Today we are reading 2 Samuel 10. In this chapter we read about David’s response to the treachery of the Ammonites. “After this the king of the Ammonites died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. 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. But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Has not David sent his servants to you to search the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it?” So Hanun took David’s servants and shaved off half the beard of each and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away. When it was told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.””
2 Samuel 10:1-5 ESV So, David sent men to comfort the young king in his grief and the king responded by humiliating the men. Has your kindness ever been met with abuse? Has your generosity ever been welcomed with rudeness? How did you respond? How did Jesus respond to those who mistreated Him? David was forced to go to battle against these hostile neighbors as the king took the next step in escalating the conflict—he hired the Assyrians to come and fight for them. You can take the next step in making peace by forgiving those who are unkind to you. May God give you a merciful heart. Pastor Tim
