2 Samuel 10:2
New International Version
David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent a delegation to express his sympathy to Hanun concerning his father. When David’s men came to the land of the Ammonites,

New Living Translation
David said, “I am going to show loyalty to Hanun just as his father, Nahash, was always loyal to me.” So David sent ambassadors to express sympathy to Hanun about his father’s death. But when David’s ambassadors arrived in the land of Ammon,

English Standard Version
And David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent by his servants to console him concerning his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the Ammonites.

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,

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent by the hand of his servants to comfort him concerning his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the people of Ammon.

New American Standard Bible
Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console him about his father. But when David’s servants came to the land of the Ammonites,

NASB 1995
Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console him concerning his father. But when David’s servants came to the land of the Ammonites,

NASB 1977
Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console him concerning his father. But when David’s servants came to the land of the Ammonites,

Legacy Standard Bible
So David said, “I will show lovingkindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, just as his father showed lovingkindness to me.” So David sent to comfort him concerning his father by the hand of his servants. And David’s servants came to the land of the sons of Ammon.

Amplified Bible
Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, just as his father did to me.” So David sent [a letter along with] some of his servants to console him in regard to his father’s death; and David’s servants came into the land of the Ammonites.

Christian Standard Bible
Then David said, “I’ll show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent his emissaries to console Hanun concerning his father. However, when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then David said, “I’ll show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent his emissaries to console Hanun concerning his father. However, 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.

Contemporary English Version
David said, "Nahash was kind to me, and I will be kind to his son." So he sent some officials to the country of Ammon to tell Hanun how sorry he was that his father had died.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David thought, "I will show kindness to Hanun as his father Nahash showed me kindness." So David sent his servants to comfort Hanun after his father's [death]. But when David's servants entered Ammonite territory,

Good News Translation
King David said, "I must show loyal friendship to Hanun, as his father Nahash did to me." So David sent messengers to express his sympathy. When they arrived in Ammon,

International Standard Version
so David told himself, "I will be loyal to Nahash's son Hanun, since in his loyalty his father showed gracious love to me." So David sent a delegation to Hanun to console him about his loss of his father. But when David's delegation arrived in Ammonite territory,

Majority 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,

NET Bible
David said, "I will express my loyalty to Hanun son of Nahash just as his father was loyal to me." So David sent his servants with a message expressing sympathy over his father's death. When David's servants entered the land of the Ammonites,

New Heart English Bible
David said, "I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me." So David sent by his servants to comfort him concerning his father. David's servants came into the land of the people of Ammon.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then said David, I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to 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.

World English Bible
David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent by his servants to comfort him concerning his father. David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David says, “I do kindness with Hanun son of Nahash, as his father did kindness with me”; and David sends to comfort him by the hand of his servants concerning his father, and the servants of David come into the land of the sons of Ammon.

Young's Literal Translation
and David saith, 'I do kindness with Hanun son of Nahash, as his father did with me kindness;' and David sendeth to comfort him by the hand of his servants concerning his father, and the servants of David come in to the land of the Bene-Ammon.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will say, I will do mercy with Hanun son of Nahash, as his father did mercy with me. And David will send to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants will come to the land of the sons of Ammon.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David said: I Will shew kindness to Hanon the son of Daas, as his father shewed kindness to me. So David sent his servants to comfort him for the death of his father. But when the servants of David were come into the land of the children of Ammon,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David said, “I will show mercy to Hanun, the son of Nahash, just as his father showed mercy to me.” Therefore, David sent consolation to him, by his servants, over the passing of his father. But when the servants of David had arrived in the land of the sons of Ammon,

New American Bible
David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun, the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me.” Therefore David sent his servants to Hanun to console him concerning his father. But when David’s servants had entered the land of the Ammonites,

New Revised Standard Version
David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent envoys to console him concerning his father. When David’s envoys came into the land of the Ammonites,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then said David, I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me. So David sent by his servants to comfort him for his father. And David's servants came to the land of the Ammonites.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David said: “I shall do a favor with Khanun son of Nakhash, like his father did a favor with me.” And David sent by his Servants to comfort him about his father, and the Servants of David came to the land of the sons of Amun
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David said: 'I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness unto me.' So David sent by the hand of his servants to comfort him concerning his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David said, I will shew mercy to Annon the son of Naas, as his father dealt mercifully with me. And David sent to comfort him concerning his father by the hand of his servants; and the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Messengers Disgraced
1Some time later, the king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son Hanun. 2And 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, 3the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?”…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 19:2
And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him,

2 Samuel 9:1-7
Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” / And there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. / So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” ...

1 Kings 5:1
Now when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David.

1 Kings 2:7
But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Proverbs 25:21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

Romans 12:20
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Genesis 21:23
Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.”

Genesis 47:29
When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt,

1 Samuel 20:14-15
And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, / and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”

1 Samuel 30:26
When David arrived in Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a gift for you from the plunder of the LORD’s enemies.”

