2 Samuel 10:2
Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
2 Samuel 10:2 · King James Version
Meaning
David's decision to show kindness to Hanun, the son of Nahash, demonstrates his understanding and commitment to honor relationships and maintain peace. By choosing to extend a gesture of kindness, David is embodying the values of loyalty and gratitude that were instilled in him by Hanun's father. The act of sending his servants to comfort Hanun reflects David's desire to mend any rift that may exist between their families and to foster goodwill between their peoples. Furthermore, David's willingness to reach out to Hanun in a time of need highlights his belief in the importance of compassion and empathy in building strong and harmonious relationships. This verse captures the essence of David's character as a leader who values kindness, reciprocity, and reconciliation in his interactions with others.
Theological Overview
In this verse, David demonstrates a theological principle of reciprocity by stating his intention to show kindness to Hanun, the son of Nahash, as a response to the kindness shown to him by Hanun's father. This notion of reciprocity is a common theme in the Bible, highlighting the importance of treating others as we would like to be treated. David's decision to send his servants to comfort Hanun is a reflection of his desire to honor the memory of Nahash and to continue the cycle of kindness. The act of sending his servants into the land of the Ammonites also reveals David's willingness to extend grace and compassion even to those outside of his own people. Through this action, David exemplifies the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and extending grace, emphasizing the importance of kindness and reciprocity in relationships.
2 Samuel 10:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
And David said, I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness unto me. So David sent by his servants to comfort him concerning his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
World English Bible
David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent by his servants to comfort him concerning his father. David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.
Douay-Rheims
And David said: I will shew kindness to Hanon the son of Daas, as his father shewed kindness to me. So David sent his servants to comfort him for the death of his father. But when the servants of David were come into the land of the children of Ammon,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then sayde Dauid, I will shewe kindnesse vnto Hanun the sonne of Nahash, as his father shewed kindnesse vnto me. And Dauid sent his seruantes to comfort him for his father. So Dauids seruants came into the lande of the children of Ammon.