Hanun’s Mistake

2 Samuel tells of King David’s reign. Some stories are familiar:

Chapter 9 – Mephibosheth: David shows kindness to the disabled son of his friend Jonathan. It was one of my Grandmother’s favourites, with lessons of undeserved generosity, positive discrimination, bringing dignity to the disadvantaged, giving without expecting any return.

Chapter 11 – Bathsheba: The good and mighty King David fails and falls spectacularly. There’ s nudity, sex, scheming, murder, infant mortality… It’s not a story for young children! There are significant lessons in making bad choices, one mistake affecting many people, taking responsibility for failures, true repentance…

Between Chapters 9 and 11 comes chapter 10 (!)… the little known story of Hanun’s Mistake:

Ammonite King Nahash, David’s ally, dies and is succeeded by his son Hanun. David wants to show Hanun kindness, so sends a delegation to express sympathy concerning his father’s death.

When David’s ambassadors arrive Hanun takes advice from his leaders and doesn’t trust the delegation. Thinking they’re spies he shaves off half of each man’s beard, ‘cuts off their robes at the buttocks’ and sends them back to David in shame.

David’s angry. General Joab assembles the Israelite army; Hanun hires Aramean soldiers to fight alongside his Ammonite army. There’s a battle. Hanun is defeated and over 40,000 die…  

Musing…

Intention…Motivation: David’s intention to show kindness, to send his condolences, was good and honourable. He’d previously shown kindness to Mephibosheth… I’m encouraged to have good, honourable, kind motivation for my actions.

Interpretation…Mistake: Hamum took advice and got it badly wrong, misinterpreting David’s intentions and dishonouring the ambassadors… I’m encouraged to interpret motives generously… receive good, wise advice… reflect on the possible outcome of my actions.

Insistence…Might: Before the battle General Joab says: ‘Be strong and let us fight bravely… The Lord will do what is good in his sight.’ Joab is committed to his cause. Despite things appearing to be in a mess and out of control he insists that his God is the one with ultimate power, strength and might. I’m encouraged.