Sunday, July 28 – 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19 – Patriarchs and Prophets Chapter 70, “The Reign of David”

1. What treatment did the Israelite ambassadors receive when they went to the funeral of Nahash, king of the Ammonites? (2 Samuel 10:4)

2. What did Joab decide when the battlefront doubled? (2 Samuel 10:10-12)

Commentary and Reflection:

2 Samuel 10 and 1 Chronicles 19 recount the same incident early in David’s reign. They describe the humiliation suffered by David’s ambassadors at the hands of the newly inaugurated Ammonite king. David had sent ambassadors to honor the deceased king, Nahash, when Hanun, his son, and successor, listening to the bad advice of his princes, shaved off half of the beards of the Israelite ambassadors, cut off their garments, and sent them back.

Let us remember for a moment that the Ammonites were descendants of Lot. Despite having the same genealogical root, they had sporadic but constant conflict with Israel during the early part of its history. The exception in this case was Nahash, the king’s father in the story, who had made friends with David since Saul pursued him.

This story is like that of Rehoboam, who, by listening to the bad advice of his inexperienced counselors regarding taxes, weakened his government and definitively divided the kingdom of Israel. Listening to bad advice can be worse than not hearing any advice. On the other hand, when in doubt, opt for diplomacy. War is always more costly.

Regarding Hanun’s action, the Pulpit Commentary says, “To an Oriental the beard was the mark of his being a free man, and to cut it off on one side was not merely an insult to David’s ambassadors, but the treating them like slaves. Moreover, as only the priests wore underclothing, and as the ordinary dress of men consisted of a tunic and a loose flowing robe thrown over it, the cutting of this robe short up to the hip was a vile and abominable affront. Of course, Hanun intended this as a challenge to war, whereas David had meant peace and friendship.” The Pulpit Commentary, 2 Samuel 10:4.

Ellen White in Patriarchs and Prophets says, “When Satan controls the minds of men he will excite envy and suspicion which will misconstrue the very best intentions,” (PP 714). There was no need to interpret David’s friendly gesture with suspicion. It seems that due to our sinful humanity, pride makes us vulnerable to the bad advice of those who seek to flatter us.

With the victory over the armies of the Ammonites and the Syrians, Israel achieved important strategic objectives. “Israel had become a mighty nation, respected and feared by surrounding peoples. In his own realm David’s power had become very great. He commanded, as few sovereigns in any age have been able to command, the affections and allegiance of his people. He had honored God, and God was now honoring him.” (PP 716).

May The Lord grant you a day full of blessings.