When David was hiding from king Saul, at Ziklag, some of Saul’s relatives, who were mighty men and warriors, from the tribe of Benjamin and Judah sought to join David’s stronghold and came to him. One of these men was Amasai, who was a chief of the captains (1 Chronicles 12:18). When David went out to meet them, he asked if Amasai and the men with him had come peaceably and if they did, he would let them join forces (knit hearts) with him. In response, Amasai who had the spirit of the Lord come upon him, tells David that they were on his side and prays that peace is on David and on those who helped him, recognizing that it was God that was helping David. David receives them and made them captain over the band.
What can we learn from Amasai?
Of all the men who joined David at Ziklag, it is only of Amasai that it is said, that the “Spirit of God” came upon him. And the message that is given is one of peace; peace for David and peace for all who help David. Amasai expressed that David’s strength and support did not come from his military strength and warriors, but from the Lord. We must be like Amasai, speaking peace, when we have the Spirit of the Lord in us. We must recognize that conquests of battles are not a result of the warriors with us, but as a result of the God of the warriors, who is with us and who has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
1 Chronicles 12:16-18 (KJV)
16 And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.
17 And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.
18Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
