Day 7

HANDLING INSULT

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31

Nahash, king of the Ammonites, died and David remembering his kindness in the past sent emissaries to his son Hanun to express his sympathy. Hanum was badly advised by his courtiers who persuaded him that David was really spying out the land! The messengers were grossly insulted and Hanum gathered an army (2 Sam. 10:1-4,6). David could not ignore this act because it slighted his name and that of Israel acquiescence on his part would simply have been interpreted as weakness. Retribution was swift and sharp through Joab's brilliant leadership (v7-19). David's decisive action restored Israel's reputation and secured peace with those who had allied themselves against Israel (v19). Note also his sensitivity to his shamed messengers (v4,5).

Psalm 18:46-50 records David's praise to God for such deliverances.

Do you think David was justified in his action against the Ammonites? Their fears (2 Sam. 10:3) of spying were probably not completely unfounded.

Is there a lesson here for Christians today? Are we justified in retaliating for insult or injury given to us? What did Jesus mean in Matt. 5:39? Is this a rule for all circumstances or are there exceptions? Our discover text might help.