2 Samuel 10:2

KJV

Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} David {H1732}, I will shew {H6213} kindness {H2617} unto Hanun {H2586} the son {H1121} of Nahash {H5176}, as his father {H1} shewed {H6213} kindness {H2617} unto me. And David {H1732} sent {H7971} to comfort {H5162} him by the hand {H3027} of his servants {H5650} for his father {H1}. And David's {H1732} servants {H5650} came {H935} into the land {H776} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David said, "I will show grace to Hanun the son of Nachash, as his father showed grace to me." So David sent his servants to pass him a message of comfort concerning his father. David's servants entered the territory of the people of 'Amon;

Berean Standard Bible

And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console Hanun concerning his father. But when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites,

American Standard Version

And David said, I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness unto me. So David sent by his servants to comfort him concerning his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King David, recalling the past benevolence of Nahash, the deceased king of Ammon, resolves to extend a reciprocal act of kindness to Nahash's son, Hanun, who has now ascended to the throne. To express his condolences and solidify diplomatic ties, David dispatches a delegation of his trusted servants to comfort Hanun in the Ammonite capital, a gesture intended to honor the previous relationship and foster peace between the two kingdoms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant turning point in David's reign, immediately following a period of consolidation and the establishment of Jerusalem as his capital. Chapter 9 details David's profound *chesed* (loyal love) shown to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, demonstrating David's commitment to covenant faithfulness even to the house of Saul. This act of kindness to Hanun, though seemingly similar in intent, tragically sets the stage for a major conflict. The very next verses [2 Samuel 10:3-5](/2_samuel/10-3 "2 Samuel 10:3-5 - Hanun's Advisors and the Humiliation of David's Servants") reveal the catastrophic misunderstanding and insult that transform David's benevolent overture into a catalyst for war, leading to the detailed accounts of battle in the remainder of the chapter and its parallel in [1 Chronicles 19](/1_chronicles/19 "1 Chronicles 19 - David Defeats the Ammonites and Syrians").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the death of a monarch was a critical moment for regional stability. Sending envoys to offer condolences was a common diplomatic custom, often serving to either reaffirm existing alliances or initiate new peaceful relations. However, the relationship between Israel and Ammon had historically been fraught with tension and conflict, exemplified by Nahash's oppressive siege of Jabesh-Gilead at the beginning of Saul's reign [1 Samuel 11](/1_samuel/11 "1 Samuel 11 - Saul Defeats the Ammonites"). David's statement about Nahash's prior kindness is intriguing, as the Bible does not explicitly record such an event, though it might refer to a non-aggression pact or assistance during David's fugitive years. David's act, therefore, was a bold and potentially risky move, aiming to transcend generations of animosity through a personal bond.

* **Key Themes:** David's action in this verse introduces several critical themes. First, **Kindness and Reciprocity** are central, as David explicitly states his desire to repay a past favor, reflecting a deep sense of gratitude and loyalty. This act of *chesed* (loyal love/kindness) mirrors his earlier actions towards Mephibosheth, showcasing a consistent aspect of David's character. Second, the theme of **Diplomacy and Peacemaking** is evident in David's proactive attempt to establish peaceful relations with a neighboring kingdom, choosing overture over immediate confrontation. This highlights David's strategic foresight and his desire for regional stability. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Misunderstanding and Its Consequences**, as David's pure intentions will be tragically misconstrued by Hanun and his advisors, leading to devastating conflict, a stark reminder that even the most benevolent gestures can be met with suspicion and hostility, as seen later in [2 Samuel 10:4](/2_samuel/10-4 "2 Samuel 10:4 - Hanun's Insult").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kindness (Hebrew, _ḥesed_):** This rich Hebrew term, often translated as "lovingkindness," "mercy," or "steadfast love," denotes a loyal, covenantal love that goes beyond mere sentiment to involve active benevolence and faithfulness. When applied to human relationships, as here, it signifies a deep sense of obligation, loyalty, and a commitment to uphold a relationship, often in the context of a prior favor or agreement. David's use of *chesed* here elevates his act from simple courtesy to a profound expression of gratitude and fidelity to a past bond with Nahash.
* **Comfort (Hebrew, _nāḥam_):** The verb "to comfort" carries the sense of consoling, showing compassion, or expressing sympathy. In the context of mourning a deceased king, it was a formal diplomatic gesture, signifying respect for the new monarch and the stability of his reign. David's sending of servants specifically "to comfort him for his father" underscores the official and respectful nature of his delegation, intended to alleviate grief and acknowledge Hanun's new status.
* **Servants (Hebrew, _'eved_):** The term "servants" here refers to official representatives or envoys. In ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, the treatment of envoys was paramount, as they embodied the honor and authority of the sending monarch. Their well-being and respectful reception were crucial for maintaining inter-kingdom relations. David's choice to send his "servants" rather than lesser individuals highlights the importance he placed on this diplomatic mission, entrusting his reputation to their conduct and the reception they would receive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me."**: This opening clause reveals David's personal resolve and the motivation behind his action. His decision is not spontaneous but a deliberate act of reciprocity, rooted in a remembered past favor from Nahash. This highlights David's character of gratitude and his commitment to honoring past relationships, even across national boundaries.
* **"And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father."**: This clause describes the concrete action David took to fulfill his resolve. He dispatches an official delegation, emphasizing the formal and diplomatic nature of the gesture. The specific purpose—"to comfort him for his father"—underscores that this was a customary act of condolence and respect for a newly enthroned monarch, aiming to establish or maintain peaceful relations.
* **"And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon."**: This final clause confirms the execution of David's command and the arrival of his envoys in Ammonite territory. It sets the geographical stage for the ensuing events, marking the point of contact between David's good intentions and the Ammonite court, where those intentions would tragically be misconstrued.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is subtly present, as David's benevolent act, intended for peace, immediately precedes a major conflict, creating a sense of dramatic irony for the reader who knows the outcome. The explicit mention of David's pure intention ("I will shew kindness") sets up a powerful **Contrast** with the suspicious and hostile reception his envoys receive in the subsequent verses. This contrast highlights the tragic **Irony** of the situation: a gesture of *chesed* (loyal love) is met with extreme disloyalty and humiliation, leading directly to war rather than peace. The narrative structure here masterfully builds tension by presenting a noble intention that is about to be tragically subverted.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully illustrates the biblical principle of *chesed*, or loyal love and kindness, a characteristic profoundly attributed to God himself. David's desire to extend kindness based on a past favor reflects a divine pattern of grace and reciprocity, even when the recipient may not inherently deserve it or is a former adversary. It speaks to the call for believers to be peacemakers and to act with integrity, extending goodwill even when the outcome is uncertain or potentially fraught with misinterpretation. While David's intentions were pure, the subsequent events serve as a poignant reminder that human actions, however well-meaning, can be tragically misunderstood, leading to unforeseen and often painful consequences, underscoring the fallen nature of human suspicion and distrust.

* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's decision to show kindness to Hanun, motivated by gratitude and a desire for peace, offers a profound lesson for believers today. It challenges us to consider how we respond to past kindnesses and whether we are willing to extend grace and goodwill even to those who might be considered adversaries or strangers. This passage reminds us that our intentions, however pure, are not always guaranteed to be received in the spirit they are offered. We are called to act with integrity, to sow seeds of peace and kindness, even when we cannot control the harvest. While we strive to be peacemakers and to live peaceably with all, we must also be prepared for the reality that not all gestures of reconciliation will be reciprocated, and some may even be met with suspicion or hostility. Our calling is to reflect God's *chesed*, regardless of the immediate human response, trusting that our ultimate reward is from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when your good intentions or acts of kindness are misunderstood or even met with hostility?**
* **What does David's commitment to repaying Nahash's past kindness teach us about the importance of gratitude and honoring relationships?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be called to extend an unexpected act of kindness or diplomacy, even to someone with whom you have a strained relationship?**

### FAQ
**What kind of kindness did Nahash show David that prompted this act of reciprocity?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly detail the specific act of kindness Nahash showed David. Scholars speculate it could have been a non-aggression pact during David's reign, or perhaps a refuge or support offered to David or his family during his flight from Saul, similar to how David sought refuge for his parents in Moab [1 Samuel 22:3-4](/1_samuel/22-3 "1 Samuel 22:3-4 - David seeks refuge for his parents in Moab"). Whatever the specific act, it was significant enough for David to remember it and feel honor-bound to reciprocate it to Nahash's son. This unstated backstory highlights David's character and commitment to personal loyalty.

**Why did Hanun and his advisors respond with such suspicion and hostility to David's benevolent gesture?**

Answer: Hanun and his advisors viewed David's embassy through a lens of deep-seated historical animosity and political paranoia. Their suspicion, detailed in [2 Samuel 10:3](/2_samuel/10-3 "2 Samuel 10:3 - Hanun's advisors accuse David"), stemmed from a belief that David's condolence mission was a mere pretext for espionage, a common tactic in ancient warfare to scout enemy territory. Given David's growing power and military successes, the Ammonites likely feared his expansionist ambitions. Their advisors, perhaps seeking to secure their own positions or genuinely misinterpreting David's motives, convinced Hanun that David's kindness was a deceptive ploy, leading to the tragic and insulting treatment of David's envoys.

**Is it always wise to extend kindness to potential adversaries, given the risk of misunderstanding and negative consequences?**

Answer: While David's act of kindness here led to war due to Hanun's misinterpretation, the biblical principle remains that extending kindness, even to adversaries, is a virtuous and often commanded act. It reflects the character of God, who "makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good" [Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God's impartial goodness"). However, it also requires wisdom and discernment. David's intention was pure, but he could not control Hanun's response. Believers are called to be peacemakers and to "live peaceably with all" [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all"), which often involves initiating goodwill. The risk of misunderstanding does not negate the command to act with love and integrity, but it does underscore the need for prayerful wisdom in our interactions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's act of *chesed* in 2 Samuel 10:2, though tragically misunderstood and leading to conflict, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect *chesed* demonstrated by Jesus Christ. David, a king, sought to extend kindness and peace to a neighboring ruler, recalling a past favor. Yet, his good intentions were met with suspicion, rejection, and ultimately, war. In a far grander and more profound way, Jesus, the King of Kings, came not because of a past favor, but out of infinite, unmerited love for a humanity that was His spiritual adversary, alienated by sin. He came to offer ultimate comfort and reconciliation, not just for a deceased father, but for a world dead in its trespasses. Like David's envoys, Christ "came to His own, and His own did not receive Him" [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him"). His supreme act of kindness—the cross—was also misunderstood and rejected by many, leading to His crucifixion. However, unlike David's situation, Christ's sacrificial *chesed* did not lead to war but to the very possibility of peace and reconciliation between God and humanity. He is our peace, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace"), reconciling all things to Himself through the blood of His cross [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciling all things to Himself"). David's kindness was a noble human effort; Christ's kindness is divine, redemptive, and eternally effective, demonstrating God's own love toward us while we were still sinners [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God demonstrates His own love toward us").

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

1 Samuel 11:1

¶ Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.

Nehemiah 13:1

¶ On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;

Nehemiah 13:3

Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

Deuteronomy 23:3

An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:

Deuteronomy 23:6

Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.

1 Samuel 22:3

And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, [and be] with you, till I know what God will do for me.

1 Samuel 22:4

And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.