Fridays with David

Read 2 Samuel 10:4-8 – Therefore Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off half of their beards, cut off their garments in the middle, at their buttocks, and sent them away. When they told David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.” When the people of Ammon saw that they had made themselves repulsive to David, the people of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Beth Rehob and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand foot soldiers; and from the king of Maacah one thousand men, and from Ish-Tob twelve thousand men. Now when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army of the mighty men. Then the people of Ammon came out and put themselves in battle array at the entrance of the gate. And the Syrians of Zoba, Beth Rehob, Ish-Tob, and Maacah were by themselves in the field. (NKJV)

David’s men have suffered humiliation while on an errand for him. While his response of judgment on the offenders will be swift and thorough, his care for his men also is worth noting. For foreigners to see David’s men humiliated is reason for war, but David also takes the extra step of protecting his men from the shame they would feel if exposed before their countrymen. David doesn’t exploit their humiliation to gather further support for the upcoming battle. Neither does he count on the anger of these men to help him win the battle. He shields these men from public display and takes others to fight the battle for these shamed friends. Clearly, David puts what is good for them ahead of other possible agendas. David puts the needs of these men first. One would imagine that their loyalty to him would increase in spite of the humiliation they have suffered in serving him. When we act for the true good of those who serve alongside of us, we gain more than just the moment. We ultimately gain trust and respect that will help us lead more effectively in the future.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.