“So Hanun took David’s servants and shaved off half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle as far as their hips, and sent them away.” (v.4)
When the Ammonite king died, David showed kindness to the Ammonites by sending emissaries to express his sympathy. The Ammonites, however, returned David’s kindness with insult and war. They sent the emissaries home humiliated, with their beards half-shorn and buttocks exposed. Then they turned aggressive, hiring Aramean soldiers to fight the Israelites (v.6).
Back in chapter 9, David extended kindness to Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, son of king Saul, and he accepted it. Here in chapter 10, David extends kindness to Hanun, son of king Nahash, and he rejects it and returns evil for good.
Today not much has changed. When we as Christians extend the “good news” to those around us, some will receive it gladly and others will reject it, some may even look to humiliate us. However, we are simpily commissioned (as servants of our King) by the Son of David, to share His message of kindness, love, and mercy. The choice to accept or reject this kindness is up to each individual. (see parable of the sower Matthew 13)
I pray that like Mephibosheth, you accept the king’s invitation.
The Truth: “How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)
