1 Chronicles 19-20 Misunderstood Intentions

Before he became king, David had developed friendships with foreign leaders who were fighting Saul, as David was.  He’d made friends with Nahash, who became king of Ammon.  Nahash died and his son Hanun took his place.  David sent an official delegation to Ammon to honor and comfort the new young king.

Unfortunately, Hanun’s advisors suspected that David was making a play to attack them, taking advantage of Ammon’s weakness.  David’s delegates were dishonored by having one side of their beards removed and their robes cut off at the waist, including the tassels that evidenced their Jewish heritage, and then they were sent packing.  Replacing clothing wouldn’t be difficult, but growing back beards would take quite some time, so David ordered them to remain just inside the Israelite border at Jericho until their beards were restored.

Of course this amounted to an act of war, and David’s officers firmly defeated not only Ammon, but also the mercenaries they’d hired to help them in the battle against Israel.

Father, You’ve shown here how our best intentions can be misconstrued.  I pray that You will help others to see clearly what I’m doing and also help me to react in a way that honors You if I am misunderstood.  I don’t want my pride to get in the way of Your message.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford