Overview
Ish-Tob (meaning "men of goodness") was a Syrian territory to which David sent his humiliated servants after their beards were shaved and garments cut by King Hanun of the Ammonites. This region served as a gathering place for mercenaries and those seeking employment, including Joab's military forces before the subsequent battle against the Ammonites and their Syrian allies.
Key Scriptures
"When the people of Ammon saw that they had become odious to David, Hanun and the people of Ammon sent 1,000 talents of silver to hire chariots and horsemen from Mesopotamia, from Aram-maacah, and from Zobah" (1 Chronicles 19:6, ESV).
"When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the choice men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians" (1 Chronicles 19:10, ESV).
Application
Like David's servants who regrouped in Ish-Tob, believers should not despair in humiliation but trust God to provide strength and strategy for future victory.