1 Chronicles 19:5

Translation
King James Version
Then there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Then there went H3212 certain, and told H5046 David H1732 how the men H582 were served. And he sent H7971 to meet H7125 them: for the men H582 were greatly H3966 ashamed H3637. And the king H4428 said H559, Tarry H3427 at Jericho H3405 until your beards H2206 be grown H6779, and then return H7725.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Some people reported to David how the men had been treated. He sent a delegation to meet them, because the men had been deeply humiliated. The king said, "Stay in Yericho until your beards have grown back, and then return."
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Berean Standard Bible
When someone came and told David about his men, he sent messengers to meet them, since the men had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.”
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American Standard Version
Then there went certain persons, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them; for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.
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World English Bible Messianic
Then there went certain persons, and told David how the men were served. He sent to meet them; for the men were greatly ashamed. The king said, “Stay at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.”
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And there went certaine and tolde Dauid concerning the men: and he sent to meete them (for the men were exceedingly ashamed) and the King saide, Tarie at Iericho, vntill your beardes be growen: then returne.
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Young's Literal Translation
And some go, and declare to David concerning the men, and he sendeth to meet them--for the men have been greatly ashamed--and the king saith, `Dwell in Jericho till that your beard is grown, then ye have returned.'
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See also
Judges 16:221 Kings 16:34Matthew 18:31Joshua 6:24Joshua 6:26
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David Defeats the Ammonites and Arameans
David Defeats the Ammonites and Arameans View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 10,913 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 19:5 captures King David's immediate, empathetic, and strategic response to the severe public humiliation inflicted upon his diplomatic envoys by Hanun, the Ammonite king. Upon receiving news that his messengers had been disgracefully treated—their beards shaved and garments cut—David swiftly dispatched a delegation to intercept them, recognizing the profound shame they felt. He then wisely instructed them to remain in Jericho, a discreet location, until their beards had regrown, thereby allowing them to recover their dignity and honor before returning to the public sphere in Jerusalem.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse serves as the pivotal turning point following the egregious insult perpetrated by Hanun, the king of Ammon, against David's diplomatic delegation. David had initially extended an olive branch, sending messengers to express condolences for the death of Hanun's father, Nahash, an act rooted in a previous covenant or goodwill (1 Chronicles 19:1-2). However, Hanun's suspicious advisors, misinterpreting David's intentions, convinced him that the envoys were spies sent to reconnoiter the city (1 Chronicles 19:3). Consequently, Hanun subjected the messengers to extreme public humiliation by shaving off half their beards and cutting their garments at the buttocks, exposing them to profound disgrace (1 Chronicles 19:4). David's compassionate and strategic response in verse 5 is the direct consequence of this unparalleled affront, immediately preceding and setting the stage for the ensuing military conflict between Israel and Ammon detailed in the remainder of 1 Chronicles 19 and extending into 1 Chronicles 20.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the beard was far more than mere facial hair; it was a paramount symbol of a man's honor, dignity, maturity, and social standing. To shave or cut a man's beard was an act of extreme public humiliation, a deliberate emasculation, and a profound declaration of contempt. It was a visible mark of disgrace that rendered a man unfit for public appearance or social interaction. Similarly, cutting one's garments to expose the buttocks was a deeply shameful act, stripping an individual of their modesty and public respect. Such an affront to diplomatic envoys was not merely a personal insult to the individuals but a direct challenge and act of war against the sovereign they represented, signifying utter disdain and a complete breakdown of diplomatic relations. David's instruction for the men to "Tarry at Jericho" was strategically sound because Jericho, located across the Jordan River, offered a relatively safe and discreet place away from the immediate public scrutiny of Jerusalem, allowing the men to recover physically and psychologically before facing the court and the capital's populace.
  • Key Themes: This passage highlights several significant themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. Firstly, the theme of Profound Humiliation and Shame is central, explicitly stated by the men being "greatly ashamed." This underscores the severity of Hanun's actions and the deep disgrace inflicted upon the envoys, which transcended mere inconvenience to become a stripping of personal and national dignity. Secondly, David's response exemplifies Compassionate and Strategic Leadership. Rather than allowing his disgraced men to return directly to Jerusalem in their shamed state, David demonstrates profound empathy and practical wisdom by providing them with a place of refuge and time for recovery. This action prioritizes their emotional well-being and the restoration of their honor before any military retribution. Lastly, the narrative introduces the theme of Consequences of Insult and the Pursuit of Justice. Hanun's actions were a direct affront to David and the entire nation of Israel, inevitably leading to a just and necessary conflict. David's immediate care for his men, while deeply compassionate, also subtly prepares for the necessary military response to restore national honor, as seen in the subsequent verses describing the war against Ammon and Syria (1 Chronicles 19:6-19).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • greatly ashamed (Hebrew, mᵉʼôd_ _kâlam', H3966): The combination of H3966 (mᵉʼôd), meaning "vehemently" or "exceedingly," with H3637 (kâlam), meaning "to wound," "to taunt," or "to be put to confusion," conveys a profound sense of utter disgrace and humiliation. It signifies a public stripping of honor and dignity that leaves one utterly exposed, confounded, and deeply wounded. The men were not merely embarrassed but experienced a fundamental assault on their identity and social standing.
  • Tarry (Hebrew, yâshab', H3427): H3427 (yâshab) is a primitive root meaning "to sit down," and by implication, "to dwell" or "to remain." David's command for them to "tarry" suggests a deliberate and necessary period of settled residence and waiting, implying a time of withdrawal and recovery rather than a brief stopover. It highlights the need for a sustained period to heal from the deep emotional and psychological wounds of their humiliation.
  • beards be grown (Hebrew, zâqân', H2206): H2206 (zâqân) refers to "the beard" as a symbol indicating age, maturity, honor, and masculinity. In ancient Near Eastern culture, its defilement was a direct assault on one's identity and reputation. David's instruction to wait until their beards had regrown was not merely about physical appearance but about the restoration of an outward sign of their inner dignity, social standing, and fitness to return to public life and the royal court.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Then there went [certain], and told David how the men were served.": This clause highlights the swift and urgent communication of the traumatic event to King David. The phrase "how the men were served" is a poignant euphemism for the horrific and deeply humiliating treatment they endured, emphasizing the severity and gravity of the news that reached the king's ears. It underscores the immediate crisis that demanded David's attention.
  • "And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed.": David's immediate and proactive response demonstrates his compassionate and protective leadership. He did not wait for his disgraced envoys to make the humiliating journey back to Jerusalem in their shamed state, which would have subjected them to further public ridicule. Instead, he dispatched a delegation to intercept them, showing profound empathy and a desire to shield them from additional exposure. The explicit reason, "for the men were greatly ashamed," underscores David's deep understanding of their emotional and psychological distress.
  • "And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and [then] return.": This final clause reveals David's practical wisdom and strategic foresight. By instructing them to stay in Jericho, a city relatively close to Jerusalem but across the Jordan River, he provided a safe and discreet haven where they could recuperate away from the immediate public gaze of the capital. The specific instruction to wait "until your beards be grown" directly addresses the most visible and culturally significant aspect of their humiliation, ensuring their full physical and symbolic restoration of honor before their reintegration into society and the royal court.

