Topical Bible: Slander: Princes of Ammon

◄ Slander: Princes of Ammon ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The term "slander" refers to the act of making false and damaging statements about someone. In the biblical context, slander is considered a serious sin, as it not only harms the reputation of the individual being slandered but also disrupts community harmony and violates the commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16).

The incident involving the Princes of Ammon is a notable example of slander in the Old Testament. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 10 and 1 Chronicles 19, where the Ammonite leaders falsely accused David's envoys of espionage, leading to unnecessary conflict and war.

Biblical Account

After the death of Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, David sought to show kindness to Hanun, Nahash's son, as Nahash had previously shown kindness to him. David sent a delegation to express his condolences and offer comfort to Hanun. However, the Princes of Ammon misinterpreted David's intentions and slandered his envoys. They said to Hanun, "Do you think that David is honoring your father by sending you comforters? Has he not sent his servants to you to search the city, to spy it out, and to overthrow it?" (2 Samuel 10:3).

This accusation was baseless and stemmed from suspicion and mistrust. The slanderous words of the Ammonite princes led Hanun to humiliate David's envoys by shaving off half of each man's beard and cutting their garments at the hips, sending them away in disgrace (2 Samuel 10:4). This act of humiliation was not only an insult to the envoys but also a direct affront to King David and the nation of Israel.

Consequences

The slander by the Princes of Ammon had significant consequences. It escalated tensions between Israel and Ammon, leading to a military conflict. David, upon hearing of the humiliation of his envoys, sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men to confront the Ammonites. The ensuing battles resulted in the defeat of the Ammonites and their allies, the Arameans (2 Samuel 10:6-19).

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the incident underscores the destructive power of slander. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of truthfulness and the dangers of false accusations. The actions of the Ammonite princes violated the biblical principles of honesty and integrity, leading to unnecessary strife and bloodshed.

The Bible consistently warns against the sin of slander. Proverbs 10:18 states, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool" . The New Testament also admonishes believers to refrain from slander, urging them to speak truthfully and lovingly (Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:8).

Moral Lessons

The account of the Princes of Ammon serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking truth and understanding before making judgments. It highlights the need for discernment and the dangers of allowing suspicion and fear to guide actions. The incident calls believers to uphold the values of honesty, respect, and reconciliation in their interactions with others, reflecting the character of God in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 10:3
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?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Greater Prophets.
... of filthy lucre; our ambition, slander, falsehood, intrigues ... solemnly assuring the
kings and princes of Judah ... the four neighboring nations, Ammon, Moab, Edom ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... men and fall like one of the princes." [369] The ... made him the father of Moab and
Ammon, [399] Israel's ... Speak against nobody, and do not slander your mother's ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm