MPV Commentary

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

The events that follow took place shortly after the wars described in the previous chapter. However, the chronological order is not strictly observed here, and we can only infer that this account provides further details about the conflicts with the Syrians.

Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, had died. David and Nahash had a friendly relationship, which began during his exile and was likely strengthened by their shared opposition to Saul.

The messengers sent by David were not coming to search for anything in Hanun's capital city, but rather to offer condolences on the death of his father. However, they were treated with disrespect and humiliation.

Hanun shaved half of their beards as a sign of contempt, and also cut off their lower garments from the waist down. This was an extreme indignity, especially for Jews who placed great importance on their beards and modesty. It's no wonder that the men felt ashamed to appear in public, and Hanun advised them to remain in seclusion until the mark of their disgrace had faded. Only then could they return to the court with dignity.