What can we learn about humility from the actions in 1 Chronicles 19:4? Text at a Glance 1 Chronicles 19:4: “So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved their beards, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away.” Setting the Scene • David sent envoys to comfort Hanun. • Hanun, mistrusting their motives, publicly disgraced them. • The humiliated men returned, and David told them to stay at Jericho until their beards grew back (19:5). Humility in the Servants • Obedient service: they carried out the king’s mission without self-promotion. • Silent endurance: they did not retaliate, mirroring Isaiah 53:7 and Matthew 5:39. • Patient waiting: remaining in Jericho showed willingness to let God and time restore dignity. David’s Humble Leadership • Empathy: he recognized their shame instead of demanding immediate duty. • Protection: he shielded them from public gaze, reflecting John 10:11 care. • Restoration: he allowed recovery before return, modeling Colossians 3:12 compassion. Pride That Shames Others • Hanun’s arrogance fulfilled Proverbs 11:2; pride bred disgrace and conflict. • His insult sparked war, illustrating Proverbs 16:18—pride precedes destruction. Lessons for Today • Followers of Christ may face unjust shame; humble endurance glorifies the Master (1 Peter 2:20). • Vindication belongs to God; humility waits for His timing (Psalm 37:5–7). • Godly leaders guard the wounded, not exploit them. • Pride devalues people; humility esteems them (Philippians 2:3–4). Supporting Scriptures |
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