Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When David was told about this, he sent messengers to meet the men, for they were greatly humiliated. The king said, “Stay at Jericho till your beards have grown, and then come back.” New Living Translation When David heard what had happened, he sent messengers to tell the men, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow out, and then come back.” For they felt deep shame because of their appearance. English Standard Version When it was told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.” Berean Standard Bible When this was reported to David, he sent messengers to meet the men, since they had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.” Berean Literal Bible And they told David, and he sent to meet them because the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Abide at Jericho until your⁺ beards have grown, and return.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version When they told David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.” New American Standard Bible When messengers informed David, he sent servants to meet them, because the men were extremely humiliated. And the king said, “Stay in Jericho until your beards grow back, and then you shall return.” NASB 1995 When they told it to David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly humiliated. And the king said, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow, and then return.” NASB 1977 When they told it to David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly humiliated. And the king said, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow, and then return.” Legacy Standard Bible Then they told it to David. And he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly dishonored. And the king said, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow, and then return.” Amplified Bible When David was informed, he sent [messengers] to meet them [before they reached Jerusalem], for the men were greatly ashamed and humiliated. And the king said, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow, and then return.” Berean Annotated Bible When this was reported to David (beloved), he sent messengers to meet the men, since they had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho (city of palms) until your⁺ beards have grown back, and then return. Christian Standard Bible When this was reported to David, he sent someone to meet them, since they were deeply humiliated. The king said, “Stay in Jericho until your beards grow back; then return.” Holman Christian Standard Bible When this was reported to David, he sent someone to meet them, since they were deeply humiliated. The king said, “Stay in Jericho until your beards grow back; then return.” American Standard Version When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them; for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return. Contemporary English Version They were terribly ashamed. When David found out what had happened to his officials, he sent a message and told them, "Stay in Jericho until your beards grow back. Then you can come home." English Revised Version When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them; for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return. GOD'S WORD® Translation After David was told [what had happened], he sent [someone] to meet them because they were deeply humiliated. The king said to them, "Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return [to Jerusalem]." Good News Translation They were too ashamed to return home. When David heard about what had happened, he sent word for them to stay in Jericho and not return until their beards had grown again. International Standard Version When David had been informed about the incident, he sent word to them, since the men had been deeply humiliated. The king told them, "Stay at Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return." NET Bible Messengers told David what had happened, so he summoned them, for the men were thoroughly humiliated. The king said, "Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown again; then you may come back." New Heart English Bible When David was told, he sent to meet them; for the men were greatly ashamed. The king said, "Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return." Webster's Bible Translation When they told it to David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards are grown, and then return. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen this was reported to David, he sent messengers to meet the men, since they had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.” World English Bible When they told David this, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. The king said, “Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they declare [it] to David, and he sends to meet them, for the men have been greatly ashamed, and the king says, “Abide in Jericho until your beard springs up—then you have returned.” Berean Literal Bible And they told David, and he sent to meet them because the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Abide at Jericho until your⁺ beards have grown, and return.” Young's Literal Translation and they declare it to David, and he sendeth to meet them, for the men have been greatly ashamed, and the king saith, 'Abide in Jericho till your beard doth spring up -- then ye have returned.' Smith's Literal Translation And they will announce to David, and he will send to meet them, for the men were greatly shamed. And the king will say, Sit down in Jericho till your beards spring up, and turn back. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhen this was told David, he sent to meet them: for the men were sadly put to confusion, and David commanded them, saying: Stay at Jericho, till your beards be grown, and then return. Catholic Public Domain Version And when this had been reported to David, he sent to meet them. And the men were greatly disturbed by shame. And David commanded them, “Remain in Jericho, until your beards grow, and then return.” New American Bible David was told of it and he sent word for them to be intercepted, for the men had been greatly disgraced. “Remain at Jericho,” the king told them, “until your beards have grown again; then come back here.” New Revised Standard Version When David was told, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. The king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhen they told it to David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed; and the king said to them, Tarry at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they told David and he sent to meet them because the men were very ashamed. The King said to them: “Stay in Yerikho until your beards will grow, and then return” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them; for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said: 'Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And they brought David word concerning the men; and he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly dishonoured: and the king said, Remain in Jericho till your beards have grown, and then ye shall return. