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PEACE BETWEEN AMMON AND ISRAEL BROKEN
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
2 Samuel 10

Psalm 37:7-14

 

“Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him.”

 

PEACE BETWEEN AMMON AND ISRAEL BROKEN
 
The counsel of the princes of Ammon was a negative reaction that broke the peace between the two nations. They became instant enemies. Their accusations against the servants of David had no basis but was due to their own imagination. Their attitude was in contrast to that of the late king. The imagination of a spy mission was a far-fetched idea, but it persuaded the new king that his servants’ opinion was right.
 
Matthew Henry made this observation and application: “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, Ps 37:7.”
 
That reaction, as expected, triggered another strain in the relationship between the two nations. Ammon was a heathen nation, but David had developed a good relationship with them as a worthy neighbour. He needed God’s wisdom to handle the new situation.
 
THOUGHT: Violence is destructive, but peace is constructive.

PRAYER: Father, may Thy peace rule in my life.

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