King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 10:5 Mean?

2 Samuel 10:5 in the King James Version says “When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Je... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

2 Samuel 10:5 · KJV


Context

3

And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? Thinkest: Heb. In thine eyes doth David?

4

Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.

5

When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

6

And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men. Ishtob: or, the men of Tob

7

And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

This verse contributes to the narrative of War with Ammon and Aram, emphasizing responding to insult with strength. The Ammonite insult to David's ambassadors and subsequent war demonstrates appropriate responses to hostility. Theological themes include honor/shame dynamics in ancient cultures, the legitimacy of responding firmly to aggression, and trusting God when facing overwhelming opposition. The Hebrew narrative emphasizes strategic wisdom alongside divine enablement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 10 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding responding to insult with strength provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of responding to insult with strength?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיַּגִּ֤דוּ1 of 17

When they told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְדָוִד֙2 of 17

it unto David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח3 of 17

he sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לִקְרָאתָ֔ם4 of 17

to meet

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

כִּֽי5 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הָי֥וּ6 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים7 of 17

them because the men

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

נִכְלָמִ֣ים8 of 17

ashamed

H3637

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

מְאֹ֑ד9 of 17

were greatly

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר10 of 17

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙11 of 17

and the king

H4428

a king

שְׁב֣וּ12 of 17

Tarry

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בִֽירֵח֔וֹ13 of 17

at Jericho

H3405

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

עַד14 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

יְצַמַּ֥ח15 of 17

be grown

H6779

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

זְקַנְכֶ֖ם16 of 17

until your beards

H2206

the beard (as indicating age)

וְשַׁבְתֶּֽם׃17 of 17

and then return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 10:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 10:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study