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David's Messengers Disgraced…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. 5When this was reported to David, he sent messengers to meet the men, since they had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.” 6When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba, as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah and twelve thousand men from Tob.… Cross References When this was reported to David, 2 Samuel 12:18-23 On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself.” / When David saw that his servants were whispering to one another, he perceived that the child was dead. So he asked his servants, “Is the child dead?” “He is dead,” they replied. / Then David got up from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they set food before him, and he ate. … 2 Samuel 13:21 When King David heard all this, he was furious. 2 Samuel 1:11-12 Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. / They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. he sent messengers to meet the men, 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, Genesis 32:3-6 Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. / He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now. / I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’” … 2 Samuel 2:4-7 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” / So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him. / Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this. … since they had been thoroughly humiliated. 1 Chronicles 19:4 So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved their beards, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away. Isaiah 20:4 so the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, naked and barefoot, with bared buttocks—to Egypt’s shame. Nahum 3:5 “Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show your nakedness to the nations and your shame to the kingdoms. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho 1 Kings 2:36-38 Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. / On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.” / “The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time. 2 Samuel 15:28 See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” Genesis 24:55-56 But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl remain with us ten days or so. After that, she may go.” / But he replied, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has made my journey a success. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.” until your beards have grown back, 2 Samuel 19:24 Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely. Jeremiah 41:5 eighty men who had shaved off their beards, torn their garments, and cut themselves came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria, carrying grain offerings and frankincense for the house of the LORD. Ezra 9:3 When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled out some hair from my head and beard, and sat down in horror. and then return.” 1 Chronicles 19:5 When someone came and told David about his men, he sent messengers to meet them, since the men had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.” Treasury of Scripture When they told it to 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. Jericho Joshua 6:24-26 And they burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD… 1 Kings 16:34 In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun. 1 Chronicles 19:5 Then there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return. Jump to Previous Abide Ashamed Beard Beards David Declare Greatly Grow Grown Hair Humiliated Jericho Meet Meeting Messengers News Purpose Shamed Spring Tarry Wait WayJump to Next Abide Ashamed Beard Beards David Declare Greatly Grow Grown Hair Humiliated Jericho Meet Meeting Messengers News Purpose Shamed Spring Tarry Wait Way2 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 When this was reported to David David, the king of Israel, was informed of the mistreatment of his envoys by the Ammonites. This reflects the communication network and loyalty within David's kingdom. The report signifies the importance of maintaining honor and respect in diplomatic relations, a theme consistent throughout the Old Testament. he sent messengers to meet the men since they had been thoroughly humiliated The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back and then return.” Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, known for his leadership and heart for God. In this passage, he shows compassion and wisdom in dealing with his humiliated men. 2. Messengers These are the men sent by David to express condolences to Hanun, the new king of the Ammonites, but they were humiliated by having half their beards shaved and their garments cut. 3. Jericho A city in Israel where David instructs his humiliated men to stay until their beards grow back, symbolizing a place of refuge and restoration. 4. Hanun The new king of the Ammonites who, misled by his advisors, humiliates David's messengers, leading to conflict. 5. Ammonites A neighboring nation to Israel, often in conflict with them. Their actions in this chapter lead to a war with Israel. Teaching Points Compassionate LeadershipDavid's response to his men's humiliation shows the importance of caring for those under our leadership, providing them with time and space for restoration. Cultural Sensitivity Understanding cultural symbols and their significance can help us navigate conflicts and misunderstandings more effectively. Restoration and Healing Just as David provided a place for his men to heal, we should seek places and times of restoration in our own lives when we face humiliation or defeat. Wisdom in Conflict David's decision to wait and not immediately retaliate against the Ammonites shows the value of patience and wisdom in handling conflicts. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 10:5?2. How does 2 Samuel 10:5 demonstrate the importance of respecting others' dignity? 3. What can we learn about leadership from David's response in 2 Samuel 10:5? 4. How does 2 Samuel 10:5 connect to Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and grace? 5. In what ways can we apply David's protective actions to our own lives? 6. How does the reaction in 2 Samuel 10:5 reflect God's care for His people? 7. Why did David's men need to stay in Jericho until their beards grew back? 8. What cultural significance did beards hold in ancient Israelite society? 9. How does 2 Samuel 10:5 reflect on the concept of honor and shame? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 10? 11. When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after? After (2 Samuel 5 and 6) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14) 12. Is there any historical or cultural precedent to justify the humiliating act of shaving half the beard and cutting garments (1 Chronicles 19:4), or does this detail seem exaggerated? 13. (1 Kings 16:34) What evidence is there that rebuilding Jericho specifically caused the curse on Hiel’s children, or is this event merely symbolic legend? 14. Why does King David, described elsewhere as righteous (1 Kings 15:5), resort to deceit and murder in 2 Samuel 11:14-17? What Does 2 Samuel 10:5 Mean When this was reported to David• News of the disgrace reached David quickly, underscoring his attentiveness to his servants (cf. 2 Samuel 9:1; Proverbs 27:23). • The king’s immediate awareness signals his responsibility for those under his authority, mirroring the Good Shepherd’s care illustrated in John 10:14. He sent messengers to meet the men • David does not wait for the humiliated envoys to arrive; he proactively sends help—an act of leadership and compassion (cf. James 2:15-16 on meeting needs, Luke 10:33-34 on going to the wounded). • By dispatching messengers, he restores relationship and dignity, communicating, “You are not alone in your shame.” Since they had been thoroughly humiliated • The Ammonites had cut off half their beards and garments (2 Samuel 10:4). In that culture a beard symbolized honor and maturity (cf. Leviticus 19:27; Ezekiel 5:1). • The text emphasizes “thoroughly,” showing the depth of dishonor—public, intentional, and personal. David recognizes this and responds with sensitivity (cf. Psalm 25:3; Romans 12:15). The king told them • David personally addresses the injured parties, not delegating the comfort entirely to others (cf. Isaiah 40:1-2 on speaking comfort to the afflicted). • His words carry authority and reassurance, reflecting the way God speaks comfort to His people (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back • Jericho, a border city away from Jerusalem’s spotlight, provides privacy for recovery (cf. Joshua 6:26; Luke 19:1). • The directive preserves the men from further shame; they need time before reentering public service (cf. Proverbs 11:2; 1 Peter 5:6 on humility before honor). • David honors social custom—beards must regrow to full length—showing sensitivity to cultural symbols of respect (cf. 1 Chronicles 19:5, parallel account). And then return • Restoration is the goal. David expects full reintegration once dignity is restored (cf. Joel 2:25-26 on restoration after shame). • The pattern reflects God’s way with His people: a period of healing followed by return to fellowship and service (cf. Psalm 23:3; Galatians 6:1). summary David’s response in 2 Samuel 10:5 highlights a caring leader who moves quickly to defend and restore his servants’ honor. By meeting them en route, granting a private place to heal in Jericho, and assuring eventual reinstatement, David models compassion, respect for cultural dignity, and a commitment to full restoration—foreshadowing the Lord’s own shepherd-like care for all who suffer disgrace. (5) Tarry at Jericho.--In consideration for his mortified ambassadors, David directs them to remain at Jericho, which lay directly on their road. Jericho had been destroyed on the first entrance of the Israelites into Canaan, and a solemn curse pronounced upon whoever "riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho." This curse fell upon Hiel, more than a century after the time of David (1Kings 16:34). But "buildeth" is here, as often, to be understood of "fortifying"; and Jericho, under the name of "the city of palm trees" (Judges 1:16; Judges 3:13), appears to have been all along an inhabited place.Hebrew When this was reportedוַיַּגִּ֤דוּ (way·yag·gi·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous to David, לְדָוִד֙ (lə·ḏā·wiḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse he sent messengers וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out to meet [the men], לִקְרָאתָ֔ם (liq·rā·ṯām) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 7125: Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way since כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they were הָי֥וּ (hā·yū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be deeply מְאֹ֑ד (mə·’ōḏ) Adverb Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily humiliated. נִכְלָמִ֣ים (niḵ·lā·mîm) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3637: To wound, to taunt, insult The king הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king told them, וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Stay שְׁב֣וּ (šə·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in Jericho בִֽירֵח֔וֹ (ḇî·rê·ḥōw) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3405: Jericho -- a city in the Jordan Valley captured by Joshua until עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while your beards זְקַנְכֶ֖ם (zə·qan·ḵem) Noun - common singular construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 2206: Beard, chin have grown back, יְצַמַּ֥ח (yə·ṣam·maḥ) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6779: To sprout, spring up and [then] return.” וְשַׁבְתֶּֽם׃ (wə·šaḇ·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again Links 2 Samuel 10:5 NIV2 Samuel 10:5 NLT 2 Samuel 10:5 ESV 2 Samuel 10:5 NASB 2 Samuel 10:5 KJV 2 Samuel 10:5 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 10:5 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 10:5 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 10:5 French Bible 2 Samuel 10:5 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 10:5 When they told it to David he (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
    |