101 Now it happened afterwards e that the king of the Ammonites e died , and Hanun his son became king in his place . 2 Then David said , "I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash , just as his father showed kindness to me." So David sent some of his servants to console him concerning his father . But when David's servants came to the land of the Ammonites e , 3 the princes of the Ammonites e said to Hanun their lord , "Do you think that David is honoring your father because he has sent consolers to you? Has David not sent his servants to you in order to search the city , to spy it out and overthrow it?" 4 So Hanun took David's servants and shaved off half of their beards , and cut off their garments in the middle as far as their hips , and sent them away . 5 When they told it to David , he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly humiliated . And the king said , "Stay at Jericho until your beards grow , and then return ."
6 Now when the sons of Ammon saw that they had become odious to David , the sons of Ammon sent and hired the Arameans of Beth-rehob and the Arameans of Zobah , 20,000 e foot soldiers , and the king of Maacah with 1,000 men , and the men of Tob with 12,000 e e men . 7 When David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army , the mighty men . 8 The sons of Ammon came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the city , while the Arameans of Zobah and of Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the field . 9 Now when Joab saw that the battle e was set against him in front and in the rear , he selected from all the choice men of Israel , and arrayed them against the Arameans . 10 But the remainder of the people he placed in the hand of Abishai his brother , and he arrayed them against the sons of Ammon . 11 He said , "If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the sons of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come to help you. 12 " Be strong , and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God ; and may the Lord do what is good in His sight ." 13 So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to the battle against the Arameans , and they fled before e him. 14 When the sons of Ammon saw that the Arameans fled , they also fled before e Abishai and entered the city . Then Joab returned from fighting against the sons of Ammon and came to Jerusalem .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:1-14
Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:1-5
(Read 2 Samuel 10:1-5)
Nahash had been an enemy to Israel, yet had showed kindness to David. David therefore resolves gratefully to return it. If a Pharisee gives alms in pride, though God will not reward it, yet he that receives the alms ought to return thanks for it. Those who bear ill-will to their neighbours, are resolved not to believe that their neighbours bear any good-will to them. There is nothing so well meant, but it may be ill interpreted, and is wont to be so, by men who love nobody but themselves. The best men must not think it strange if they are thus misrepresented. Charity thinketh no evil. According to the usages of those days and countries, Hanun treated David's ambassadors in the most contemptuous manner. David showed much concern for his servants. Let us learn not to lay unjust reproaches to heart; they will wear off, and turn only to the shame of those who utter or do them; while the reputation wrongfully hurt in a little time grows again, as these beards did. God will bring forth thy righteousness as the light, therefore wait patiently for him, Psalm 37:6,7.
Commentary on 2 Samuel 10:6-14
(Read 2 Samuel 10:6-14)
They that are at war with the Son of David, not only give the provocation, but begin the war. God has forces to send against those that set his wrath at defiance, Isaiah 5:19, which will convince them that none ever hardened his heart against God, and prospered. Christ's soldiers should strengthen one another's hands in their spiritual warfare. Let nothing be wanting in us, whatever the success be. When we make conscience of doing our duty, we may, with satisfaction, leave the event with God, assuredly hoping for his salvation in his own way and time.