2 Sam 8 — David’s Victories and Officials
2 Sam 9 — David Spares Mephibosheth
2 Sam 10 — David Defeats Ammon and Syria
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“The Lord gave David victory wherever he went” (2 Sam 8:6 & 8:14). Many victories, much plunder. We also see David’s kindness toward Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth. In chapter 9, he shows great kindness to Mephibosheth and invites him to live in Jerusalem and eat at the king’s table. In chapter 10, David decides to show kindness to Hanun, son of the Ammonite king, Nahash. David had previously subdued the Ammonites, so Hanun thought this was a trick. Hanun “seized David’s envoys, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away” (2 Sam 10:4). David’s reaction to this humiliation is interesting. Instead of mounting a retaliation against the Ammonites, he simply tells them to “stay at Jericho till your beards have grown, and then come back” (2 Sam 10:5). The Ammonites realized their “obnoxious” behavior and prepared for battle. David sends Joab with the entire army to confront and strike down the Ammonites and their “hired” armies. Again, a great victory for the Lord, for David and for Israel.
David demonstrates great wisdom and leadership in these chapters, as well as kindness. The Lord shows Israel much favor at this time, so God’s blessing is clearly evident. The picture painted here sets the stage for David’s huge blunder in the next few chapters. But before I get ahead of myself, it’s great to pause and appreciate David as a good and noble king. Lord, may I remember to give you praise and honor in times of prosperity, times when you are richly rewarding honorable behavior. Keep me humble in these times. Remind me of Psalm 131, “My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty…” Amen!