2Sa 10 | MHCC | e4.org | 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|.

‏ 2 Samuel 10

* David's messengers ill-treated by Hanun. (1-5) The Ammonites

defeated. (6-14) The Syrians defeated. (15-19)

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|. 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. 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.