2 Samuel 10-4.6.22
Scripture
2 Samuel 10:3 NLT
“the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, their master, “Do you really think these men are coming here to honor your father? No! David has sent them to spy out the city so they can come in and conquer it!”
Observation-What does it say?
The Ammonite king, King Nahash, has just died. His son, Hanun has now stepped into his father’s footsteps as king. David sends some of his men to the new king to send his condolences for his father, and to show respect and loyalty to the new king because the king’s father was always loyal to him. But, as David’s men arrived in the land of Ammon, Hanun received some bad advice from his high ranking officers. They convinced Hanun that David’s men weren’t there to show loyalty and pay their respects to his dad. They were there to spy and conquer their city. Hanun believed and took the advice of his officers. As a result, instead of getting David’s loyalty and respect, Hanun waged war against David and his armies. They were soon defeated and became Israel’s servants.
Understanding-What does it mean?
You ever receive bad, ungodly advice?
King Hanun definitely received bad advice. Instead of getting David’s loyalty, blessings, and aid, he received David’s anger and ended up getting his people enslaved for it. In the previous chapters you see David’s heart. You see just how loyal David can be. David showed his loyalty to Johnathan, (Saul’s son). Even though Saul tried to kill David on multiple occasions, his son Jonathan forged a deep friendship with David, that David never forgot. Even though Jonathan had died, David took care of Jonathan’s family and their servants. So, when Hanun took the bad advice from his officers, he essentially rejected David’s blessings for his kingdom and instead caused his kingdom to crumble and become enslaved by the Israelites because of his foolish decision to take some bad advice; A decision I’m sure he regretted.
Life Application
Surround yourself with a good support team; A team that can give you godly counsel in time of need.
“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” -Proverbs 13:20
Why is it whenever we have a tough decision to make, we turn to worldly things (magazines, social media, co-workers), instead of first turning to God and His people? The Bible tells us that true wisdom comes from God and if we want to make wise decisions, shouldn’t we turn to Him and take advice from godly people? It only makes sense right?!
That’s why I strongly encourage anyone out there that isn’t part of a small group (ITC Group at DSC), or who doesn’t have a person who is more spiritually mature than them discipling them, to definitely look into getting involved in both! It’s a great way to have accountability, fellowship, and the spiritual support we all need to make it in life. No man is an island and every Christian needs one another so we can help each other GROW! So what are you waiting for? Join a small group, or find someone to disciple you today. 😊
-Moses Gaddi