1 Chronicles 19:4

KJV

Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore Hanun {H2586} took {H3947} David's {H1732} servants {H5650}, and shaved {H1548} them, and cut off {H3772} their garments {H4063} in the midst {H2677} hard by their buttocks {H4667}, and sent them away {H7971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Hanun took David's servants, shaved them, cut off their clothes halfway up, at their hips, and then sent them away.

Berean Standard Bible

So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved their beards, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away.

American Standard Version

So Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 19:4 vividly narrates the profound and deliberate humiliation inflicted by Hanun, the king of Ammon, upon David's diplomatic envoys. This act, involving the shaving of half their beards and the cutting of their garments to expose their nakedness, was an egregious breach of ancient Near Eastern diplomatic protocol and a direct insult to King David himself, serving as the immediate catalyst for a major war between Israel and Ammon.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader narrative in 1 Chronicles detailing David's reign, specifically his interactions with surrounding nations. Chapter 19 opens with David's compassionate response to the death of Nahash, the Ammonite king, sending messengers to console his son, Hanun. This gesture of goodwill, intended to honor a past alliance or kindness, is tragically misconstrued. Verse 4 describes the shocking and provocative action taken by Hanun, fueled by the suspicious counsel of his advisors, which directly precedes the escalation to war detailed in the subsequent verses of [1 Chronicles 19](/1_chronicles/19 "1 Chronicles 19 - War with Ammon and Syria"). The parallel account in [2 Samuel 10:4](/2_samuel/10-4 "2 Samuel 10:4 - Hanun's Insult to David's Servants") underscores the historical significance of this event.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, diplomatic relations were often fragile and highly dependent on honor and respect. Messengers were typically considered sacrosanct, and their treatment reflected directly on the sending monarch. Beards were potent symbols of a man's dignity, honor, and maturity; their removal, especially half of one's beard, was an act of extreme public disgrace. Similarly, garments were more than mere clothing; they signified social status and personal modesty. To cut them in such a way as to expose one's "buttocks" (likely referring to the lower back and buttocks, exposing the private parts) was an act of utter public shaming, designed to render the individuals contemptible and mock their masculinity. Hanun's actions were a calculated and maximal insult, designed to provoke a strong reaction, perhaps out of fear or arrogance, and certainly in defiance of established diplomatic norms.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the **fragility of peace and the destructive power of mistrust**. David's initial overture of kindness is met with suspicion and hostility, demonstrating how easily good intentions can be misinterpreted, leading to catastrophic outcomes. Secondly, it underscores the **importance of honor and dignity** in ancient society; the profound insult to David's envoys was an insult to David himself, demanding a response to uphold the honor of the kingdom. This theme is further explored in David's subsequent actions to defend his reputation and his people, as seen in [1 Chronicles 19:6-7](/1_chronicles/19-6 "1 Chronicles 19:6-7 - Ammonites Prepare for War"). Finally, it foreshadows the **consequences of poor counsel**, as Hanun's rash decision, based on the paranoid advice of his officials, directly precipitates a major regional conflict, emphasizing the critical need for wise discernment in leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shaved (Hebrew: גָּלַח, _galach'_):** This verb specifically refers to the act of shaving or cutting hair. In the context of the ancient Near East, shaving a man's beard was a grave insult, often associated with mourning, humiliation, or even slavery. To do so to a diplomatic envoy was to strip him of his honor and dignity, rendering him an object of public scorn and ridicule. The severity of this act cannot be overstated in a culture where the beard symbolized a man's status and virility.
* **Cut off (Hebrew: קָצَص, _qatsats'_):** This verb means to cut off, prune, or sever. Here, it describes the deliberate and violent act of mutilating the envoys' garments. This was not a simple tear but a precise, humiliating cut designed to expose their nakedness from the waist down. This act, combined with the shaving, was a double affront, leaving the men utterly exposed and shamed.
* **Garments (Hebrew: בֶּגֶד, _beged'_):** While simply meaning "garment" or "clothing," in this context, "beged" carries significant cultural weight. Clothing in ancient Israel and the broader Near East was a marker of identity, status, and modesty. To cut someone's garments, especially in such a way as to expose their private parts, was a deliberate act of public humiliation, rendering them symbolically naked and vulnerable, akin to a prisoner or a slave.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore Hanun took David's servants,"**: This opening clause establishes Hanun's direct responsibility for the ensuing actions. It highlights the shift from a diplomatic reception to an act of hostile seizure. David's "servants" (עֲבָדִים, _'avadim'_) were not merely personal attendants but official representatives, making their mistreatment a direct affront to David's sovereignty and honor.
* **"and shaved them,"**: This describes the first of two deeply humiliating acts. The shaving, likely of half their beards (as implied by the parallel in 2 Samuel 10:4, though 1 Chronicles 19:4 is less specific), was a profound cultural insult. It stripped the men of a primary symbol of their masculinity, honor, and social standing, rendering them objects of scorn and public derision.
* **"and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks,"**: This details the second, equally egregious act of public shaming. The deliberate cutting of their outer garments ("garments" or "robes") at a specific, highly indecent point ("in the midst hard by their buttocks") was designed to expose their nakedness and private parts. This was an act of extreme degradation, intended to strip them of all modesty and dignity, making them a spectacle of shame.
* **"and sent them away."**: This final clause describes the completion of the humiliation. After being subjected to such physical and psychological abuse, the envoys were not held captive or killed but were sent back to David in their disgraced state. This was a calculated move by Hanun, ensuring that the full extent of the insult would be seen by David and his court, thereby provoking a direct and unavoidable confrontation.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 19:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity of Hanun's actions. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the insult; while literally true, the language emphasizes the extreme nature of the degradation, underscoring its profound impact beyond mere physical discomfort. The actions themselves serve as powerful **Symbolism**: the shaved beard symbolizes the stripping of honor and manhood, while the cut garments symbolize the loss of dignity, modesty, and social standing. This verse also functions as a crucial point of **Foreshadowing**, directly preceding and setting the stage for the intense military conflict that dominates the remainder of [1 Chronicles 19](/1_chronicles/19 "1 Chronicles 19 - War with Ammon and Syria") and [1 Chronicles 20](/1_chronicles/20 "1 Chronicles 20 - David's Wars"). The **Parallelism** with [2 Samuel 10:4](/2_samuel/10-4 "2 Samuel 10:4 - Hanun's Insult to David's Servants") highlights the historical importance and consistent interpretation of this event across biblical narratives, reinforcing its significance as a turning point in Davidic foreign policy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of suspicion and ungodly counsel. Hanun's actions, born of paranoia and bad advice, transformed a gesture of condolence into an act of war. The theological implication is clear: leaders, and indeed all individuals, must exercise discernment in receiving counsel and in their responses to perceived threats. Rash decisions, especially those rooted in a lack of trust and a desire to humiliate, often lead to devastating consequences. David's subsequent military response, while leading to bloodshed, was also a necessary defense of his kingdom's honor and the dignity of his people, reflecting a king's responsibility to protect his subjects and maintain his realm's integrity.

