2 samuel 10:5 - When they told David this, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. The king said, “Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.”
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What does "2 samuel 10:5" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 10:5 describes David's response to a humiliating situation involving his envoys (messengers) sent to comfort the new king Hanun of Ammon after the death of his father Nahash, a former ally of David. Hanun, misled by his advisors who suspected the envoys were spies, shaved off half of their beards and cut off their garments in the middle, near their buttocks, before sending them back to David.
Let's break down the meaning of the verse:
"When they told David this, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed.": David was informed of the humiliation his envoys had suffered. He immediately sent messengers towards (but not necessarily to intercept) the returning, humiliated men. This shows David's concern for his men and his understanding of their immense shame. The phrase "greatly ashamed" highlights the cultural significance of beards and clothing in ancient Israel. Losing half your beard and having your clothes cut short was a deep insult, akin to being stripped of your dignity.
"The king said, 'Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.'": David's response is practical and sensitive. Instead of bringing the men back to Jerusalem immediately, where they would face ridicule and further shame, he instructs them to stay in Jericho, a city that likely offered some refuge and anonymity. The instruction to "Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown" shows David's understanding that restoring their beards was crucial for restoring their honor and self-respect. Beards were a sign of manhood, maturity, and honor in that culture. Waiting for them to grow back was a way of allowing them to regain their dignity before returning to the capital and resuming their duties.
In essence, this verse reveals the following:
Humiliation and Shame: The Ammonite king's actions were a deliberate act of insult and aggression towards David and his kingdom.
David's Sensitivity and Wisdom: David understood the cultural significance of the insult and responded in a way that prioritized the well-being and dignity of his men.
Delayed Retaliation (Implied): While David's immediate response was compassionate, it is clear from the subsequent narrative that this incident was a major catalyst for war between Israel and Ammon. David's willingness to let his men regain their honor before retaliating suggests a calculated approach, allowing the humiliation to fuel his future campaign.
The verse is important because it illustrates the cultural values of the time, the significance of honor and shame, and David's leadership qualities, demonstrating his concern for his people even in the face of a grave insult. It sets the stage for the conflict that follows.
2 samuel 10:5 - When they told David this, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. The king said, “Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.”
What does "2 samuel 10:5" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 10:5 describes David's response to a humiliating situation involving his envoys (messengers) sent to comfort the new king Hanun of Ammon after the death of his father Nahash, a former ally of David. Hanun, misled by his advisors who suspected the envoys were spies, shaved off half of their beards and cut off their garments in the middle, near their buttocks, before sending them back to David.
Let's break down the meaning of the verse:
"When they told David this, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed.": David was informed of the humiliation his envoys had suffered. He immediately sent messengers towards (but not necessarily to intercept) the returning, humiliated men. This shows David's concern for his men and his understanding of their immense shame. The phrase "greatly ashamed" highlights the cultural significance of beards and clothing in ancient Israel. Losing half your beard and having your clothes cut short was a deep insult, akin to being stripped of your dignity.
"The king said, 'Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.'": David's response is practical and sensitive. Instead of bringing the men back to Jerusalem immediately, where they would face ridicule and further shame, he instructs them to stay in Jericho, a city that likely offered some refuge and anonymity. The instruction to "Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown" shows David's understanding that restoring their beards was crucial for restoring their honor and self-respect. Beards were a sign of manhood, maturity, and honor in that culture. Waiting for them to grow back was a way of allowing them to regain their dignity before returning to the capital and resuming their duties.
In essence, this verse reveals the following:
Humiliation and Shame: The Ammonite king's actions were a deliberate act of insult and aggression towards David and his kingdom.
David's Sensitivity and Wisdom: David understood the cultural significance of the insult and responded in a way that prioritized the well-being and dignity of his men.
Delayed Retaliation (Implied): While David's immediate response was compassionate, it is clear from the subsequent narrative that this incident was a major catalyst for war between Israel and Ammon. David's willingness to let his men regain their honor before retaliating suggests a calculated approach, allowing the humiliation to fuel his future campaign.
The verse is important because it illustrates the cultural values of the time, the significance of honor and shame, and David's leadership qualities, demonstrating his concern for his people even in the face of a grave insult. It sets the stage for the conflict that follows.