How to live faithfully for God (2 Samuel 10)

As a young Christian listening to teachings about love, forgiveness and turning the other cheek, I used to be uncomfortable with the impression that Christianity was the religion of the weak and the meek. In many churches today, women far outnumber men, and I wonder if part of the reason for this is that the Christian faith seems too effeminate for many. If so, it is not helped by the way churches in a postmodern context can come across as rather touchy-feely. Yet it seems to me that the issue is not fundamentally with the Christian faith because in the history of the Church there were many great Christian thinkers and leaders who were men of faith and in no way effeminate or weak. Looking at the Old Testament, we might think that being a godly Israelite was easier because it did not incorporate the radical teachings of Jesus about forgiveness, but faithfulness to God was no easier then.

David, a man of covenant loyalty

David is an example of godliness, and this was no easier for him living among the harsh realities of the ancient world. In fact, his refusal throughout the story to seize power and kingship by force and his trust in God rather than his own strength is all the more striking against the setting of the ancient world’s raw violence and reliance on physical prowess. While the narrator does not address our modern dilemmas, his depiction of David highlights a godliness that is both gentle and strong. Along with chapter 9, our reading presents David as a man of ḥesed (NASB ‘kindness’; 2 Sam 9:1; 10:2), of loyal love within a covenant commitment, first to an Israelite, now to an outsider, the king of Ammon.[1] This double portrait of David’s faithfulness is the backdrop against which his subsequent betrayal in committing adultery and murder will show up even darker. Our reading is also the introduction to the war that will be rumbling in the background during David’s downfall.

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Gentleness and strength

David’s envoys to the dead Ammonite king’s son, Hanun, no doubt bring condolences but are also meant to reaffirm Israel’s friendship and support of Ammon politically (2 Sam 10:2). Shaving off half of each envoy’s beard in a culture where it was a sign of masculinity and exposing their buttocks and genitals were deeply humiliating acts (2 Sam 10:4) and a serious diplomatic incident. Was Hanun foolish in trying to show brutal force or was this a deliberate provocation to war? Either way, the Ammonites realise the grave affront to an ally and start preparations for war, even hiring mercenaries (the Arameans, who came mainly from areas north of Ammon and what is now modern Syria; 2 Sam 10:6). David’s response is one of empathy towards his humiliated messengers. He is a leader who handles his men with sensitivity allowing them time to regain their dignity before returning home (2 Sam 10:5). Firth also notes David’s restraint; the king responds to the military movements of the Ammonites, not to the diplomatic incident; he is not the aggressor (2 Sam 10:7).[2] He also shows discernment in knowing when his presence and an all-Israelite force is needed (2 Sam 10:17 cf. v.7).

Faithfulness to whom?

David’s example here presents us with a picture of faithfulness and commitment that is combined with care for his servants. Yet, such a disposition does not mean weakness. The king meets the challenge of the Ammonites with force, but not as an outraged reaction to a personal affront to his dignity but as a necessary response to the threat of war against his people. In other words, David can rise above petty insults and his care is once again for those entrusted to him. There is strength here in the way he does not stand on his dignity and his faithfulness is not only to human commitments but ultimately to the Lord who entrusted him with kingship. In our life we may encounter the sting of attack from people who do not understand or appreciate us or who misjudge our motives. The challenge is to remember whom we ultimately serve and that our value comes from Him. May how we respond be determined by our faithfulness to God and what benefits His people.

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[1] We do not know what Nahash did for David. Earlier, the Ammonites with Nahash attacked Jabesh-Gilead and Saul saved the city from them (1 Sam 11:1-11). Since David was persecuted by Saul, Nahash may have seen David as a potential ally against Saul.

[2] David G. Firth, 1 & 2 Samuel (Nottingham: Apollos, 2009), 409.

Note – The map does not show very well where the Arameans came from but it is hard to find free resources and, at least, you get some idea of geography from it.

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