The Drum Beats of War I
and the Visionary Sons and Daughters of the King
"In my distress, I cried to the Lord, and He heard me...
My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace.
I am for peace; But when I speak, they are for war." Ps 120:1-6-7
My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace.
I am for peace; But when I speak, they are for war." Ps 120:1-6-7
Susan Rowe, 6/22/2024
We could very well be on the next phase of the war in Israel with a significant ramp-up of the conflict with Hezbollah in the North. As I write, news is breaking out. The drum beats of war are raging:
A couple of weeks ago, I was awakened around 1 am by the sound of war drums ringing in my head that lasted through the night. Amid these drums, I heard these words cycling over and over again, “I am for peace, but they are for war.” The words reiterate Psalm 120:7, “I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.” What followed was a very uncomfortable day as I continued to contend for its meaning and further revelation. Upon awakening the following morning, Saturday 8 June, news came that four hostages had been rescued by special ops forces through a courageous plan. Certainly, many have been contending for the hostages, but the timing of this sound and word has continued to provoke me to seek the Lord. The words have not left, nor have the sounds of the drum beats of war. More is coming. The question then is how do we prepare for and endure a war to be on the offensive, and avoid the dangers and distress of a defensive stance.
Two stories in the Bible contrast responses to war and carry lessons for us today. If we are at all to prevail, these lessons are invaluable as their outcomes were very different and can be applied today. One led to complete victory and recovery of all, the other led to compromise and ultimate defeat. They are the contrasting reigns of Ahab and David with significantly different results. These lessons are vital today in the wars that rage within ourselves, and that are rising in the nations particularly for Israel on the brink of a new phase of war.
The Two Stories
1) AHAB: 1 Kings 20 - Ahab defeats the Syrians: The backdrop of this story is important. Ahab was faced with a Syrian threat of war twice. The first story was birthed in a previous treaty with Ben-Hadad I (1 Kings 15:18-19) where the gold and silver of Judah were given to the Syrians in a treaty for Judah’s protection. Ben-Hadad II, his son, presumably and most likely witnessing the treaty saw the gold and silver presented his father. Now under his rulership, he had gathered a massive army against Judah (1 Kings 20:1). The Syrian army intended to take their “silver and your gold, your wives and your children,” (1 Kings 20:5). They made it known to Ahab via messengers. In response, Ahab sought council from elders in the land who warned him “Do not listen or consent,” (1 Kings 20:8). While Ben-Hadad was busy drinking and mobilizing his army, a prophet approached Ahab exhorting him to mobilize an attack and set the battle in order, (1 Kings 20:13-14). Ahab mustered 232 young leaders from the provinces and 7,000 from all the children of Israel, (1 Kings 20:15). Against a formidable foe, the Lord granted Ahab success as they surprise attacked the Syrians in their drunken revelry causing them to flee.
Secondly, after this battle, Ahab was warned that the Syrians under Ben-Hadad II would again attack in the Spring, (1 Kings 20:22). A prophet came to him and spoke directly, "Thus says the LORD: 'Because the Syrians have said, "The LORD is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys," therefore I will deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the LORD," (1 Kings 20:28). As they mustered their strength, they faced a massive army. The children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, while the Syrians filled the countryside, (1 Kings 20:27). Assured by the word of the prophet, they fought for seven days, the children of Israel killing 100,000 foot soldiers in one day. The rest, including Ben-Hadad, fled to Aphek, when God intervened allowing a wall to fall on 27,000 of the men who were left, (1 Kings 20:29-20).
Ben-Hadad, taking council from his servants, took desperate means to call on the mercy of Ahab, Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. Please, let us put sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads, and go out to the king of Israel; perhaps he will spare your life, (1 Kings 20:31). What transpired is vital to understand for today…when approaching Ahab, the servants looked for any sign of mercy in Ahab’s response. They got what they were looking for and a treaty rose between Ahab and Ben-Hadad with a promise to restore. Ben Hadad said, “The cities which my father took from your father I will restore; and you may set up marketplaces for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria. Then Ahab said, “I will send you away with this treaty.” So he made a treaty with him and sent him away,” (1 King 20:34). Thus, the stage of history was set, a false peace was made whose embers continue to smoke the horizon of today's war. Why? The prophet once again spoke, “Then he said to him, "Thus says the LORD: Because you have let slip out of your hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people,'" (1 King 20:42)....a very sobering ending to this story that does not bode well for the rest of Ahab’s life and sets a precedence for continued strife in the future. A false peace that would continue to smolder the fires of antagonism throughout the ages was lit.
