1 Chronicles 19:2

And David said, "I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me." So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David's servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him,

Study Bible

And David said
The phrase begins with King David, a central figure in the history of Israel, known for his heart after God. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) implies a declaration or intention, indicating David's deliberate decision to act. This reflects David's character as a leader who seeks to act with integrity and kindness, aligning with the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor.

I will show kindness
The Hebrew word for "kindness" is חֶסֶד (chesed), which encompasses mercy, loving-kindness, and covenantal faithfulness. This word is rich in meaning, often used to describe God's steadfast love for His people. David's intention to show kindness reflects God's own nature and serves as a model for believers to emulate divine compassion and loyalty in their relationships.

to Hanun son of Nahash
Hanun, the new king of the Ammonites, is identified as the son of Nahash. Historically, Nahash was a king who had interactions with Israel, and his relationship with David was marked by some form of kindness or alliance. This context suggests a political and personal dimension to David's actions, as he seeks to maintain peace and honor past relationships.

because his father showed kindness to me
This phrase highlights the principle of reciprocity and gratitude. David's motivation is rooted in a past kindness received, demonstrating the biblical value of remembering and repaying good deeds. It underscores the importance of honoring past relationships and the impact of generational actions.

So David sent messengers
The act of sending messengers indicates a formal and respectful approach to communication, common in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy. This action reflects David's intention to establish peaceful relations and his role as a king who values diplomacy and respect for other nations.

to console him concerning his father
Consolation in times of mourning was a significant cultural practice, reflecting empathy and shared humanity. David's gesture of consolation aligns with biblical teachings on comforting those who mourn (Matthew 5:4) and demonstrates the importance of compassion in leadership.

But when David’s servants came to the land of the Ammonites
The narrative sets the stage for the unfolding events, highlighting the geographical and political context. The land of the Ammonites, east of the Jordan River, was a neighboring territory with historical tensions with Israel. This setting foreshadows the potential for conflict and the complexities of international relations in the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, known for his heart after God and his leadership. In this verse, he seeks to show kindness to Hanun.

2. Hanun
The son of Nahash, who becomes the king of the Ammonites after his father's death. He is the recipient of David's intended kindness.

3. Nahash
The deceased king of the Ammonites, who had previously shown kindness to David, prompting David's gesture towards Hanun.

4. Ammonites
A people group living east of the Jordan River, often in conflict with Israel. The land of the Ammonites is where David's messengers are sent.

5. Messengers
Representatives sent by David to express condolences and kindness to Hanun.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Kindness
David's intention to show kindness to Hanun highlights the biblical principle of extending grace and compassion, even to those outside one's immediate community.

Misunderstandings and Misinterpretations
The subsequent events in the chapter show how good intentions can be misinterpreted, leading to conflict. This teaches us to communicate clearly and seek understanding.

Legacy of Relationships
David's actions were influenced by the kindness shown to him by Nahash. This underscores the lasting impact of our actions and relationships.

Diplomacy and Peacemaking
David's approach to the Ammonites serves as an example of attempting diplomacy and peace, even when past relations have been tense.

Responding to Rejection
When our gestures of kindness are rejected or misunderstood, we must continue to act with integrity and seek God's guidance in our responses.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's decision to show kindness to Hanun reflect the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor, and how can we apply this in our own lives?

2. In what ways can misunderstandings in our intentions lead to conflict, and how can we work to prevent or resolve such situations?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed the lasting impact of a kind gesture. How did it influence your actions or relationships?

4. How can we practice diplomacy and peacemaking in our personal and community relationships, following David's example?

5. When our attempts at kindness are rejected, what biblical principles can guide our response, and how can we maintain a Christ-like attitude?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 10
This chapter provides a parallel account of the same event, offering additional details about the interactions between David and Hanun.

Proverbs 19:17
This verse speaks to the virtue of kindness and how it is rewarded by the Lord, reflecting David's intention to show kindness.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches about loving and showing kindness to others, even those who might be considered enemies, which aligns with David's actions towards the Ammonites.