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⇱ 1 Chronicles 19:2 And David said, "I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me." So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David's servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him,

◄ 1 Chronicles 19:2 ►
New International Version
David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent a delegation to express his sympathy to Hanun concerning his father. When David’s envoys came to Hanun in the land of the Ammonites to express sympathy to him,

New Living Translation
David said, “I am going to show loyalty to Hanun because his father, Nahash, was always loyal to me.” So David sent messengers to express sympathy to Hanun about his father’s death. But when David’s ambassadors arrived in the land of Ammon,

English Standard Version
And David said, “I will deal kindly with Hanun the son of Nahash, for his father dealt kindly with me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. And David’s servants came to the land of the Ammonites to Hanun to console him.

Berean Standard Bible
And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him,

King James Bible
And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.

New King James Version
Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. And David’s servants came to Hanun in the land of the people of Ammon to comfort him.

New American Standard Bible
Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the sons of Ammon to Hanun to console him.

NASB 1995
Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the sons of Ammon to Hanun to console him.

NASB 1977
Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the sons of Ammon to Hanun, to console him.

Legacy Standard Bible
So David said, “I will show lovingkindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed lovingkindness to me.” So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the sons of Ammon to Hanun to comfort him.

Amplified Bible
David said, “I will be kind (gracious) to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father was kind to me.” So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning [the death of] his father. And the servants of David came to the land of the Ammonites to comfort Hanun.

Christian Standard Bible
Then David said, “I’ll show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. However, when David’s emissaries arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then David said, “I’ll show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. However, when David’s emissaries arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him,

American Standard Version
And David said, I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me. So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.

Contemporary English Version
David said, "Nahash was kind to me, so I will be kind to his son." He sent some officials to Ammon to tell Hanun how sorry he was that his father had died. But when David's officials arrived at Ammon,

English Revised Version
And David said, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father shewed kindness to me. So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David thought, "I will show kindness to Hanun because his father Nahash showed me kindness." So David sent messengers to comfort Hanun after his father's [death]. But when David's servants entered Ammonite territory to comfort Hanun,

Good News Translation
King David said, "I must show loyal friendship to Hanun, as his father Nahash did to me." So David sent messengers to express his sympathy. When they arrived in Ammon and called on King Hanun,

International Standard Version
so David told himself, "I will be loyal to Nahash's son Hanun, since his father showed loyal, gracious love to me." So David sent a delegation to console him about his loss of his father. But when David's delegation arrived to visit Hanun in Ammonite territory to console him,

NET Bible
David said, "I will express my loyalty to Hanun son of Nahash, for his father was loyal to me." So David sent messengers to express his sympathy over his father's death. When David's servants entered Ammonite territory to visit Hanun and express the king's sympathy,

New Heart English Bible
David said, "I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me." So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. David's servants came into the land of the people of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And David said, I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him,

World English Bible
David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun to comfort him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David says, “I do kindness with Hanun son of Nahash, for his father did kindness with me”; and David sends messengers to comfort him concerning his father. And the servants of David come to the land of the sons of Ammon, to Hanun, to comfort him,

Young's Literal Translation
and David saith, 'I do kindness with Hanun son of Nahash, for his father did with me kindness;' and David sendeth messengers to comfort him concerning his father. And the servants of David come in unto the land of the sons of Ammon, unto Hanun, to comfort him,

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will say, I will do mercy with Hanun son of Nahash, for his father did mercy with me. And David will send messengers to comfort him concerning his father. And David's servants will come to the land of the sons of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David said: I will shew kindness to Hanon the son of Naas: for his father did a favour to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him upon the death of his father. But when they were come into the land of the children of Ammon, to comfort Hanon,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David said: “I will act with mercy toward Hanun, the son of Nahash. For his father was gracious to me.” And so David sent messengers to console him over the death of his father. But when they had reached the land of the sons of Ammon, so that they might console Hanun,

New American Bible
David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun, the son of Nahash, for his father showed kindness to me.” Therefore he sent envoys to console him over his father. But when David’s servants had entered the land of the Ammonites to console Hanun,

New Revised Standard Version
David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun son of Nahash, for his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. When David’s servants came to Hanun in the land of the Ammonites, to console him,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
- - -

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David said: “I shall do a kindness with Khanun, son of Nakhash, just as his father did a kindness with me.” And David sent Messengers to comfort him concerning his father, and the Servants of David came to the land of the children Amon to Khanun to comfort him concerning his father.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David said: 'l will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.' So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David said, I will act kindly toward Anan the son of Naas, as his father acted kindly towards me. And David sent messengers to condole with him on the death of his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Anan, to comfort him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Messengers Disgraced
1Some time later, Nahash king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son. 2And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him, 3the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Have not his servants come to you to explore the land, spy it out, and overthrow it?”…

Cross References
2 Samuel 10:2
And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console Hanun concerning his father. But when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites,

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Proverbs 25:21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

Romans 12:20
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Luke 6:27
But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

1 Thessalonians 5:15
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

1 John 3:18
Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:11
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:19
We love because He first loved us.


