2 Samuel 10:2

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.

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}.

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;

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,

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

2 Samuel 10:2 opens with King David's intention to extend kindness to Hanun, the newly crowned king of Ammon, following the death of Hanun's father, Nahash. This verse sets the stage for a pivotal event in David's reign, highlighting his diplomatic approach and desire to honor past relationships.

Context

The relationship between David and Nahash, the former king of Ammon, is not fully detailed in the preceding biblical narrative. However, David's statement, "as his father shewed kindness unto me," indicates a significant, positive history. This stands in contrast to the typical antagonistic relationship between Israel and the Ammonites, who were often adversaries. David's act of sending servants to comfort Hanun was a customary diplomatic gesture in the ancient Near East, signifying respect and condolences for a reigning monarch's loss. It was an attempt by David to maintain or establish peaceful relations, perhaps drawing a contrast to the earlier conflict with the Ammonites during Saul's time (see 1 Samuel 11:1, where Nahash besieged Jabesh-Gilead).

Key Themes

  • Kindness and Reciprocity: David's primary motivation is to repay the kindness shown to him by Nahash. This reflects a principle of gratitude and honoring past debts, even across national or tribal lines.
  • Diplomacy and Peace: David's action is a move towards peaceful coexistence and diplomatic engagement rather than immediate conflict. He seeks to establish good relations with a neighboring kingdom.
  • Good Intentions: The verse clearly states David's pure motive: "I will shew kindness." This highlights the sincerity of his gesture, which, unfortunately, would be tragically misunderstood.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "kindness" here is chesed (חֶסֶד), a rich term often translated as "lovingkindness," "mercy," or "steadfast love." While it usually describes God's covenant loyalty, it can also describe human loyalty, faithfulness, and acts of benevolence. David's use of chesed here implies a deep sense of obligation and faithful remembrance of Nahash's previous favor, making his subsequent treatment by Hanun all the more egregious.

Related Scriptures

This verse is crucial because it immediately precedes the unfortunate turn of events. For the consequences of Hanun's advisors' suspicion and Hanun's subsequent insult to David's envoys, see 2 Samuel 10:4. This act of aggression led directly to a major war between Israel and Ammon, detailed in 2 Samuel 10:6-19 and also recounted in 1 Chronicles 19:6-19.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a powerful reminder that even the best intentions can be misconstrued, leading to unintended and often severe consequences. David sought peace and demonstrated genuine goodwill, but his efforts were met with suspicion and hostility. It underscores the importance of clear communication and the challenges of diplomacy, even when acting out of a desire for peace. For believers today, it encourages us to act with kindness and integrity, even when we cannot control how our actions will be perceived by others. While we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), we must also be prepared for the reality that not all gestures of goodwill will be received in the spirit they are offered.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 11:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 23:3 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 22:3 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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