Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary2 Samuel 10

Hanun’s Mistreatment of David’s ServantsThis section tells the story of how David tried to show kindness to Hanun, the new king of the Ammonites, but was badly insulted in return. David wanted to continue a good relationship that his father Nahash had started. However, Hanun listened to bad advice and treated David’s messengers with shame and disrespect. The result is a lesson about misunderstanding, suspicion, and the pain of false accusations.v. 1-2: David respected his neighbor, the king of the Ammonites, especially because Nahash, the old king, had once shown kindness to him (2 Samuel 10:1-2 ). Even though Nahash had been an enemy to Israel and had acted cruelly before (1 Samuel 11:2 ), David chose to return good for good. He sent messengers to comfort Hanun after his father’s death. This is a reminder that when we receive kindness, we should return it, no matter the reason behind it. It is also comforting for children when their parents’ friends stay friendly and supportive after the parents have died. It shows respect and helps those who are mourning feel less alone.

v. 3: Hanun listened to his suspicious princes, who said David’s messengers were really spies, not friends . People who are not honest themselves often think others are dishonest too. When someone is full of dislike, it is easy for them to believe the worst about others. Even good intentions can be twisted by those who do not trust or care for others. The Bible says, “Love thinks no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:5 ).

v. 4: Believing the bad advice, Hanun treated David’s servants very badly. He shaved off half their beards and cut their clothes in the middle, leaving them exposed and humiliated. This was done to make fun of them and to show disrespect not only to the men but also to King David and Israel. The messengers had trusted the Ammonites and expected respect, but instead they were treated as criminals.

v. 5: David cared deeply for his servants who had been insulted. He sent word for them to stay in Jericho until their beards grew back and they could appear in public again . In Israel, men wore long beards as a sign of honor and respect. Losing part of their beard was shameful. David wanted them to recover their dignity before returning. This teaches us not to worry too much about unfair insults because, like the beards, our honor can be restored in time. The Bible says, “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn... Be still before the Lord

The Ammonites and Syrians DefeatedThis section describes how the Ammonites, after insulting King David’s ambassadors, prepared for war against Israel. They realized too late that they had made themselves enemies of David. Instead of seeking peace, they hired Syrian soldiers to help them fight. David responded quickly by sending his army, led by Joab. The battle strategy and the courage of Israel’s leaders are highlighted, as well as their trust in the Lord

v. 7: When David heard about the Ammonites’ preparations, he sent Joab with a powerful army to confront them. Those who oppose the Son of David start the conflict, but He is patient and waits to show mercy. However, if people continue to resist, God will act against them (Psalm 7:12 ). David wisely chose to fight the enemy in their own land, near the gate of their main city, possibly Rabbah or Medeba (1 Chronicles 19:7 ). Good leaders try to keep war away from their own people as much as possible.

v. 8–10: Both sides got ready for battle. The Ammonites split their forces: their own soldiers stayed at the city gate, while the hired Syrians waited in the field to attack Israel from another direction. Joab noticed this plan and divided his army. He took the best soldiers to fight the Syrians, who were probably more experienced, while his brother Abishai led the rest against the Ammonites. Joab realized this would be a tough battle and prepared carefully.

v. 11–12: Before the battle, Joab spoke to Abishai. He made sure they had a plan to help each other if one side was losing. He said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, you help me; if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will help you.”This shows the importance of supporting each other, just as Christians should help one another in spiritual struggles (Luke 22:32; 1 Corinthians 12:21 ). Joab also encouraged everyone to be brave, not for personal gain, but for their people and for the cities of God. He reminded them to trust the Lord

v. 13–14: Joab’s careful planning paid off. Even though he prepared for the worst, he and his brother were stronger than both the Syrians and the Ammonites. Joab defeated the Syrians first, and then Abishai chased the Ammonites, who ran back into their city instead of fighting. Having a city to run to made it easier for them to flee. Sometimes, people are tempted to escape instead of facing their problems, especially when they have an easy way out.

The Syrians Make a Second Attack and Are DefeatedThis section tells how the Syrians tried again to fight against Israel after their first defeat. They gathered more soldiers and called for help from their allies. David acted quickly and led his army across the Jordan River to meet them. God gave Israel a great victory, and many enemies were killed. After this, other kings made peace with Israel, and the Syrians were afraid to help the Ammonites again. This fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham about Israel’s borders. The story also reminds us that rejecting God’s messengers brings judgment, just as it did for those who rejected Jesus and His apostles.v. 15: The Syrians, after losing the first battle, tried to regain their honor. They gathered their scattered troops and prepared to fight again. Even when a cause seems lost, enemies will keep trying as long as they have strength. This is like how the enemies of Jesus, the Son of David, kept opposing Him (Matthew 22:34; Revelation 19:19 ).

v. 16: Knowing they were not strong enough alone, the Syrians called for help from their allies on the other side of the river. With these new soldiers, they hoped to defeat Israel. But they did not understand God’s plan. God was gathering them together to be defeated, like a farmer gathers sheaves to be threshed (Micah 4:11-13 ).

v. 17: When David heard about the Syrians’ plans, he did not wait for them to attack. He led his army across the Jordan River to face them. David was a wise and brave leader who took action before the enemy could strike.

v. 18: In the battle, David’s army defeated the Syrians. They killed 7,000 men who drove chariots and 40,000 other soldiers, both horsemen and foot soldiers (1 Chronicles 19:18 ). The Syrian general was also killed. David returned home as a victor.

v. 19: After this great victory, the kings who had served Hadarezer saw David’s power. They made peace with Israel and agreed to serve him. This fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham that Israel’s land would reach to the Euphrates River (Genesis 15:18 ). The Syrians were now afraid to help the Ammonites again. They learned it was dangerous to help those who are fighting against God, because when God’s enemies fall, their helpers fall too.Jesus Christ, the Son of David, also sent His ambassadors—His apostles and ministers—to the Jewish people. But they treated them badly, just as Hanun treated David’s messengers. They mocked, abused, and even killed them. This filled up their sins and brought destruction on them, because Jesus takes what is done to His servants as done to Himself (Matthew 21:35, 41; 22:7; 2 Chronicles 26:16 ).