2 Samuel 10:15-19 – The King’s Response When Kindness Is Despised
David mobilises his troops for war. Firstly Joab and Abishai lead the people into battle, and the Syrians and Ammonites flee before them. At this point, in v16, Hadadezer, who’s a Syrian king, sends for reinforcements – and more Syrians arrive. This time David himself takes command of the Israelite forces, and the Syrians are defeated again. 40,000 horsemen and 700 charioteers are killed. And at this point the remaining Syrians make peace with Israel and become subject to them. As the chapter ends, we can be in absolutely no doubt about what a foolish thing it was for Hanun to fight against David. It was the worst miscalculation he ever made in his life. And it’s recorded in the Bible to warn us about making an even bigger miscalculation.
Psalm 2 warns that it’s a disastrous miscalculation to try and fight against God’s king. But that’s what Hanun does in this chapter. That’s what all do who reject the gospel. Psalm 2 ultimately pictures those who reject God’s true anointed king, Jesus Christ. If resisting King David was futile – and ended in such devastation, then resisting King Jesus – the true Son of God – will be absolutely disastrous. The most popular song played at funerals today is ‘I did it my way’. But 2nd Samuel 10, and Psalm 2 show where that leads. People say: ‘I did it my way’. Psalm 2 says ‘Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way’. If you do it your way, you will perish, unless you stop fighting against God, and come to him through Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the life.
What’s the message of this chapter in a nutshell? In spite of all the resistance and hostility, God’s king will rule. May that encourage you as you go out into the world this next week, as you take opportunities to compassionately warn people of the wrath to come, as you grieve to see people scorning and thumbing their noses at your king. Hold on to the confidence that despite it all, he is ruling. And he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
Question
- How is this chapter like Psalm 2?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.