MPV Commentary

David's Messengers, Sent to Comfort Hanun, Are Disgracefully Treated.

Then David said, "I will show kindness to Hanun, son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me." It is likely that this was the same Nahash against whom Saul waged war at Jabesh-gilead (1 Samuel 11:11). When David left Gath and found himself in danger, he received asylum from the king of Moab. Given their close proximity, it's possible that during the feud between Saul and David, Nahash showed kindness to David out of enmity towards the former.

The princes of the Ammonites told Hanun, "David is trying to deceive you." Their suspicion was not justified by any action or intention on David's part. It likely stemmed from their knowledge of God's laws against them (Deuteronomy 23:3-6) and David's consistent adherence to those laws.

Hanun took David's servants and shaved off half of their beards, a severe indignity in the East that implied gross disrespect. The Hebrews and other Orientals wore long flowing garments, so shaving off part of their robes would have made them look ridiculous. Moreover, the beard held significant cultural value in the East, making any insult to it deeply shameful. This outrage sparked a desire for revenge throughout Israel.

David vowed to take action against Hanun's kingdom for this public and wanton affront. Two similar incidents are recorded in Persian history, where haughty kings provoked war with their nations through such insults. It is no surprise that David was determined to respond to this egregious offense.