Lesson: What seems good in man’s eyes before any council of the Lord, can lead to things that tickle our ears and may encourage our hearts, but if God is not in it, beware.
2) DAVID: 1 Sam 27-30 - David at Ziklag: Samuel had died, and David had been anointed king launching him on a decade of fleeing and contending with Saul.[1] David gained great victory, but also suffered repeated rejection; all to prepare him to be king. In a nutshell, after being anointed by Samuel, (1 Kings 16), he went on to kill Goliath in the sight of all Israel (1 Kings 17). It was a joyous promotion heralded by the cheers of the people, Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands, (1 Sam 18:7). Yes! You might say, that is what happens when one is anointed to be a king. But God’s plans are not our plans. The difficulties David would encounter would lead him into the character and nature of a man who would truly be a king, whose name would be remembered in scriptures forever, and be of the lineage of the coming Messiah. At the time, he did not know that, but his life was marked by obedience to the Lord, fearless in the face of conflict, repentance in the face of sin (which there were many), and valiant in wars.
This story takes us to 1 Samuel 30. After a long season of fleeing from Saul, from friends to family, he was eventually driven into Philistine territory to serve them to escape Saul. While in service to Achish, king of the Philistines in Gath, David was granted favor and victory invoking Achish’s trust. Through mutual agreement, Achish gave him Ziklag as a place to dwell in the Philistine camp, (1 Sam 28:5-6). In so doing, God granted David victory in the surrounding areas, invoking trust and favor with Achish, (1 Sam 28:8-12). When the Philistines gathered to war against Israel, Achish called forth David but the Philistine army rejected David. In an honorable discharge, Achish released David to return to Ziklag, (1 Sam 29:6-11).
Upon return to Ziklag, David and his men found the city burned and their wives, children, and possessions taken. David was once again faced with rejection, this time from his men, who wanted to “stone him,” (1 Sam 30:6). He was greatly distressed, as any one of us would be with an army of friends turning to you wanting to stone you. Get the picture! Massive rejection and lack of cooperation. What did David do? “But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God,” (1 Sam 30:7). This is the turning point! As he sought the Lord, the Lord answered, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all,” (1 Sam 30:8).
Of the six hundred men with him, four hundred pursued the Amalekites. Two hundred were too exhausted to go further, (1 Sam 30:10). Led to the camp by an Amalekite servant who had fallen sick, David and his men attacked the camp and RECOVERED ALL, (1 Sam 30:18). Upon his return, David was magnanimous in sharing the spoils of war with all.
Point of the two stories:
These are two stories with very different outcomes. One led to compromise and loss of inheritance while another recovered all through courageous obedience to the Lord. We are on the verge of a gateway to another phase of this war. What we contend for now will be vital for the outcome. So what are the lessons? How can we be more effective in our stance as watchmen on the wall?
Summary Lessons from Ahab and David:
A couple of weeks ago, I was awakened around 1 am by the sound of war drums ringing in my head that lasted through the night. Amid these drums, I heard these words cycling over and over again, “I am for peace, but they are for war.” The words reiterate Psalm 120:7, “I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.” What followed was a very uncomfortable day as I continued to contend for its meaning and further revelation. Upon awakening the following morning, Saturday 8 June, news came that four hostages had been rescued by special ops forces through a courageous plan. Certainly, many have been contending for the hostages, but the timing of this sound and word has continued to provoke me to seek the Lord. The words have not left, nor have the sounds of the drum beats of war. More is coming. The question then is how do we prepare for and endure a war to be on the offensive, and avoid the dangers and distress of a defensive stance.
Two stories in the Bible contrast responses to war and carry lessons for us today. If we are at all to prevail, these lessons are invaluable as their outcomes were very different and can be applied today. One led to complete victory and recovery of all, the other led to compromise and ultimate defeat. They are the contrasting reigns of Ahab and David with significantly different results. These lessons are vital today in the wars that rage within ourselves, and that are rising in the nations particularly for Israel on the brink of a new phase of war.
