The Book of second Samuel

Chapter 10

[1] And it came to pass after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his stead.
[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.

1) Concern (Vs 1,2)

Upon learning of the death of the king of the Ammonites, King David sympathizes for them

The King sends Ambassadors (high ranking official sent to foreign soil to rep. home country)(II C 5:20)

They are sent as a gesture of goodwill, peace & respect and to try to comfort the grieving

[3] And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
[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.
[5] When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

2) Considerations (Vs 3-5)

The Ammonites advise their new king that David is not trying to help but rather spying to overthrow

Those that bear ill will to their neighbors are resolved not to believe their neighbor could bear goodwill

So the new king takes the servants of King David and shaves ½ their beards off

The beard was considered to be the greatest ornament for a man (disgraced & ridiculed)

Then the new king cut off their garments in the middle and sent them back

This would expose their nakedness and cause the ambassadors great shame

These actions are intended to insult and humiliate King David and Israel

· “To insult the ambassador is to insult the king” (Mt 25:40, Jn 15:18,25)

David tells these insulted men to go and remain in Jericho until the beard is grown back

David cared for the dignity and honor of his servants

The reproach will soon wear off and turn to shame it’s author

An injured reputation, in a little time, will grow back again

Note: David did not use these insulted men as political tools to whip up anger

[6] And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ish-tob twelve thousand men.
[7] And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.

3) Consultations (Vs 6-7)

The Ammonites saw they “stank” before Israel and had thus provoked Israel- Ps 7:11,12 (I Cor 10:22)

Their actions were repulsive. Remember David did not reject them but they rejected David

Then the Ammonites hired the Syrian to help them as mercenaries (I Chr 19:6)

David sends Joab, his General, and his mighty men to respond (this mighty army began I Sam 22:1,2)

[8] And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.
[9] When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:
[10] And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon.
[11] And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.
[12] Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.
[13] And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him.
[14] And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.

4) Conflict (Vs 8-14)

As Joab & Israel approach the Ammonite city, they suddenly find themselves surrounded by the enemy

The Ammonites in front of them and the hired Syrians are coming behind them

Joab divides his army and makes no allowance for surrender or ultimate defeat just ATTTACK

· Yet even as a divided army is fighting enemies yet they work together

He gives a speech about having courage (“play men”- be strong) (Eph 6:10)

He states “Remember our people, remember our cities, remember our God”

This battle is bigger than ourselves…………..we must resolve ourselves to stand

We should prepare as best we can, do our part and the outcome is up to God

The mercenary army of Syrians- hired to help, quickly decide to run (God w/ Israel Deut 28:1,7)

When Ammonites saw the hired army fleeing, they decide to run away too and Joab comes home

[15] And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together.
[16] And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.
[17] And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him.
[18] And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.
[19] And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.

5) Conquered (Vs 15-19)

The Syrians regroup and bring in reinforcements. (Rev 19:19 the devil & his armies gather)

David quickly responds and comes himself to fight with the Syrians, crossing the Jordan

The result was glorious. David was blessed with a great victory for Israel and Syria was crushed

Those that remained alive made peace w/ Israel and served the Israelites

The Syrians knew that Ammon had gotten them into trouble & would not ally themselves again

Jesus sent ambassadors, ministers & prophets, to the Jews yet they treated them shamefully

They abused them and slew them. Jesus would and will avenge them accordingly

David tried to leave the battle w/ Joab (they attained victory but not ultimately) therefore David came as the people needed their king and his presence. David should’ve learned this and not fell into sin in

II Sam11