiving Nathan's prophecy and humbling himself, David went to war. His first encounter was with the Philistines in 1 Chronicles 18:1.

Strongholds and Opposition

Strongholds and oppositions come in various forms. For the Israelites, the Philistines were a consistent stronghold and opposition throughout the Bible. Historically, the Philistines were believed to be of Aegean or Greek origin and settled along the southern coast of Canaan. They established five major cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. These cities held significant power in military, economic, and governmental control.

First on the list is Gaza, located on a vital trade route. This is where Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26. Gaza was also where Samson was taken as a prisoner. Next is Ashkelon, a coastal trade hub, followed by Ashdod, another maritime trade city. A notable event in Ashdod is when the Philistines placed the ark of God in the house of Dagon, as described in 1 Samuel 5:1-3. Lastly, Ekron was known for its worship of Baalzebub, as seen in 2 Kings 1:2. Ashdod and Ekron serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Both cities are located in the land promised to the tribe of Judah. When David defeated the Philistines and took Gath and her towns, he conquered fortified cities thriving in trade.

Learn to recognize your opposition and strongholds. These can manifest as past hurts that you haven’t processed properly. Such issues linger like the “Philistines” in your life. You may have fought through them, but the underlying problems might still be suppressed. Other situations may be beyond your control, like generational curses from before your time. Regardless, all these matters must be addressed at their root.

Who or What Are the Moabites in Your Life?

The Moabites originated from immorality. They were descendants of Lot’s daughter, conceived through incest after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In Numbers 25, the daughters of Moab led the men of Israel away from worshipping God, seducing them into idolatry and sexual immorality. While sexual immorality may not be your struggle, perhaps something else is commanding your attention, drawing you away from God. Keep your focus on Him. Ask yourself: do you want what God has for you? The Bible says in James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Wickedness in High Places

Ephesians 6:12 states, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Wickedness in high places can be both physical and spiritual. King Hadarezer sought to expand his dominion along the Euphrates River, a significant territory. This river marked the edge of the promised land given to the Israelites and is home to principalities, as noted in Revelation 9:14-19, where four angels are bound there, waiting to be released.

Physically, David battled King Hadarezer, who commanded an army of 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen, and 20,000 footmen. Hadarezer also received assistance from the Syrians of Damascus. According to 1 Chronicles 18:5, David killed 22,000 Syrian men. His army was equipped with shields of gold and so much brass that Solomon later used it to create the brazen sea, pillars, and vessels. David’s cities, such as Zobah, were fortified and wealthy, allowing him to establish control over Syria and its cities.

David continued to engage in battles against the Ammonites, Edomites, Moabites, Philistines, and Amalekites. If you find yourself facing one battle after another, don’t be discouraged. Remember, what lies on the other side of your struggles is often greater than you can imagine.

Expectations from People

Have you ever shown kindness only to have it taken for granted? David attempted to comfort the son of Nahash, king of the Ammonites, after his father’s death. Instead of gratitude, the Ammonites abused and shamed David’s servant.

While you work towards the manifestation of your prophecy, you may face multiple attacks, including from those you’ve tried to help. Don’t be surprised if those you’ve shown kindness to turn against you. Instead, remain steadfast and focused on the promises God has given you.

Satan is Waiting for You to Slip Up

Satan is always looking for a crack in your armor. He waits for you to slip up, whether physically or mentally. After receiving the prophecy, David first battled the Philistines but did not take full dominion. When he faced the Philistines again in 1 Chronicles 20, 2 Samuel 21:15 notes that David became exhausted. At that moment, he wasn’t quoting Isaiah 40:31. In his weakened state, he found himself on the palace rooftop during a time when kings should be at war. Instead of leading his men, he let them go into battle without him (2 Samuel 11).

Here’s what happened:

1. David left a crack by not taking dominion over the Philistines.

2. He became tired and ended up where he shouldn’t have been.

3. Because he wasn’t where he was supposed to be, he did something he shouldn’t have done (i.e., taking Bathsheba).

   
   

This was just enough for Satan to provoke him to step out of line and anger the Lord. Notice in 1 Chronicles 21:1 that it wasn’t solely about David. The verse states, "And Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to number Israel." The attacks you experience may not be about you; they often serve a larger purpose. Imagine that! Satan was after Israel, which can be defined in two ways: as a nation and as a promise. He knew that if he could provoke David, the leader, the people would scatter, as noted in Zechariah 13:7: "Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."

However, David, anchored in God, recognized his sin, humbled himself, and repented. Remember, trials and tribulations are not always signs that you’ve done something wrong or that you’re out of God’s will. The manifestation of some prophecies requires both faith and works. Even though the prophecy was given to David, its benefits were for generations to come. So, when Satan attacks, remember it’s not just about you; it’s about the fulfillment of the prophecies you’ve received. There’s a bigger picture at play.

As you fight the good fight of faith daily, keep in mind that remaining humble and praying to God is vital before, during, and after warfare. David humbled himself and prayed to God before going to war. When he realized he had sinned, he repented and prayed. The power of prayer should never be underestimated. Revelation 8:4 describes the prayers of the saints being poured out by an angel, causing thunder, lightning, and earthquakes.

In conclusion, navigating the journey of faith is not always straightforward. It requires humility, steadfastness, and a commitment to prayer. As we reflect on David’s life, let’s strive to embody his humility and dedication to God, trusting that He will guide us through our battles and fulfill His promises in our lives.