The Two Stories
1) AHAB: 1 Kings 20 - Ahab defeats the Syrians: The backdrop of this story is important. Ahab was faced with a Syrian threat of war twice. The first story was birthed in a previous treaty with Ben-Hadad I (1 Kings 15:18-19) where the gold and silver of Judah were given to the Syrians in a treaty for Judah’s protection. Ben-Hadad II, his son, presumably and most likely witnessing the treaty saw the gold and silver presented his father. Now under his rulership, he had gathered a massive army against Judah (1 Kings 20:1). The Syrian army intended to take their “silver and your gold, your wives and your children,” (1 Kings 20:5). They made it known to Ahab via messengers. In response, Ahab sought council from elders in the land who warned him “Do not listen or consent,” (1 Kings 20:8). While Ben-Hadad was busy drinking and mobilizing his army, a prophet approached Ahab exhorting him to mobilize an attack and set the battle in order, (1 Kings 20:13-14). Ahab mustered 232 young leaders from the provinces and 7,000 from all the children of Israel, (1 Kings 20:15). Against a formidable foe, the Lord granted Ahab success as they surprise attacked the Syrians in their drunken revelry causing them to flee.
Secondly, after this battle, Ahab was warned that the Syrians under Ben-Hadad II would again attack in the Spring, (1 Kings 20:22). A prophet came to him and spoke directly, "Thus says the LORD: 'Because the Syrians have said, "The LORD is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys," therefore I will deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the LORD," (1 Kings 20:28). As they mustered their strength, they faced a massive army. The children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, while the Syrians filled the countryside, (1 Kings 20:27). Assured by the word of the prophet, they fought for seven days, the children of Israel killing 100,000 foot soldiers in one day. The rest, including Ben-Hadad, fled to Aphek, when God intervened allowing a wall to fall on 27,000 of the men who were left, (1 Kings 20:29-20).
Ben-Hadad, taking council from his servants, took desperate means to call on the mercy of Ahab, Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. Please, let us put sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads, and go out to the king of Israel; perhaps he will spare your life, (1 Kings 20:31). What transpired is vital to understand for today…when approaching Ahab, the servants looked for any sign of mercy in Ahab’s response. They got what they were looking for and a treaty rose between Ahab and Ben-Hadad with a promise to restore. Ben Hadad said, “The cities which my father took from your father I will restore; and you may set up marketplaces for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria. Then Ahab said, “I will send you away with this treaty.” So he made a treaty with him and sent him away,” (1 King 20:34). Thus, the stage of history was set, a false peace was made whose embers continue to smoke the horizon of today's war. Why? The prophet once again spoke, “Then he said to him, "Thus says the LORD: Because you have let slip out of your hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people,'" (1 King 20:42)....a very sobering ending to this story that does not bode well for the rest of Ahab’s life and sets a precedence for continued strife in the future. A false peace that would continue to smolder the fires of antagonism throughout the ages was lit.
Lesson: What seems good in man’s eyes before any council of the Lord, can lead to things that tickle our ears and may encourage our hearts, but if God is not in it, beware.
2) DAVID: 1 Sam 27-30 - David at Ziklag: Samuel had died, and David had been anointed king launching him on a decade of fleeing and contending with Saul.[1] David gained great victory, but also suffered repeated rejection; all to prepare him to be king. In a nutshell, after being anointed by Samuel, (1 Kings 16), he went on to kill Goliath in the sight of all Israel (1 Kings 17). It was a joyous promotion heralded by the cheers of the people, Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands, (1 Sam 18:7). Yes! You might say, that is what happens when one is anointed to be a king. But God’s plans are not our plans. The difficulties David would encounter would lead him into the character and nature of a man who would truly be a king, whose name would be remembered in scriptures forever, and be of the lineage of the coming Messiah. At the time, he did not know that, but his life was marked by obedience to the Lord, fearless in the face of conflict, repentance in the face of sin (which there were many), and valiant in wars.
This story takes us to 1 Samuel 30. After a long season of fleeing from Saul, from friends to family, he was eventually driven into Philistine territory to serve them to escape Saul. While in service to Achish, king of the Philistines in Gath, David was granted favor and victory invoking Achish’s trust. Through mutual agreement, Achish gave him Ziklag as a place to dwell in the Philistine camp, (1 Sam 28:5-6). In so doing, God granted David victory in the surrounding areas, invoking trust and favor with Achish, (1 Sam 28:8-12). When the Philistines gathered to war against Israel, Achish called forth David but the Philistine army rejected David. In an honorable discharge, Achish released David to return to Ziklag, (1 Sam 29:6-11).
Upon return to Ziklag, David and his men found the city burned and their wives, children, and possessions taken. David was once again faced with rejection, this time from his men, who wanted to “stone him,” (1 Sam 30:6). He was greatly distressed, as any one of us would be with an army of friends turning to you wanting to stone you. Get the picture! Massive rejection and lack of cooperation. What did David do? “But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God,” (1 Sam 30:7). This is the turning point! As he sought the Lord, the Lord answered, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all,” (1 Sam 30:8).
Of the six hundred men with him, four hundred pursued the Amalekites. Two hundred were too exhausted to go further, (1 Sam 30:10). Led to the camp by an Amalekite servant who had fallen sick, David and his men attacked the camp and RECOVERED ALL, (1 Sam 30:18). Upon his return, David was magnanimous in sharing the spoils of war with all.
Point of the two stories:
These are two stories with very different outcomes. One led to compromise and loss of inheritance while another recovered all through courageous obedience to the Lord. We are on the verge of a gateway to another phase of this war. What we contend for now will be vital for the outcome. So what are the lessons? How can we be more effective in our stance as watchmen on the wall?
Summary Lessons from Ahab and David:
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Ahab
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David
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Our Response:
We cannot go into this war phase resting on the laurels of our past. As war looms, we, as watchmen, have a task to keep our vision and hearts clear so that we can see clearly. Tasked with the tumult of war, masses of information can provoke fear, and distract our every thought. The encroaching darkness can quickly muzzle the voice of the Lord, and His truth in our hearts. We are in a time of war. We cannot stay the same.
As a result of the increasing intensity, many are being challenged right now. Why? God is calling us to a new level of engagement with Him and with one another. Let’s not kid ourselves, we are in times Isaiah spoke of, For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people.” The next sentence is vital…But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you, (Isaiah 60:2). One of the greatest pieces of advice I have heard recently is “In the midst of darkness, focus on the light!” (Thank you Sara Ballenger CHPP). These two stories, Ahab and David, are contrasting stories of leaders. One chose to work in the flesh, the other sought the Lord in the face of great testing. He turned to God, obeyed, and the result was victory.
Our role as watchmen is to keep our lives centered on the Lord, no matter the circumstances. Traumas, difficulties, and threats are rising, but in facing them we will get to know an ever-faithful God more intimately and witness the glory of His testimonies rising. Here are some personal pointers to help us through this time that is upon us.
Some peronal and corporate keys for effectual war:
The Call for Visionary Sons and Daughters of the King
God is calling forth sons and daughters with visionary force to uphold His covenant promises in times of great testing. The war drums are sounding, and there is a clarion call to the watchmen. New realms of working together are being called forth in the heavens. Don't be afraid to step forward out of old patterns into new things God is offering you. Know that though the darkness deepens, the brightness of His light will outshine every circumstance. God does not lose one jot or tittle. Every sacrifice will have a reward. You will see it.
We cannot go into this war phase resting on the laurels of our past. As war looms, we, as watchmen, have a task to keep our vision and hearts clear so that we can see clearly. Tasked with the tumult of war, masses of information can provoke fear, and distract our every thought. The encroaching darkness can quickly muzzle the voice of the Lord, and His truth in our hearts. We are in a time of war. We cannot stay the same.
As a result of the increasing intensity, many are being challenged right now. Why? God is calling us to a new level of engagement with Him and with one another. Let’s not kid ourselves, we are in times Isaiah spoke of, For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people.” The next sentence is vital…But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you, (Isaiah 60:2). One of the greatest pieces of advice I have heard recently is “In the midst of darkness, focus on the light!” (Thank you Sara Ballenger CHPP). These two stories, Ahab and David, are contrasting stories of leaders. One chose to work in the flesh, the other sought the Lord in the face of great testing. He turned to God, obeyed, and the result was victory.
Our role as watchmen is to keep our lives centered on the Lord, no matter the circumstances. Traumas, difficulties, and threats are rising, but in facing them we will get to know an ever-faithful God more intimately and witness the glory of His testimonies rising. Here are some personal pointers to help us through this time that is upon us.