* [Proverbs 12:15](/proverbs/12-15 "Proverbs 12:15 - The Way of a Fool")
* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Plans Fail for Lack of Counsel")
* [Psalm 105:15](/psalms/105-15 "Psalm 105:15 - Do Not Touch My Anointed Ones")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Hanun's egregious insult to David's envoys offers profound lessons for contemporary life. It compels us to consider the immense damage that can be wrought by suspicion, misjudgment, and the deliberate intent to humiliate. In our interactions, whether personal or professional, the temptation to react rashly to perceived slights or to act on unverified information can lead to irreparable harm. This passage challenges us to cultivate wisdom, seek sound counsel, and practice discernment before responding to challenging situations. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of empathy and understanding, recognizing that our actions, even those born of fear or insecurity, can have far-reaching consequences for others. How do we respond when our dignity is challenged, or when others seek to shame us? Do we seek wisdom, or do we allow pride and anger to dictate our actions?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I feel insulted or dishonored?**
* **What role does trust (or lack thereof) play in my relationships and decision-making?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to act on poor counsel or unverified information, leading to negative consequences?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment and wisdom in my responses to conflict or perceived threats?**

### FAQ
**Why was shaving half a beard and cutting garments such a severe insult in ancient times?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, a man's beard was considered a symbol of his honor, maturity, and virility. To shave it, especially only half of it, was an act of profound public humiliation, akin to stripping a man of his identity and dignity. It was often associated with mourning, slavery, or extreme disgrace. Similarly, clothing was not just for warmth or modesty; it signified social status and personal honor. To cut someone's garments, particularly in a way that exposed their nakedness or private parts (as "hard by their buttocks" implies), was an act of extreme public shaming, designed to render the individual utterly contemptible and mock their masculinity. These actions collectively were a deliberate and maximal insult, intended to provoke a strong reaction and demonstrate utter contempt for David and his kingdom, as further detailed in [2 Samuel 10:5](/2_samuel/10-5 "2 Samuel 10:5 - David's Response to the Humiliation").

**What was David's immediate response to this insult?**

Answer: David was deeply offended and concerned for his humiliated servants. Upon hearing of their plight, he sent messengers to meet them and instruct them to remain in Jericho until their beards had grown back, acknowledging their shame and providing a temporary refuge. This practical and compassionate response is recorded in [1 Chronicles 19:5](/1_chronicles/19-5 "1 Chronicles 19:5 - David's Compassion for his Servants"). However, the insult ultimately led to war. Recognizing that Hanun's actions were an act of war, David mobilized his army under the command of Joab, leading to a major conflict with the Ammonites and their Syrian allies, as described in the subsequent verses of [1 Chronicles 19](/1_chronicles/19 "1 Chronicles 19 - War with Ammon and Syria").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 19:4 details a profound act of human insult and the resulting earthly conflict, it subtly points to a deeper spiritual reality fulfilled in Christ. Hanun's act of stripping David's envoys of their dignity and exposing their shame foreshadows the ultimate humiliation and degradation endured by Jesus, the true King and perfect Ambassador of God. Christ, though innocent, was subjected to unspeakable shame, being stripped of His garments, mocked, beaten, and ultimately crucified naked before the world, as recounted in [Matthew 27:28-31](/matthew/27-28 "Matthew 27:28-31 - Jesus is Mocked") and [John 19:23-24](/john/19-23 "John 19:23-24 - Soldiers Divide Jesus' Garments"). Unlike David's envoys, who suffered for their king, Jesus willingly endured this ultimate public disgrace not for His own honor, but to bear the shame of humanity's sin, becoming a spectacle of suffering so that we might be clothed in His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His suffering, the ultimate act of humiliation, was the very means by which God's peace was established, transcending the cycles of human conflict and vengeance, offering reconciliation to those who were once enemies of God ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 10:4

Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, [even] to their buttocks, and sent them away.

2 Samuel 10:5

When they told [it] unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and [then] return.

Psalms 35:12

They rewarded me evil for good [to] the spoiling of my soul.

Isaiah 47:2

Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.

Isaiah 47:3

Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet [thee as] a man.

Isaiah 15:2

He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads [shall be] baldness, [and] every beard cut off.

Psalms 109:4

For my love they are my adversaries: but I [give myself unto] prayer.