2 Samuel 16:17
“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?”

2 Samuel 17:27-29
When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. / They brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, as well as wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, / honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”

2 Kings 2:3-5
Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.” / And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. / Then the sons of the prophets at Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”


Treasury of Scripture

Then said David, I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to 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.

shew kindness

Deuteronomy 23:3-6
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: …

Nehemiah 4:3-7
Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall…

Nehemiah 13:1-3
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; …

Nahash

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.

as his father

1 Samuel 22:3,4
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…

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Ammon Ammonites Children Comfort Console David David's Deal Hand Hanun Kindness Nahash Servants Show Showed
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Ammon Ammonites Children Comfort Console David David's Deal Hand Hanun Kindness Nahash Servants Show Showed
2 Samuel 10
1. David's messengers, sent to comfort Hanun are villainously treated
6. The Ammonites, strengthened by the Syrians, overcome by Joab and Abishai
15. Shobuch, making a new supply of the Syrains at Helam, is slain by David














And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.”
David's intention to show kindness reflects the biblical principle of reciprocity and loyalty. The Hebrew word for "kindness" here is "chesed," which often denotes covenantal love and faithfulness. Nahash, the father of Hanun, was the king of the Ammonites, a people often in conflict with Israel. However, Nahash had previously shown favor to David, possibly during David's time of fleeing from Saul. This act of kindness by David is reminiscent of the biblical theme of honoring past alliances and friendships, as seen in other scriptures like 1 Samuel 20:14-15, where David promises to show kindness to Jonathan's family.

So David sent some of his servants to console Hanun concerning his father.
Sending servants to console Hanun was a diplomatic gesture, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, to express sympathy and maintain peaceful relations. This act of sending envoys is similar to other biblical instances where leaders send representatives to convey messages or condolences, such as in Genesis 50:10-11, where Joseph mourns his father Jacob. The act of consolation also reflects the importance of honoring the dead and supporting the bereaved, a value deeply embedded in the cultural and religious practices of the time.

But when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites,
The land of the Ammonites was located east of the Jordan River, in present-day Jordan. The Ammonites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and often had contentious relations with Israel. The arrival of David's servants in Ammonite territory sets the stage for the unfolding events, highlighting the tension between political intentions and misinterpretations. This geographical context is crucial, as it underscores the challenges of maintaining peace and understanding between neighboring nations with a history of conflict. The narrative foreshadows the potential for misunderstanding and conflict, a recurring theme in the interactions between Israel and its neighbors.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, known for his heart after God and his leadership. In this verse, he seeks to show kindness to Hanun.

2. Hanun
The son of Nahash, who becomes the king of the Ammonites after his father's death. David intends to console him.

3. Nahash
The deceased king of the Ammonites, who had previously shown kindness to David.

4. Ammonites
A people living east of the Jordan River, often in conflict with Israel. The land of the Ammonites is where David's servants travel to console Hanun.

5. David’s Servants
Messengers sent by David to express condolences to Hanun on the death of his father.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Kindness
David's intention to show kindness reflects a godly character. As believers, we are called to extend kindness, even to those outside our immediate community or those who may not reciprocate.

Honoring Relationships
David's actions demonstrate the value of honoring past relationships and commitments. We should strive to maintain integrity and honor in our relationships.

Misunderstandings and Intentions
Despite David's good intentions, the outcome was not as expected. This teaches us that our intentions may be misunderstood, but we should still act righteously.

Legacy of Kindness
Nahash's kindness to David had a lasting impact, prompting David to reciprocate. Our actions can leave a legacy that influences others long after we are gone.

Diplomacy and Peacemaking
David's attempt to console Hanun is an example of diplomacy. As Christians, we should seek peace and reconciliation in our interactions with others.Verse 2. - His father showed kindness unto me. This makes it probable that it was the same Nahash as Saul's enemy. The smart of the defeat caused by Saul's energy would make him regard with friendship any one who was a thorn in the side of the man who had so unexpectedly stopped him in his career, and hence his kindness to David.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And David
דָּוִ֜ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

said,
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I will show
אֶעֱשֶׂה־ (’e·‘ĕ·śeh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

kindness
חֶ֣סֶד ׀ (ḥe·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

to
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Hanun
חָנ֣וּן (ḥā·nūn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2586: Hanun -- 'favored', two contemporaries of Nehemiah, also an Ammonite king

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Nahash,
נָחָ֗שׁ (nā·ḥāš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5176: Nahash -- the name of several non-Israelites

just as
כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ (ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

his father
אָבִ֤יו (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

showed
עָשָׂ֨ה (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

kindness
חֶ֔סֶד (ḥe·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

to me.”
עִמָּדִי֙ (‘im·mā·ḏî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5978: Against, by, from, me, mine, of, that I take, unto,

So David
דָּוִ֧ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

some of his servants
עֲבָדָ֖יו (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

to console [Hanun]
לְנַחֲמ֛וֹ (lə·na·ḥă·mōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge

concerning
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his father.
אָבִ֑יו (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

But when they
עַבְדֵ֣י (‘aḇ·ḏê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

arrived
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

in the land
אֶ֖רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of the Ammonites,
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son


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OT History: 2 Samuel 10:2 David said I will show kindness (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
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