1 Chronicles 19:1-5

Expanded Bible

War with the Ammonites and Arameans^(A)

19 When Nahash king of the Ammonites died, his son became king after him. ² David said, “Nahash ·was loyal [showed kindness] to me, so I will ·be loyal [show kindness] to his son Hanun.” So David sent messengers to ·comfort [express sympathy to] Hanun about his father’s death.

David’s officers went to the land of the Ammonites to ·comfort [express sympathy to] Hanun. ³ But the Ammonite ·leaders [officials; commanders] said to Hanun, “Do you think David wants to honor your father by sending men to ·comfort you [express sympathy]? No! David sent them to ·study [search; explore] the land and ·capture [conquer; overthrow] it and spy it out.” ⁴ So Hanun ·arrested [seized] David’s officers. He shaved their beards and cut off their clothes at the ·hips [buttocks; ^Cboth intended to shame them]. Then he sent them away.

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