Some peronal and corporate keys for effectual war:
- Ask God to show you any mindsets that are holding you back. Some of these mindsets may be so comfortable and familiar to us that we don't even know we have them. Rejection is one of those mindsets and is a huge tactic of the enemy to wear God's people down, push them into places they are not ready for and get hurt. If struggling with a repeated mindset of feeling intimidated, or rejected, it is time to rid ourselves of these strongholds, repent, and turn to the truth of God's word to relieve their grip on us. Take David’s example to heart. David overcame rejection throughout his life. Saul, his wife Michal, his family, and friends, all turned on him at some point. He even survived rejection by working with his enemies, AND even they rejected him, (1 Sam 29)! The furor against him rose to the point of friends wanting to stone him (1 Sam 30). It was in this crisis that David strengthened himself in the Lord, (1 Sam 30:6). Distress can be very catalytic, we just need to handle it in a way that brings victory. David was distressed in all kinds of battles, but through perseverance and seeking the Lord, God led him to victory.
- 2 Sam 22:7. In my distress I called upon the Lord, Yes, I cried to my God; and from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help came to His ears.
- Also, Ps 120:1 (Psalms of Ascent).
- Follow David’s pattern to seek the Lord in the face of devastating news. If we seek Him we will find Him, (Deut 4:29; Jer 29:13). Focusing on the negative will never get us to the positive side of things when thinking about ourselves, others, or situations. It is not wrong to address and work through issues, the important thing is not to be pulled down by them but earnestly seek the Lord. He will give the discernment and wisdom to face things.
- What is God saying to you in the midst of the battle? How does He want us to respond? What lessons does He want me to learn? What do I say publicly, what do I say privately?
- Our speech is vital in this hour. The power of life and death is in the tongue, (Pro 18:21). Speak life.
- Now is not the time to hold onto hurt feelings. A culture of offense is burgeoning and enticing people away from their watch and calling. Offense will blind vision and purpose going forward for anyone. We are all at one point or another touched by this pain, but God allows it to soften our hearts, if we turn to Him. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven,” Mt 5:43-45. Following Jesus’ way will give us Jesus’ vision, heart and purpose for the difficulties we will face. Though painful and it may be costly, it will bear the fruit of righteousness.
- Joy of the Lord will be your strength! The above will lead to a greater inner peace and sharper vision, but JOY will be our strength, (Neh 8:10). Joy is the steam that will keep our engines rolling, even in the difficult times. That doesn't mean superficial and giddy, and insensitive. Quite the contrary, it undergirds a steady, wise, kind stance in life. Isaiah's word relays the promises of joy, "For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; And it shall be to the LORD for a name, For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off," (Is 55:12-13). These words describe a full and abundant life.
- Be bold and know God is with you when He calls you. The safest place to be in war and throughout our lives is in the center of God's will, aligned with His calling, and gifting that is uniquely yours. Leaning into the Lord, stretching our faith in building one another up, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves, will position us to be the watchmen God can trust. Experiencing that trust will embolden us and keep our heads above the din of war. John exhorts us, Love is perfected in this that we will have boldness in the days of Judgment, 1 John 4:17.
- Watch the end-time landscape and equip yourself in the biblical end-time narrative. We are committed in the Global Watch to encourage the biblical study of the end-times. Preparing for what is ahead is not fearful, but exciting as we see pieces unfold. The defining moment on the time line will be the midway point when the anti-christ is revealed. Things before that may be very obscure and mapped with various treaties that align the 10 nation coalition, but it will be very clear when the anti-christ stops the temple sacrifices, 'the abomination of desolation,' Daniel 9:27. The 70 weeks prophecy of Daniel is one to get familiar with but very hard to get your head around with confusing and unfamiliar language. Attached is a pdf rundown as reference.
The Call for Visionary Sons and Daughters of the King
God is calling forth sons and daughters with visionary force to uphold His covenant promises in times of great testing. The war drums are sounding, and there is a clarion call to the watchmen. New realms of working together are being called forth in the heavens. Don't be afraid to step forward out of old patterns into new things God is offering you. Know that though the darkness deepens, the brightness of His light will outshine every circumstance. God does not lose one jot or tittle. Every sacrifice will have a reward. You will see it.
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:1-2
Heb 12:1-2
On the radar: 40 Days call to prayer and fasting for this war, 4-July to 13 August, 2024. More information coming soon.
[1] Lee Woofenden, “How long was David on the run from Saul?” https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/52930/how-long-was-david-on-the-run-from-saul
