avid's messengers ill-treated by Hanun. (1-5) The Ammonites
defeated. (6-14) The Syrians defeated. (15-19)
Verses 1-5: Nahash had been an enemy to Israel, yet had showed kindness
to David. David therefore resolves gratefully to return it. If a
Pharisee gives alms in pride, though God will not reward it, yet
he that receives the alms ought to return thanks for it. Those
who bear ill-will to their neighbours, are resolved not to
believe that their neighbours bear any good-will to them. There
is nothing so well meant, but it may be ill interpreted, and is
wont to be so, by men who love nobody but themselves. The best
men must not think it strange if they are thus misrepresented.
Charity thinketh no evil. According to the usages of those days
and countries, Hanun treated David's ambassadors in the most
contemptuous manner. David showed much concern for his servants.
Let us learn not to lay unjust reproaches to heart; they will
wear off, and turn only to the shame of those who utter or do
them; while the reputation wrongfully hurt in a little time
grows again, as these beards did. God will bring forth thy
righteousness as the light, therefore wait patiently for him,
(Ps 37:6,7).
Verses 6-14: They that are at war with the Son of David, not only give
the provocation, but begin the war. God has forces to send
against those that set his wrath at defiance, (Isa 5:19), which
will convince them that none ever hardened his heart against
God, and prospered. Christ's soldiers should strengthen one
another's hands in their spiritual warfare. Let nothing be
wanting in us, whatever the success be. When we make conscience
of doing our duty, we may, with satisfaction, leave the event
with God, assuredly hoping for his salvation in his own way and
time.
Verses 15-19: Here is a new attempt of the Syrians. Even the baffled
cause will make head as long as there is any life in it; the
enemies of the Son of David do so. But now the promise made to
Abraham, (Ge 15:18), and repeated to Joshua, (Jos 1:4), that the
borders of Israel should extend to the river Euphrates, was
performed. Learn hence, that it is dangerous to help those who
have God against them; for when they fall, their helpers will
fall with them.
avid's messengers ill-treated by Hanun. (1-5) The Ammonites
defeated. (6-14) The Syrians defeated. (15-19)