Once upon a time in Israel, under the reign of King David, there arose trouble from the regions of Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah. Kings and armies banded together against David, challenging his authority and the peaceful existence of the Israelites. Within this hardship, Joab, the commander of David’s army led a valiant charge and struck a severe blow on the land of Edom, in the Valley of Salt, leaving twelve thousand defeated.

The people turned their faces upwards, crying out in dominion, “O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast broken us down; Thou hast been angry; oh restore us again.” They felt the earth tremble beneath their feet, as though the land itself bore the brunt of the dissent and conflicts. It was as though the land was torn asunder, needing divine healing for the inflicted breaches.

During this period of turbulence and instability, the people experienced hardship. God showed them the adversity of their situation, making them taste the wine of bewilderment and despair. Yet amidst this chaos, God bestowed a banner to those who held Him in reverence, a symbol of His truth, providing them a beacon of hope and courage amid adversity.

The people prayed for deliverance, “That thy beloved may be delivered, Save with thy right hand, and answer us”. And in His holiness, God responded. A divine decree resonated in the hearts of the people. God assured them of His victory – that He would claim and divide Shechem and the valley of Succoth and that the regions of Gilead and Manasseh would be His. He declared that Ephraim would be His defense and Judah His royal scepter.

David heard God’s promise and in his heart, he felt a renewed strength. God’s words emboldened him, “Moab is my wash pot; Upon Edom will I cast my shoe: Philistia, shout thou because of me.” Yet the challenge remains. Who would bring David and his people into the strong city? Who will lead them to conquer Edom? Even though they felt abandoned by God, they still sought His guidance and support against their foes.

The plight of the Israelites was grave, and they knew that human aid was insufficient. So they beseeched God, “Give us help against the adversary; For vain is the help of man”. In their hearts, they knew that their real courage and power come from God. This faith sustained them, knowing that through God, they shall act courageously and triumph over their adversaries, for it is God who shall crush their enemies underfoot.

And so, amidst their struggles and strife, they held onto their faith in God, fully confident in His truth and promises, assured that their deliverance was imminent, that His justice would reign over their land again. Their story echoed the enduring power of faith, of trust and dependence on divine providence amidst adversities. Their tale continues to remind believers of the power of God who brings victory from despair, healing from breaches, and hope from desolation.