2 Samuel 10 tells the story of kindness that is received suspiciously and with mistrust, and what happens when war is chosen over peacemaking. David tries to show kindness to a foreign leader on the death of his father (Hanun, son of Nahash, king of the Ammonites), but his actions are viewed with mistrust, the leaders ascribing hostile motives to his expression of sympathy, resulting in brutal violence to the king’s envoys. (2 Sam 10:1-5)
Such inflammatory actions (including amassing mercenaries to fight against Israel) understandably provoke a reaction (2 Sam 10;5-8), reminding us that the cycle of retaliation and retribution can only really be broken through forgiveness and love. War is the sad result, but Joab (the Israelite commander) recognises that all he can do is prepare and work hard; ‘the Lord will do what is right in His sight.’ (2 Sam 10:12) We do well to realise that victory ultimately comes from God; our preparation and hard work are what are required of us, but He brings the victory.
The senselessness of the slaughter listed in this chapter grieves us and reminds us that to be offended is easy, but to forgive and move on requires humility and trust in God’s ultimate justice. Misunderstandings can escalate quickly; we need to keep short records with others and give people the benefit of the doubt at times. ‘A gentle answer turns away wrath’ Prov 15:1 tells us, and if we are to live as peace-makers, we must learn to defuse tensions by being rooted in truth, practising forgiveness and learning to love even our enemies, as Jesus commanded. (Matt 5:43-48)