2 Samuel 10:2

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,

Study Bible

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.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from David's decision to show kindness to Hanun, and how can we apply this in our relationships today?

2. How does the concept of honoring past relationships play a role in our Christian walk, and what are some practical ways to honor those who have impacted our lives?

3. In what ways might our good intentions be misunderstood by others, and how should we respond when this happens?

4. How does the legacy of kindness, as seen in Nahash's relationship with David, inspire us to consider the impact of our actions on future generations?

5. How can we practice diplomacy and peacemaking in our daily lives, especially in situations where there might be historical tensions or misunderstandings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 11
Provides background on Nahash, the Ammonite king, and his interactions with Israel, which may shed light on why David felt indebted to show kindness.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches about loving your enemies and doing good to those who persecute you, which parallels David's attempt to show kindness to a foreign king.

Proverbs 25:21-22
Encourages showing kindness to one's enemies, which aligns with David's actions towards Hanun.