2 samuel 10:2 - 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.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 10:2

What does "2 samuel 10:2" mean?


This verse from 2 Samuel 10:2 sets the stage for a diplomatic disaster and a subsequent war. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

"David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me.” - David states his intention to show loyalty and kindness to Hanun, the new king of Ammon, because Hanun's father, Nahash, had previously shown kindness to David. The specifics of Nahash's kindness aren't detailed in the Bible at this point (though some Jewish tradition fills in the details), but it's clear David felt obligated to reciprocate. This indicates a diplomatic and possibly strategic alliance between David and Nahash in the past. David is aiming to continue this relationship.

"So David sent by his servants to comfort him concerning his father." - David, wanting to express his condolences and solidify their relationship, sends a delegation of his servants (ambassadors) to Hanun to offer comfort after his father's death. This was a customary practice of mourning and diplomacy.

"David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon." - This simply states that David's delegation arrived in Ammon, setting the scene for the events that follow, which is Hanun mistreating David's envoys because he listens to his advisers who distrust David's motives. This verse sets up the expectation of a friendly and successful diplomatic mission, which is then subverted by the Ammonites' paranoia and misjudgment. This will lead to a war between Israel and Ammon.