Literary Devices

The passage effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and emotional weight. Pathos is powerfully evident in the explicit mention of the men being "greatly ashamed," immediately evoking deep sympathy and understanding for their plight. This emotional appeal highlights the depth of their disgrace and the severity of the insult. The narrative also uses Foreshadowing, as the profound and deliberate insult against David's envoys, coupled with his strategic and protective response, clearly signals the inevitable military conflict that will follow between Israel and Ammon, transforming a diplomatic incident into a declaration of war. Furthermore, Symbolism is powerfully at play, particularly with the "beard" representing a man's honor, dignity, and social standing in ancient Near Eastern culture. Its forced removal symbolizes the stripping away of these vital aspects of identity, making its regrowth a symbolic restoration of self and public image. Jericho, in this context, functions as a Symbol of refuge, healing, and restoration, a temporary sanctuary from public scrutiny and a place where dignity can be quietly reclaimed. Finally, the stark Contrast between Hanun's cruel, contemptuous, and short-sighted actions and David's empathetic, wise, and protective leadership is a prominent literary feature, emphasizing David's character as a compassionate and discerning shepherd-king.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This incident profoundly illustrates the biblical emphasis on human dignity and the compassionate restoration of those who have been shamed. David's immediate and thoughtful response to his humiliated envoys reflects a divine principle: God cares deeply for the downtrodden, the disgraced, and those who suffer injustice. Just as David did not abandon his men to their shame but actively sought to restore their honor and provide a path to recovery, so too does God extend grace and restoration to those broken by sin, public humiliation, or societal injustice. This passage reminds us that true leadership, whether in a family, community, or nation, involves not only strategic foresight but also profound empathy and a commitment to upholding the inherent dignity of others. It underscores that healing from deep shame often requires both time and a safe space—a "Jericho" where one can recover before re-engaging with the world. This divine pattern of restoration is a recurring theme in Scripture, demonstrating God's heart for the broken.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

