Joab instructs his soldiers in much the same way as today’s soldiers of Israel are instructed. The soldiers must strengthen themselves to go into battle for the People of Israel and to protect the cities of God. God will respond by doing what is right in His eyes. Ralbag notes that in most cases, God expects of humans to do their part and not to rely on His performing a miracle. Once people do what is expected, God may choose to provide miracles and redemption. This is a daily occurrence with the soldiers of the Israeli Defense Forces who strengthen themselves for battle, and have often been rewarded by God with miracles.
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