1 Chronicles 19:5

KJV

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 19:5 details King David's swift and empathetic response to the profound humiliation inflicted upon his envoys by Hanun, the Ammonite king. Upon learning that his messengers had been severely disgraced by having their beards shaved and garments cut, David immediately dispatched officials to intercept them, recognizing their deep shame. He then wisely instructed them to remain in Jericho, a discreet location, until their beards had regrown, thereby allowing them to recover their dignity before returning to the public eye in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the egregious insult perpetrated by Hanun, the king of Ammon, against David's diplomatic delegation. David had sent messengers to express condolences for the death of Hanun's father, Nahash, an act of kindness intended to honor a previous covenant ([1 Chronicles 19:1-2](/1_chronicles/19-1 "1 Chronicles 19:1-2 - David's Kindness to Hanun")). However, Hanun's suspicious advisors convinced him that David's envoys were spies ([1 Chronicles 19:3](/1_chronicles/19-3 "1 Chronicles 19:3 - Hanun's Advisors' Suspicion")). Consequently, Hanun subjected the messengers to extreme public humiliation by shaving off half their beards and cutting their garments at the buttocks ([1 Chronicles 19:4](/1_chronicles/19-4 "1 Chronicles 19:4 - The Humiliation of David's Envoys")). David's response in verse 5 is the direct consequence of this insult, setting the stage for the ensuing military conflict between Israel and Ammon detailed in the remainder of the chapter and beyond.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the beard was a profound 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 declaration of contempt. 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 but a direct challenge and act of war against the sovereign they represented. David's instruction for the men to "Tarry at Jericho" was strategically sound. 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:** The passage highlights several significant themes. 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, David demonstrates 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. 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 Israel, inevitably leading to conflict. David's immediate care for his men, while 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](/1_chronicles/19-6 "1 Chronicles 19:6-19 - War with Ammon and Syria")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **greatly ashamed (Hebrew, _bosh_):** This Hebrew verb conveys a profound sense of disgrace, humiliation, and confusion, often accompanied by a feeling of being utterly confounded or put to shame. It is far stronger than simple embarrassment, denoting a public stripping of honor and dignity that leaves one utterly exposed and disgraced. The men were not just a little uncomfortable; they were deeply, fundamentally shamed.
* **Tarry (Hebrew, _yashav_):** Meaning "to sit," "to dwell," or "to remain," this verb implies a period of settled residence and waiting. David's command for them to "tarry" suggests a deliberate and necessary period of withdrawal and recovery, not merely a brief stopover. It highlights the need for time to heal from the deep emotional and physical wounds of their humiliation.
* **beards be grown (Hebrew, _zaqan_):** The "beard" in ancient Near Eastern culture was a highly significant symbol of a man's masculinity, wisdom, honor, and social standing. 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 and fitness to return to public life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then there went [certain], and told David how the men were served."**: This clause emphasizes the swift communication of the traumatic event to King David. The phrase "how the men were served" is a euphemism for the horrific humiliation they endured, highlighting the severity of the news that reached the king's ears. It underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation.
* **"And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed."**: David's immediate action demonstrates his compassionate and proactive leadership. He did not wait for his disgraced envoys to make the humiliating journey back to Jerusalem in their shamed state. Instead, he dispatched a delegation to intercept them, showing profound empathy and a desire to shield them from further public exposure. The explicit reason "for the men were greatly ashamed" underscores David's understanding of their deep 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 thinking. By instructing them to stay in Jericho, a city across the Jordan, he provided a safe and discreet haven where they could recuperate away from the public gaze of Jerusalem. 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 message. **Pathos** is evident in the explicit mention of the men being "greatly ashamed," immediately evoking sympathy and understanding for their plight. This emotional appeal highlights the depth of their disgrace. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as the profound and deliberate insult against David's envoys, coupled with his strategic response, clearly signals the inevitable military conflict that will follow between Israel and Ammon. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is powerfully at play, particularly with the "beard" representing a man's honor, dignity, and social standing. Its forced removal symbolizes the stripping away of these vital aspects of identity, making its regrowth a symbolic restoration. Jericho, in this context, functions as a **Symbol** of refuge and a place of healing and restoration, a temporary sanctuary from public scrutiny. Finally, the stark **Contrast** between Hanun's cruel and contemptuous actions and David's empathetic, wise, and protective leadership is a prominent literary feature, emphasizing David's character as a 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 and those who suffer disgrace. 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 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 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.

* [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - God Prepares a Table and Anoints the Head")
* [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Humiliation")
* [Luke 10:33-34](/luke/10-33 "Luke 10:33-34 - The Good Samaritan's Compassion")

### 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. 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 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.

#### 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?**

### 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.

**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.

### 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 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](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant's Humiliation") 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 ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Yet, unlike David who sent his men to a temporary Jericho, Christ Himself is our permanent "Jericho"—our place of refuge, healing, and complete restoration. He takes our shame and, through His sacrifice, clothes us in His righteousness, restoring our dignity and making us fit to stand before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Exchange of Righteousness")). He is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters, even in our former state of disgrace ([Hebrews 2:11](/hebrews/2-11 "Hebrews 2:11 - Jesus Not Ashamed to Call Us Brothers")), offering not just a temporary reprieve but an eternal identity rooted in His unblemished honor.

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

Judges 16:22

¶ Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven.

1 Kings 16:34

In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest [son] Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.

Matthew 18:31

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

Joshua 6:24

And they burnt the city with fire, and all that [was] therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD.

Joshua 6:26

And Joshua adjured [them] at that time, saying, Cursed [be] the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest [son] shall he set up the gates of it.