David's response in 1 Chronicles 19:5 offers a powerful model for how we, as individuals and communities, should engage with those who have experienced profound shame or humiliation. In a world where public shaming, whether intentional or accidental, is increasingly common through various platforms, David's empathy stands out as a beacon of godly character. He didn't dismiss their feelings, nor did he demand they immediately return to face public scrutiny. Instead, he recognized their deep emotional pain ("greatly ashamed") and provided a practical, compassionate solution: a safe space and time for healing. This challenges us to consider how we respond to the wounded and disgraced among us. Do we offer a "Jericho"—a place of refuge, understanding, and non-judgmental support—or do we inadvertently exacerbate their shame through indifference, gossip, or premature demands for their return to normalcy? This passage calls us to cultivate a posture of active compassion, seeking to restore dignity and facilitate healing, rather than leaving the shamed to languish in their distress. It also implicitly acknowledges that healing from deep emotional wounds takes time and often requires a period of withdrawal and quiet recovery, away from the pressures of public expectation. Our actions should always aim to uplift and restore, reflecting the heart of God for the broken.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does David's immediate and compassionate response to his shamed envoys challenge our own reactions when we encounter those who have been deeply humiliated or hurt?
  • In what practical ways can we, as individuals or within our communities, provide a "Jericho"—a safe space and time for healing—for those who are experiencing profound shame or disgrace?
  • What does this passage teach us about the nature of true leadership, particularly in its responsibility to protect and restore the dignity of those under its care, even at personal or national cost?

FAQ

Why was shaving half the beard and cutting garments such a profound insult in ancient times?

Answer: In the ancient Near East, a man's beard was an extremely potent symbol of his masculinity, honor, wisdom, and social standing. To shave or cut it was a deliberate act of public humiliation, emasculation, and a profound stripping away of dignity. It was a visible sign of disgrace that rendered a man unfit for public appearance or social interaction. Similarly, cutting one's garments to expose the buttocks was a deeply shameful act, violating modesty and further exposing the individual to ridicule and contempt. Such actions against diplomatic envoys were not merely personal affronts but a direct act of war against the sovereign they represented, signifying utter disdain and a complete breakdown of diplomatic relations. This level of insult was designed to provoke a military response, as it challenged the very honor of the king and his nation.

Why did David tell them to go to Jericho specifically, and what was the significance of waiting for their beards to grow?

Answer: David's instruction to "Tarry at Jericho" was both compassionate and strategically astute. Jericho was located relatively close to Jerusalem but across the Jordan River, providing a discreet and somewhat isolated location away from the immediate public eye of the capital. It offered a safe haven where the men could recover physically and psychologically without facing further public scrutiny in their disgraced state. The instruction to wait "until your beards be grown" directly addressed the most visible and culturally significant aspect of their humiliation. The regrowth of their beards symbolized the restoration of their honor, dignity, and public acceptability. It allowed them to regain their composure and outward appearance, ensuring their full physical and symbolic restoration before they returned to Jerusalem and reintegrated into society and the royal court. This wise counsel protected the men from further shame and allowed them to regain their sense of self before facing the public.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

David's compassionate act in 1 Chronicles 19:5, providing refuge and a path to restoration for his shamed envoys, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as David met his disgraced men before they could fully experience the shame of public return, so Christ, the greater King, meets us in our profound shame, not allowing us to wallow in the disgrace of our sin. The humiliation of David's envoys—the stripping of their dignity through a defiled beard and exposed nakedness—finds its ultimate echo in the suffering of the Messiah. Isaiah 50:6 prophesied that the Suffering Servant would "offer My back to those who strike Me, and My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard." Indeed, Jesus himself endured ultimate shame, being stripped naked and publicly humiliated on the cross, bearing the full weight of humanity's disgrace and sin (Philippians 2:7-8). Yet, unlike David who sent his men to a temporary Jericho for recovery, Christ Himself is our permanent "Jericho"—our place of refuge, healing, and complete restoration. He takes our shame and, through His perfect sacrifice, clothes us in His righteousness, restoring our dignity and making us fit to stand before God as His beloved children (2 Corinthians 5:21). He is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters, even in our former state of disgrace (Hebrews 2:11), offering not just a temporary reprieve but an eternal identity rooted in His unblemished honor and glory.

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 19 verses 1–5

Let us here observe, 1. That is becomes good people to be neighbourly, and especially to be grateful. David will pay respect to Hanun because he is his neighbour; and religion teaches us to be civil and obliging to all, to honour all men, and to be ready to do all offices of kindness to those we live among; nor must difference in religion be any obstruction to this. But, besides this, David remembered the kindness which his father showed to him. Those that have received kindness must return it as they have ability and opportunity: those that have received it from the parents must return it to the children when they are gone. 2. That, as saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked, Sa1 24:13. The vile person will speak villany, and the instruments of the churl will be evil, to destroy those with lying words that speak right, Isa 32:6, Isa 32:7. Those that are base, and design ill themselves, are apt to be jealous and to suspect ill of others without cause. Hanun's servant suggested that David's ambassadors came as spies, as if so great and mighty a man as David needed to do so mean a thing (if he had any design upon the Ammonites, he could effect it by open force, and had no occasion for any fraudulent practices), or as if a man of such virtue and honour would do so base a thing. Yet Hanun hearkened to the suggestion, and, against the law of nations, treated David's ambassadors villainously. 3. Masters ought to protect their servants, and with the greatest tenderness to concern themselves for them if they come by any loss or damage in their service. David did so for his ambassadors, Ch1 19:5. Christ will do so for his ministers; and let all masters thus give unto their servants that which is just and equal.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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