College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
2 Samuel 10 - Introduction
PART THREE
TROUBLE IN DAVID'S FAMILY
2 Samuel 10:1 to 2 Samuel 14:33
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 10
David's Ambassadors shamed. The king of Ammon died and David sent ambassadors to express his sympathy. The princes of the country persuaded the new king that David was really seeking opportunity to spy out their land. They treated his ambassadors shamefully and this was taken as a cause for war.
David's army was divided into two companies. One was under the direction of Joab, and the other was led by Abishai. The armies of Israel were victorious, and the Syrians from Damascus came to aid the Ammonites. David then gathered his entire host together and crossed over the Jordan himself to direct the campaign. The Israelites were victorious and the Syrians withdrew.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). The treatment of a country's ambassadors is tantamount to the same treatment of the country. When the people of Ammon cut off the beard of David's ambassadors and sheared their robes just slightly below the waist, they caused the men to be so ashamed that they were not willing to be seen in public. David took this treatment to be the same as shameful treatment of himself and of his entire nation. He therefore went to war. We are sometimes surprised to read that Jesus said to Saul, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest (Acts 9:5). As far as we know Saul never saw Jesus; but when he persecuted the followers of Jesus, it was as if he were persecuting Jesus. We need to realize that our treatment of God's workers is equal to the same treatment of God himself.
2.
Playing the man. When the armies of Israel saw that the Syrians had joined with the Ammonites, they knew that the odds were overwhelmingly against them. Joab said, Be of good courage and let us play the men for our people and for the cities of our God (2 Samuel 10:12). When Christians are overwhelmed by the forces of evil, they need to begin playing the men for the sake of their brethren and for their God whom they serve.
CHAPTER 10 IN REVIEW
1.
What king died in Amnion?
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2.
What was the name of the new king?
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3.
What officers of David's were treated shamefully by the Ammonites?
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4.
Where did David's officers tarry before returning to Jerusalem?
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5.
What other people joined the Ammonites to fight Israel?
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6.
Who led David's men against Ammon?
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7.
What other captain led part of David's men?
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8.
Who won the battle?
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9.
Did David himself go to the battle?
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10.
How many horsemen did David slay?
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