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King Nahash had died - an old enemy of King Saul (1 Sam 11), and seems to have become an ally of David - likely when Saul was chasing David. King David could have done what many others would have done - attacked a nation during the instability of a king’s passing, before he successor was firmly established. But instead, David chose to show kindness to Hanun because of his father’s kindness to David. This is the same term, kindness (hesed), that David showed to Mephibosheth.

This 40+ mile journey across the Jordan River likely took 2-4 days one way, to demonstrate David’s care for the family of Nahash.

Cutting off of one’s beard was only done during a time of mourning and was NEVER done by another person. Having half their beards forcibly shaved off by another was a sign that one was under complete submission. Cutting their clothes in half was likely to expose their genitals and buttocks - humiliating!

This is the kind of treatment that a conquering army force on a defeated army being led away as captives!

Hanun rejected David’s kindness and forced these men to carry that shame for days across the wilderness back to Jerusalem.

But before they got home, King David heard what occurred, and he first made sure to care for his men and gave them time off in Jericho, to regrow their beards, and keep them from humiliation. Jericho is about 17 miles away from Jerusalem.

This could have all been avoided, BUT…Hanun rejected David’s kindness and mistreated his ambassadors. Hanun then paid around 75,000 pounds of silver for this help from the Arameans (1 Chr 19:6).

It looks like the Hebrew troops are surrounded by their enemies on opposing sides, the Ammonites & the Arameans intending to crush the Hebrews in the middle, but the brothers are ready to send extra help where needed. It’s GOOD to have brothers…and sisters who have your back!

Be strong isn’t just a random phrase - this is the phrase from Yahweh given to Joshua “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

They were asking and trusting Yahweh’s will be done. And, has been the case for David since he has been king, his army routes his enemies and then return home to Jerusalem.

This massive battle took place across the Jordan way up North - east of the Sea of Galilee - in Helam, a 150+ mile journey that David’s army marched from Jerusalem!

2 SAMUEL 10:18

But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach commander of their army, who died there. 

This is a DECISIVE battle, and once again - David has conquered his enemies.

Yahweh has once again helped David & the Israelites conquer another powerful enemy. And now, the Arameans, whom the Ammonites had hired to help war against David, are forever out of the fight.

“Can YOU Trust God’s Kindness?” Have you received His kindness OR…have you rejected it?

Have you PAUSED and recognized how kind God has been to you?

• God provides for us - meals, health, homes, clothing.
• God has demonstrated His LOVE to the whole world! “God so loved the WORLD that He gave…” (John 3:16)
• And how much restraint and patience has God shown us?
• The reason Jesus hasn’t returned is because of His patience, “not wanting any to perish, but all come to repentance.” (2 Pet 3:9)

If you have RECEIVED God’s kindness instead of REJECTING His kindness, then God wants you to extend His KINDNESS to others - so that THEY will be led to repentance as well. People are NOT going to listen to our message if we are MEAN, arrogant, or impatient. So, look for opportunities to EXTEND God’s kindness to our lost friends and family!

BIG TRUTH: God’s kindness RECEIVED leads to right relationship;

God’s kindness REJECTED leads to righteous judgment.

God’s judgment in handing down affliction and distress OR glory, honor, and peace isn’t based on your race, or the decisions your family has made in the past. How you respond to God’s kindness is for YOU to DECIDE. 

• Can YOU trust God’s kindness? Will you RECEIVE His kindness and RESPOND in obedience to turn from sin and turn to Him?
• OR…will you REJECT His kindness somehow thinking that God intends you evil…as Hanun thought of David?

Check out the story HERE.

“Then, one ordinary day, I came to Jesus, openhanded…”

Rosaria simply surrendered to the kindness & goodness of God. She describes that moment as though Jesus was singing “a love song in the rubble of my world.”  

BIG TRUTH: God’s kindness RECEIVED leads to right relationship;

God’s kindness REJECTED leads to righteous judgment.

Trust the heart of God. The cross proves His motives. Jesus did not come to manipulate you. He came to save you.