Negative assumptions

Even though Nahash had shown kindness to David, his son decided for himself

2 Samuel 10.1-19

Reference: v. 2 David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Hahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent a delegation to express his sympathy to Hanun concerning his father.

Explore: I don’t believe in generation gaps. I think that everyone should be addressed as an individual according to their personality, not their age. And so here we find David addressing Hanun in remembrance of the favour that his father showed David. And yet Hanun was clearly swayed by his nobles than his father and decided to reject David’s sympathy offering rather than receive it in peace.

Application: There are many churches that struggle with the old verses the young. There are constant battles over really “important” things like pews, music and clothing!! And yet it is an ‘ism’ that has emerged just like racism and sexism: through not knowing each other you can put the other group down as much as you like. In this passage we’ve read Hanun has not got to know David like his father did but made an assumption based on David’s race and position. We all make decisions about other people but as we can see from this story it’s important to be more like Nahash rather than Hanun and know people before you make judgment on them.

Prayer: Lord, while our world is becoming more multicultural we still see strong evidence of racism. If we start breaking down barriers we will see that everyone is a child of God and made in your image. Help us to make wise and honourable decisions so that we can share your love with everyone. Amen.

2 Samuel