What can we learn about discernment from Hanun's response in 2 Samuel 10:3? Setting the Scene 2 Samuel 10 opens with David reaching out to comfort Hanun, the new king of Ammon, after his father’s death. Yet instead of receiving kindness, David’s servants are humiliated. At the root lies verse 3: “the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, ‘Do you think David is honoring your father by sending this delegation to express sympathy? Has not David sent them to you in order to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?’” (2 Samuel 10:3) Hanun’s Suspicion — A Portrait of Misplaced Discernment • He trusted untested voices. • He interpreted kindness through a lens of fear. • He acted without verifying facts. • He let national pride override reason. Consequences of Faulty Discernment • Humiliation of David’s ambassadors (vv. 4–5). • Rapid escalation to war (vv. 6–19). • Loss of tens of thousands of soldiers and eventual subjugation. Faulty discernment always carries fallout that extends far beyond the initial decision (Proverbs 14:12). Principles for Godly Discernment • Weigh counsel carefully. “The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps” (Proverbs 14:15). • Check motives. “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). • Verify before acting. “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him” (Proverbs 18:13). • Compare every claim with God’s revealed truth. “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Seek the Lord for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). Cultivating True Discernment Today 1. Fill the mind with Scripture—our ultimate standard (Hebrews 5:14). 2. Pray for insight before reacting (Psalm 119:66). 3. Listen to multiple, godly counselors (Proverbs 15:22). 4. Examine fruit, not appearances (John 7:24). 5. Remain teachable; pride blinds (Proverbs 11:2). Key Takeaways • Discernment is more than suspicion; it is Spirit-guided judgment anchored in truth. • Rash conclusions, even when popular, can produce devastating ripple effects. • God invites us to slow down, seek His perspective, test every voice, and respond in faith rather than fear. |
    |