King David had many military victories. King Nahash, the king of the Ammonites had died, and his son Hanun became king. David said, “I am going to show loyalty to Hanun because his father, Nahash , was always loyal to me.” So David sent messengers to express sympathy in his behalf to King Hanun about his father’s death. The Chronicles describe the reception to David’s messengers. “But when David’s ambassadors arrived in the land of Ammon, the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, ‘Do you really think these men are coming here to honor your father? No! David has sent them to spy out the land so they can come and conquer it!’ So Hanun seized David’s ambassadors and shaved them, cut off their robes at the buttocks and sent them back to David in shame.” This action was quite serious for this king; a leader.
The above description demonstrates the type of leader Hanun was. He obviously misread, misinterpreted, and plainly mistakenly assumed that his commanders were correct in their assumptions of David’s true intentions! It was a grave error on Hanun’s part. It was truly a shot in the dark supposition and it definitely cost them in the long run.
How many times has this happened to you and I? We assume and misread intentions of others and in the long run create havoc with relationships we should have peace with. The “drama” in our lives are basically created by no one else but ourselves because we failed to read another’s true intent. Careful now!
Israelite men always wore beards and to be forcibly shaven was a total insult and embarrassment. But, adding insult to injury these men were also left half naked and Hanun’s action was total humiliation.
Hanun became suspicious for whatever reason, and he brought disaster upon himself. Past experiences can make us suspicious of others, questioning every move and second guessing their motives. And, while we should be cautious when we deal with others we should also be wise and not hypothesize that every action is ill intended. And, just as important is being very conscientious of who you listen to for recommendations and advice. Know who you surround yourself with! It will save you much heartache. Take this from someone who has been there, done it and seen it!
In lieu of admitting his mistake and ask forgiveness and even attempt to reconcile; Hanun spent a lot of money to cover up his mistake. 1st Chronicles 20:1-3 tells us how it deeply cost him.
Many times it costs us more to cover up a mistake than to admit it sincerely. The honorable way to handle such in my view is let go of the defensiveness, own up to the mistake, seek forgiveness, reconcile and move on. This delivers us and others from a lot of pain, misery and more problems.
We must stand up for what is right and honorable. Believe enough in ourselves to admit wrong and make it right! It’s time to live freely and joyfully in the Lord. “Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of God. May the Lord’s will be done!” 1st Chronicles 19:13
ritasalomon 