Thought to Guide Your Reading
Hanun allows his leaders to cloud his judgment.Summary in 100 Words or Less
Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, died. David sent a message of condolence.Hanun, Nahash's son, was convinced by his leaders that David's emissaries were war scouts. Hanun shamed them by cutting off half of their beards and cutting their robes past their butts.
David allowed his men to re-grow their beards in private at Jericho.
The Ammonites hired 20,000 Aramean soldiers to help fight David's army. At first they all ran from Joab and Abishai's men. Later, they regrouped and fought at Helam. David's army defeated the Arameans and earned their vassal kings' tributes.
Psalm (P)Synopsis
Psalm 20
David blesses his army—may God bless you in your day of war. He calls out to God to answer on the day of battle.How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right
Hanun allowed his leaders to make him paranoid against David's messengers.
The Ammonites and the Israelites had a rocky relationship in the past. However, David and Nahash had a good relationship. But Hanun's leaders allowed the past to overshadow the present. Unfortunately, Hanun listened to these leaders and insulted David's messengers, to his own detriment. Beware paranoid advisors, they may lead you down the road to disaster.Joab submits to God's ultimate work.
Joab musters his men and encourages them to have courage—if they need backup the other half would help. But in the end he says, "And God will do whatever he sees needs doing!" (2 Samuel 10:12; 1 Chronicles 19:13, The Message). Joab knows that no matter how well they fight, God will win in the end. Submit to God's will even in the midst of a great foe.David asks God for help with the expectation of help.
David knows God will help his army. So he calls on God to help, tells God what they will do when He defeats their enemies, then tells everyone not to worry—help is on the way! Call out to God—in expectation of getting what you are asking!May we never think ill of those who come to comfort us.
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