The battle between David and Absalom’s men was fought in the forest of Ephraim. The
men of David being more skillful immediately took the advantage. The forest
proved to be too formidable for Absalom’s less experienced men. Whereas David’s
men led by three seasoned commanders were more competent in warfare in such a
circumstance. They were well adapted at the forestry condition and
were more able to cope with the situation. So 20,000 of Absalom’s men were
slaughtered that day. Not all of them were fell by the sword. Being unfamiliar
with the place, a great number of them probably fell into ditches or stumbled
into their death due to the bumpy ground.
It
was a great loss for Absalom that day. The greater number of people on
Absalom's side did not add any advantage to him. The outcome of the battle was
destined with a foregone conclusion even before it started. Why so? Firstly,
Absalom’s men, though greater in number, were not people who were skilled in
warfare. Secondly, they were fighting in the unfamiliar and tricky environment
of the forest. Thirdly, they were fighting seasoned men of war with a better
strategy. Fourthly, and most importantly, they were up against God who was on
David’s side.
What
can we learn from these three verses? Firstly, we learn that the greatest
advantage in life is to make sure that God is on our side. If God is for us who
can come against us and be successful? Paul tells us that, “We are more than
conquerors through Him who loves us.” Secondly, having quality and committed
people, though smaller in number, is better than having a larger group of
incompetent followers. Hence what would be advantageous to the advancement of God’s
work would be having committed and serious disciples of Christ, rather than a
huge congregation of passive and uncommitted people. Let us seek to be the core
and not just a member in the crowd, adding to the number of nonchalant,
incompetent followers in church. God is looking for quality disciples who love
Him and are ready to fight the battle for lost humanity. He is still looking
for people to stand in the gap between Him and lost mankind. The pertinent
question is, can He count on us?
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