2 Samuel 10:1-5

Expanded Bible

War with the Ammonites and Arameans

10 When Nahash king of the ·Ammonites [^Lsons/descendants of Ammon] died, his son Hanun became king after him. ² David said, “Nahash ·was loyal [showed kindness; ^Ckept treaty obligations] to me, so I will ·be loyal [show kindness] to his son Hanun.” So David sent his ·messengers [^Lservants] to ·comfort [console; express sympathy/condolences to] Hanun about his father’s death.

David’s ·officers [^Lservants] went to the land of the ·Ammonites [^Lsons/descendants of Ammon]. ³ But the ·Ammonite leaders [^Lprinces/commanders of the sons/descendants of Ammon] said to Hanun, their master, “Do you think David wants to honor your father by sending men to ·comfort [console; sympathize with] you? No! David sent them to ·study [explore; search] the city and spy it out and ·capture [overthrow] it!” ⁴ So Hanun ·arrested [seized] David’s ·officers [^Lservants]. To shame them he shaved off half their beards and cut off their clothes at the ·hips [^Lbuttocks]. Then he sent them away.

⁵ When the people told David, he sent messengers to meet ·his officers [^Lthe men] because they were ·very ashamed [humiliated]. King David said, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back. Then come home.”