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.

Wherefore Hanun {H2586} took {H3947} David's {H1732} servants {H5650}, and shaved off {H1548} the one half {H2677} of their beards {H2206}, and cut off {H3772} their garments {H4063} in the middle {H2677}, even to their buttocks {H8357}, and sent them away {H7971}.

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

So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away.

So 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.

Commentary

2 Samuel 10:4 describes a severe act of public humiliation inflicted upon King David's messengers by Hanun, the new king of the Ammonites. This verse marks a pivotal moment, escalating tensions between Israel and Ammon from a diplomatic exchange to open warfare.

Context

Following the death of Nahash, the Ammonite king who had shown kindness to David (likely during David's fugitive years), David sent envoys to express his condolences to Hanun, Nahash's son and successor. However, Hanun's princes, suspicious of David's intentions, convinced their king that these messengers were spies sent to scout the city for an attack (2 Samuel 10:3). Acting on this counsel, Hanun chose not only to reject David's gesture but to publicly disgrace his representatives in the most humiliating way possible.

Key Themes

  • Extreme Insult: The actions taken against David's servants were a direct and profound insult, not just to the individuals but to David himself and the entire nation of Israel.
  • Diplomatic Breakdown: This verse illustrates the complete failure of diplomatic relations, leading directly to armed conflict.
  • Humiliation and Shame: The core of Hanun's act was to inflict maximum shame, demonstrating contempt and hostility.

Cultural Significance and Linguistic Insights

In the ancient Near East, a man's beard was a profound symbol of his honor, dignity, and maturity. To shave off half of it was to strip him of his social standing and respect, akin to a public shaming. Similarly, garments were not merely clothing but represented a person's status and identity. Cutting them off "even to their buttocks" exposed them indecently, turning them into objects of ridicule and extreme disgrace. This act was designed to convey the utmost contempt and challenge David's authority directly. The KJV's "even to their buttocks" clearly conveys the depth of the humiliation, emphasizing the nakedness and vulnerability imposed.

Consequences and David's Response

The severity of this humiliation prompted David to act decisively. When the disfigured messengers returned, David, out of compassion and a desire to restore their dignity, instructed them to remain in Jericho until their beards grew back. More significantly, this act of aggression by Hanun directly triggered the Ammonite-Syrian wars, a significant conflict in David's reign. This incident underscores the high value placed on honor and proper conduct in ancient societies, where such an affront could not go unanswered.

Practical Application

This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of how easily good intentions can be misunderstood, leading to severe consequences. It highlights the dangers of acting on suspicion and poor counsel without verifying facts, as Hanun did. Furthermore, it speaks to the universal human need for dignity and respect, and how deeply offensive it is when those are violated. For believers, it also subtly points to the importance of seeking peace when possible, but also of standing firm against those who would shame or degrade others, reflecting God's own regard for human dignity.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 20:4 (9 votes)

    So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with [their] buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.

  • Jeremiah 41:5 (4 votes)

    That there came certain from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, [even] fourscore men, having their beards shaven, and their clothes rent, and having cut themselves, with offerings and incense in their hand, to bring [them] to the house of the LORD.

  • Isaiah 15:2 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Chronicles 19:3 (2 votes)

    But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?

  • 1 Chronicles 19:4 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 109:4 (1 votes)

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

  • Psalms 109:5 (1 votes)

    And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.