New International Version the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think David is honoring your father by sending envoys to you to express sympathy? Hasn’t David sent them to you only to explore the city and spy it out and overthrow it?” New Living Translation the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, their master, “Do you really think these men are coming here to honor your father? No! David has sent them to spy out the city so they can come in and conquer it!” English Standard Version But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Has not David sent his servants to you to search the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it?” Berean Standard Bible the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?” Berean Literal Bible And the princes of the sons of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, “Is David honoring your father in your eyes because he has sent to you comforters? Is it not for the purpose of searching out the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it that David has sent his servants to you?” King James Bible 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? New King James Version And the princes of the people of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think that David really honors your father because he has sent comforters to you? Has David not rather sent his servants to you to search the city, to spy it out, and to overthrow it?” New American Standard Bible the commanders of the Ammonites said to their lord Hanun, “Do you think that David is simply honoring your father since he has sent you servants to console you? Has David not sent his servants to you in order to explore the city, to spy it out and overthrow it?” NASB 1995 the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think that David is honoring your father because he has sent consolers to you? Has David not sent his servants to you in order to search the city, to spy it out and overthrow it?” NASB 1977 the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think that David is honoring your father because he has sent consolers to you? Has David not sent his servants to you in order to search the city, to spy it out and overthrow it?” Legacy Standard Bible But the princes of the sons of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, “In your eyes, is David honoring your father because he has sent comforters to you? Has David not sent his servants to you in order to search the city, to spy it out and overthrow it?” Amplified Bible But the princes of the Ammonites [were suspicious and] said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think that David is honoring your father because he has sent comforters to you? Has David not sent his servants to you in order to search the city, to spy it out and overthrow it?” Berean Annotated Bible the princes of the Ammonites (tribal) said to Hanun (gracious) their lord, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is (beloved) showing respect for your father? Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it? Christian Standard Bible the Ammonite leaders said to Hanun their lord, “Just because David has sent men with condolences for you, do you really believe he’s showing respect for your father? Instead, hasn’t David sent his emissaries in order to scout out the city, spy on it, and demolish it? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible the Ammonite leaders said to Hanun their lord, “Just because David has sent men with condolences for you, do you really believe he’s showing respect for your father? Instead, hasn’t David sent his emissaries in order to scout out the city, spy on it, and demolish it?” American Standard Version But the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honor thy father, in that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David sent his servants unto thee to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? Contemporary English Version But Hanun's officials told him, "Do you really believe David is honoring your father by sending these people to comfort you? He probably sent them to spy on our city, so he can destroy it." English Revised Version But 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 sent his servants unto thee to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? GOD'S WORD® Translation the Ammonite princes asked their master Hanun, "Do you think David is honoring your father because he sent men to comfort you? Hasn't David sent his men to explore the city, spy on it, and destroy it?" Good News Translation the Ammonite leaders said to the king, "Do you think that it is in your father's honor that David has sent these men to express sympathy to you? Of course not! He has sent them here as spies to explore the city, so that he can conquer us!" International Standard Version the Ammonite officials asked their lord Hanun, "Do you think that because David has sent a delegation of consolers to you that he is honoring your father? His delegation has arrived intending to search, scout the land, and then overthrow it, hasn't it?" NET Bible the Ammonite officials said to their lord Hanun, "Do you really think David is trying to honor your father by sending these messengers to express his sympathy? No, David has sent his servants to you to get information about the city and spy on it so they can overthrow it!" New Heart English Bible But the leaders of the people of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, "Do you think that David honors your father, in that he has sent comforters to you? Hasn't David sent his servants to you to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?" Webster's Bible Translation And the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honor thy father, that he hath sent comforters to thee? hath not David rather sent his servants to thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblethe princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?” World English Bible But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think that David honors your father, in that he has sent comforters to you? Hasn’t David sent his servants to you to search the city, to spy it out, and to overthrow it?