FocusJerusalem, the ark, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
interpretation 2 Samuel 10:4
KJVWherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.
Read it in context
David’s Messengers Disgraced
Start reading at 2 Samuel 10:1 (2 Samuel 10:1 to 2 Samuel 10:8).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
- 10:1 And it came to pass after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his stead.
- 10:2 Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
- 10:3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
- 10:4 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.
- 10:5 When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.
- 10:6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.
- 10:7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.
- 10:8 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.
Who
- Who wrote the book? The final compiler is unknown. Jewish tradition connects the continuation of Samuel's history with Nathan and Gad; Chronicles also names their records concerning David. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 29:29. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Samuel 10:1–10:19): David's envoys, Hanun and the Ammonites, Joab and Abishai, and the Syrian forces are involved in the war. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israelite readers learning about David's kingship, God's promise to his house, and the consequences of his family's actions. Biblical references: 2 Samuel 7:12; 2 Samuel 12:10; 2 Samuel 23:1. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? David’s Messengers Disgraced. Read 2 Samuel 10:1 through 2 Samuel 10:8 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account follows Saul's death and concerns David's reign. Its final collected episodes and songs are not all presented as a strictly sequential diary. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? David first reigns in Hebron and then in Jerusalem; campaigns and rebellions range beyond the capital. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in David’s Messengers Disgraced (2 Samuel 10:1 to 2 Samuel 10:8). Start reading at 2 Samuel 10:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The promise concerning David's house is taken up in the New Testament's account of Jesus' kingship. Keep the nearer historical setting of David's family and the later messianic application distinguishable. See 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Take responsibility for sin and its effects on others. God's promises should not be used to excuse a leader's conduct or silence a truthful rebuke. interpretation
Cited: 2 Samuel 10:1, 2 Samuel 10:8, 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33
Who wrote it, and how we know
Nathan and Gad (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. Chronicles refers to written records of Nathan and Gad.
1 Chronicles 29:29
Early traditionJewish tradition credits Nathan and Gad.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated in Scripture.
Other accounts of this event
The war with Ammon and Syria
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- and shaved Lev 19:27 Ps 109:4-5 Isa 15:2
- cut off Isa 20:4 Isa 47:2-3 Jer 41:5
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel 10
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
2 Samuel 5:3 2 Samuel 7:12 2 Samuel 12:9
David Defeats Ammon and Aram
2 Samuel 10:9–19FocusJerusalem, the ark, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view.
2 Samuel 5:3 2 Samuel 7:12 2 Samuel 12:9
After Saul's death
2 Samuel 1:1–4:12FocusThe struggle over kingship
Connection to the wholeDavid's mourning and the divided kingdom lead to the ending of Ishbosheth's rule.
interpretation FocusJerusalem, the ark, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThe kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
interpretation Sin and conflict in David's house
2 Samuel 11:1–20:26FocusConsequences and rebellion
Connection to the wholeDavid's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
interpretation Closing records of David's reign
2 Samuel 21:1–24:25FocusJustice, praise, warriors, and judgment
Connection to the wholeThe final collection brings together episodes and songs that reflect on David's reign rather than supplying a simple uninterrupted chronology.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.