Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to:
2 Samuel
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 10
Overview:
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.