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the heads of the sons of Ammon say to their lord Hanun, “Is David honoring your father in your eyes because he has sent comforters to you? For has David not sent his servants to you to search the city, and to spy it, and to overthrow it?” Berean Literal Bible And the princes of the sons of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, “Is David honoring your father in your eyes because he has sent to you comforters? Is it not for the purpose of searching out the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it that David has sent his servants to you?” Young's Literal Translation And the heads of the Bene-Ammon say unto Hanun their lord, 'Is David honouring thy father in thine eyes because he hath sent to thee comforters? for to search the city, and to spy it, and to overthrow it, hath not David sent his servants unto thee?' Smith's Literal Translation And the chiefs of the sons of Ammon will say to Hanun their lord, Is David honoring thy father in thine eyes, that he sent comforters to thee? is it not for the sake of searching out the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it, David sent his servants to thee? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanon their lord: Thinkest thou that for the honour of thy father, David hath sent comforters to thee, and hath not David rather sent his servants to thee to search, and spy into the city, and overthrow it? Catholic Public Domain Version the leaders of the sons of Ammon said to Hanun, their lord: “Do you think it was because of the honor of your father that David sent consolers to you? And did not David send his servants to you, so that he might investigate and explore the city, and so that he might overthrow it?” New American Bible the Ammonite princes said to their lord Hanun, “Do you think David is doing this—sending you these consolers—to honor your father? Is it not rather to explore the city, to spy on it, and to overthrow it, that David has sent his servants to you?” New Revised Standard Version the princes of the Ammonites said to their lord Hanun, “Do you really think that David is honoring your father just because he has sent messengers with condolences to you? Has not David sent his envoys to you to search the city, to spy it out, and to overthrow it?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, Do you think that David is honoring your father, that he has sent comforters to you? Has not David rather sent his servants to you to spy out the city and to explore it and to overthrow it? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Princes of the sons of Amun said to Khanun their Lord: “Was David surely honoring your father in your eyes because he sent you comforters? Was it not to spy the city and to search it and to overthrow it that David sent his Servants to you?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But 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 sent his servants unto thee to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the princes of the children of Ammon said to Annon their lord, Is it to honour thy father before thee that David has sent comforters to thee? Has not David rather sent his servants to thee that they should search the city, and spy it out and examine it? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context David's Messengers Disgraced…2And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console Hanun concerning his father. But when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites, 3the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?” 4So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away.… Cross References the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, 1 Chronicles 19:3 the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Have not his servants come to you to explore the land, spy it out, and overthrow it?” 1 Kings 12:6-8 Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. Esther 1:14 His closest advisors were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom. “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father?” 1 Chronicles 19:2 And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him, 2 Samuel 1:17-27 Then David took up this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan, / and he ordered that the sons of Judah be taught the Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar: / “Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen! … Genesis 50:1-11 Then Joseph fell upon his father’s face, wept over him, and kissed him. / And Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his father Israel. So they embalmed him, / taking the forty days required to complete the embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. … Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?” Joshua 2:1-2 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. / And it was reported to the king of Jericho: “Behold, some men of Israel have come here tonight to spy out the land.” Joshua 7:2-3 Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. / On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.” Joshua 6:20-25 So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it. / With the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys. / Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the house of the prostitute and bring out the woman and all who are with her, just as you promised her.” … Joshua 9:3-6 But the people of Gibeon, having heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, / acted deceptively and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. / They put worn, patched sandals on their feet and threadbare clothing on their bodies, and their whole supply of bread was dry and moldy. … 1 Samuel 29:4 But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him. He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the war. What better way for him to regain the favor of his master than with the heads of our men? 1 Samuel 26:19 Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ 1 Samuel 17:28 Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!” 2 Samuel 3:25 Surely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.” 1 Kings 20:31-33 Then the servants of Ben-hadad said to him, “Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let us go out to the king of Israel with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life.” / So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” / Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot. 2 Kings 18:22 But if you say to me, ‘We trust in the LORD our God,’ is He not the One whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem: ‘You must worship before this altar in Jerusalem’? Treasury of Scripture And the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, Think you that David does honor your father, that he has sent comforters to you? has not David rather sent his servants to you, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? Genesis 42:9,16 And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come… 1 Corinthians 13:5,7 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; … Jump to Previous Ammon Ammonite Ammonites Children City Comforters David Express Hanun Hasn't Honor Honoring Honors Honour Nobles Order Overthrow Princes Rather Search Sending Servants Spy Sympathy Think ThinkestJump to Next Ammon Ammonite Ammonites Children City Comforters David Express Hanun Hasn't Honor Honoring Honors Honour Nobles Order Overthrow Princes Rather Search Sending Servants Spy Sympathy Think Thinkest2 Samuel 10 1. David's messengers, sent to comfort Hanun are villainously treated6. The Ammonites, strengthened by the Syrians, overcome by Joab and Abishai 15. Shobuch, making a new supply of the Syrains at Helam, is slain by David the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, Hanun had succeeded Nahash as king of Ammon. His officials viewed David’s delegation with suspicion, interpreting a customary act of condolence as a possible threat to their kingdom. 