1 Chronicles 19:10-15 (ESV)
Ammonites and Syrians Defeated
When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and they were arrayed against the Ammonites. And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will help you. Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.” So Joab and the people who were with him drew near before the Syrians for battle, and they fled before him. And when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled, they likewise fled before Abishai, Joab's brother, and entered the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.
The above passage records one of many battles that took place under David’s kingship. This is one reason he was not allowed to build the Temple, but left the work to his son, Solomon. David was a man of war and man of blood. His life started out killing the giant Goliath. It would end with many battles to usher in peace for Solomon to build Israel to greatness, having no enemies to stop him. The popular line in the above text talks about Joab and his directions to his brother, Abishai. Joab is emphasizing the plan for the attack and brings out one of the most honored traditions of military exploits: Leave no man behind. Joab wants to assure his brother that should the struggle against Abishai be too strong, Joab would be there for him. He also was humble enough to tell his younger brother that if he were to struggle in battle, Abishai was to support him. This is the make of both good leadership and great follower-ship. The two of them would support the other. This is a picture of the body of Christ. Note what Paul stated in the New Testament to the Galatians:
Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV)
Bear One Another's Burdens
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
And, to the church of the Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 12:24b-25 (ESV)
... But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.
We are to support each other. The enemy wants to devour each of us. But, our support of each other enables the Spirit of God to work in us and protect us. We are to support our brothers.
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