The Defeat of the Ammonites and Syrians

191 Now it came about after this , that Nahash the king of the sons of Ammon died , and his son became king in his place . 2 Then David said , "I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash , because his father showed kindness to me." So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father . And David's servants came into the land of the sons of Ammon to Hanun to console him. 3 But the princes of the sons of Ammon said to Hanun , "Do you think that David is honoring your father , in that he has sent comforters to you? Have not his servants come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land ?" 4 So Hanun took David's servants and shaved them and cut off their garments in the middle as far as their hips , and sent them away . 5 Then certain persons went and told David about the men . And he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly humiliated . And the king said , "Stay at Jericho until e your beards grow , and then return ."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 19:1-5

Chapter Contents

David's wars.

The history is here repeated which we read 2 Samuel 10. The only safety of sinners consists in submitting to the Lord, seeking peace with him, and becoming his servants. Let us assist each other in a good cause; but let us fear lest, while made instruments of good to others, we should come short of salvation, through unbelief and sin.