1Ch 19:3 “Just because David has sent you comforters”… “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Nahash had shown kindness to David, and David sought to honor that relationship by sending envoys to comfort Hanun. The princes persuaded Hanun that David’s kindness concealed political ambition. 1Ch 19:2 And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash… Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?” Their accusation turned a peaceful mission into an act of hostility. Hanun accepted their counsel, setting in motion a conflict between Ammon and Israel. Jos 2:1-2 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, known for his leadership and devotion to God. In this context, he is attempting to show kindness to Hanun. 2. Hanun The new king of the Ammonites, who misinterprets David's intentions due to the influence of his advisors. 3. Princes of the Ammonites Advisors to Hanun who suspect David's motives and counsel Hanun to distrust David's gesture. 4. Ammonites A neighboring nation to Israel, often in conflict with them. Their capital was Rabbah. 5. Nahash The deceased father of Hanun, who had shown kindness to David, prompting David's gesture of goodwill. Teaching Points The Danger of MisinterpretationMisunderstanding intentions can lead to unnecessary conflict. We must seek clarity and wisdom before jumping to conclusions. The Influence of Counsel The advice we receive can significantly impact our decisions. It is crucial to seek godly counsel and discernment. The Importance of Intentions Our actions should be motivated by genuine kindness and integrity, reflecting the heart of God. Trust in God's Sovereignty Even when our intentions are misunderstood, we can trust that God is in control and will work all things for good. Peacemaking as a Christian Duty As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, striving to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings with grace and truth. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 10:3?2. How does 2 Samuel 10:3 illustrate the dangers of assuming others' intentions? 3. What can we learn about discernment from Hanun's response in 2 Samuel 10:3? 4. How does Proverbs 18:13 relate to the actions in 2 Samuel 10:3? 5. How can we apply the lesson of misjudgment from 2 Samuel 10:3 today? 6. What steps can we take to avoid false assumptions in our relationships? 7. Why did Hanun suspect David's intentions in 2 Samuel 10:3? 8. How does 2 Samuel 10:3 reflect on human mistrust and suspicion? 9. What historical context led to the Ammonites' distrust in 2 Samuel 10:3? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 10? (3) To search the city.--The capital, and almost the only city of the Ammonites was Rabbah; it was strongly fortified, and a knowledge of its interior would be important to an enemy. The suspicions of the Ammonites may have been roused by David's growing power, and especially by his conquest of the neighbouring Moabites.Verse 3. - Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father! This insinuation arose probably from ill will, stirred up by David's success in war; and, with that distrust with which neighbouring nations too often regard one another, they see in his embassy only a purpose of spying into their defences with view to future attack. Rabbah, their city, was a place strong beth naturally and by reason of its fortifications. 2 Samuel 10:3 shows how ungodly counsel distorts a gracious gesture into a perceived threat. David’s sincere comfort is recast as espionage, revealing the destructive power of suspicion and slander. Hanun’s failure to discern truth pits Ammon against Israel, demonstrating that rejecting genuine kindness invites divine judgment and unnecessary conflict. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew the princesשָׂרֵ֨י (śā·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of the Ammonites בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son said וַיֹּאמְרוּ֩ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Hanun חָנ֣וּן (ḥā·nūn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2586: Hanun -- 'favored', two contemporaries of Nehemiah, also an Ammonite king their lord, אֲדֹֽנֵיהֶ֗ם (’ă·ḏō·nê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller “Just because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction David has sent שָׁלַ֥ח (šā·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out you לְךָ֖ (lə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew comforters, מְנַֽחֲמִ֑ים (mə·na·ḥă·mîm) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge do you really believe בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ (bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain he is דָּוִ֤ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse showing respect הַֽמְכַבֵּ֨ד (ham·ḵab·bêḏ) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome for your father? אָבִ֙יךָ֙ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father Has not הֲ֠לוֹא (hă·lō·w) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no David דָּוִ֛ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse [instead] sent שָׁלַ֥ח (šā·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out his servants עֲבָדָ֖יו (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant to בַּעֲב֞וּר (ba·‘ă·ḇūr) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5668: Crossed, transit, on account of, in order that explore חֲק֤וֹר (ḥă·qō·wr) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 2713: To penetrate, to examine intimately the city, הָעִיר֙ (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement spy it out, וּלְרַגְּלָ֣הּ (ū·lə·rag·gə·lāh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 7270: To walk along, to reconnoiter, to be a, tale-bearer, to lead about and overthrow it?” וּלְהָפְכָ֔הּ (ū·lə·hā·p̄ə·ḵāh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 2015: To turn about, over, to change, overturn, return, pervert Additonal Resources 2 Samuel 10:3 Blue Letter Bible2 Samuel 10:3 Bible Gateway 2 Samuel 10:3 Bible.com 2 Samuel 10:3 NIV |
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