1 Samuel 30:26
And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, even to his friends, saying, Behold a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the LORD;

2 Samuel 9:1,7
And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? …

2 Kings 4:13
And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

the children

Genesis 19:37,38
And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day…

Deuteronomy 23:3-6
An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever: …

Nehemiah 4:3,7
Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall…

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Ammon Children Comfort David David's Deal Hanun Kindness Messengers Nahash Servants Show Showed
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Ammon Children Comfort David David's Deal Hanun Kindness Messengers Nahash Servants Show Showed
1 Chronicles 19
1. David's messengers, sent to comfort Hanun, are villainously treated
6. The Ammonites, strengthened by the Syrians, are overcome by Joab and Abishai
16. Shobach, making a new supply of the Syrians, is slain by David














And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.”
David's intention to show kindness reflects the biblical principle of reciprocating goodwill, as seen in Proverbs 19:17, which emphasizes the virtue of kindness. Nahash, the father of Hanun, was the king of the Ammonites, a people often in conflict with Israel. The kindness Nahash showed to David is not detailed in the biblical text, but it suggests a diplomatic relationship that David sought to honor. This act of kindness can be seen as a reflection of God's covenantal faithfulness, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father.
Sending messengers was a common diplomatic practice in the ancient Near East, used to convey condolences or negotiate peace. This act of sending envoys highlights David's role as a king who values relationships and seeks peace with neighboring nations. The gesture of consolation aligns with the biblical call to mourn with those who mourn, as seen in Romans 12:15. It also reflects the cultural importance of honoring the dead and supporting the bereaved, a practice deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern customs.

But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him,
The land of the Ammonites, located east of the Jordan River, was a region with a history of tension with Israel. The arrival of David's servants in Ammonite territory underscores the potential for misunderstanding and conflict, as seen in the subsequent verses. This moment foreshadows the suspicion and hostility that can arise even from well-intentioned actions, a recurring theme in biblical narratives. The Ammonites' reaction to David's gesture serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of human relationships and the complexities of international diplomacy in the biblical world.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, known for his heart after God and his leadership. In this verse, he seeks to show kindness to Hanun.

2. Hanun
The son of Nahash, who becomes the king of the Ammonites after his father's death. He is the recipient of David's intended kindness.

3. Nahash
The deceased king of the Ammonites, who had previously shown kindness to David, prompting David's gesture towards Hanun.

4. Ammonites
A people group living east of the Jordan River, often in conflict with Israel. The land of the Ammonites is where David's messengers are sent.

5. Messengers
Representatives sent by David to express condolences and kindness to Hanun.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Kindness
David's intention to show kindness to Hanun highlights the biblical principle of extending grace and compassion, even to those outside one's immediate community.

Misunderstandings and Misinterpretations
The subsequent events in the chapter show how good intentions can be misinterpreted, leading to conflict. This teaches us to communicate clearly and seek understanding.

Legacy of Relationships
David's actions were influenced by the kindness shown to him by Nahash. This underscores the lasting impact of our actions and relationships.

Diplomacy and Peacemaking
David's approach to the Ammonites serves as an example of attempting diplomacy and peace, even when past relations have been tense.

Responding to Rejection
When our gestures of kindness are rejected or misunderstood, we must continue to act with integrity and seek God's guidance in our responses.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 19:2?

2. How does David's kindness in 1 Chronicles 19:2 reflect God's character?

3. What lessons on friendship can we learn from David's actions in this verse?

4. How does 1 Chronicles 19:2 connect with Jesus' teachings on loving others?

5. How can you show kindness to others in your daily life like David?

6. What are potential risks of misinterpreting intentions, as seen in 1 Chronicles 19?

7. Why did David show kindness to Hanun in 1 Chronicles 19:2?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 19:2 reflect on the theme of diplomacy in the Bible?

9. What historical context surrounds David's actions in 1 Chronicles 19:2?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 19?

11. Why does 1 Chronicles 19:2–3 portray the Ammonite advisers interpreting David’s gesture as hostility, while other ancient sources rarely mention such extreme suspicion?

12. How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?

13. In 2 Samuel 10:2–4, how historically plausible is Hanun’s humiliation of David’s envoys, and are there any archaeological records supporting this incident?

14. How do we reconcile the discrepant figures between 2 Samuel 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 19:18 regarding the number of charioteers and horsemen defeated by David?
What Does 1 Chronicles 19:2 Mean
“I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash”

• David’s opening resolve reveals his heart of covenant loyalty (cf. 2 Samuel 9:1, where he seeks to “show kindness” to Jonathan’s son).

• “Kindness” (ḥesed) carries the idea of steadfast love—action rooted in commitment, not mere emotion.

• By voicing this publicly, David makes clear that he intends to extend the same grace God showed him (Psalm 18:1–2) to surrounding nations, fulfilling Genesis 12:3’s promise that Israel would be a blessing.

“because his father showed kindness to me.”

• Scripture does not record every detail of Nahash’s kindness, yet David’s testimony stands as true and sufficient, reminding us that God often works behind the scenes (John 21:25).

• This motive models Proverbs 17:13—repaying good with good—contrasting sharply with the world’s tendency to forget favors.

• David’s gratitude illustrates the fifth commandment’s principle of honoring benefactors (Exodus 20:12), here applied beyond family to international relations.

“So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father.”

• Sending envoys was the customary way ancient kings expressed sympathy (Genesis 50:10–11; Job 2:11).

• Consolation after loss reflects God’s character as “the Father of compassion and God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).

• David’s action also guarded against misunderstandings by keeping diplomatic channels open—wise leadership anticipating Romans 12:18’s call to live peaceably with all.

“But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him”

• The narrative pauses here, foreshadowing the tragic suspicion that will follow (v. 3–5).

• The Ammonite response will reveal hearts hardened by fear and pride, much like Pharaoh in Exodus 5:2.

• David’s good intentions do not guarantee favorable reception—echoing Jesus’ experience in John 1:11, where He came to His own and was not received.

• This tension prepares readers to contrast godly kindness with human distrust, highlighting Proverbs 3:5–7’s call to trust the LORD rather than our own understanding.

summary

1 Chronicles 19:2 shows King David intentionally extending covenant love to a neighbor because of remembered kindness. His gratitude moves him to a concrete act of consolation, exemplifying how God’s people repay good with good and seek peace even beyond their borders. The verse sets up a lesson on the costs—and necessity—of steadfast kindness in a fallen world, urging believers to mirror David’s outlook while entrusting outcomes to the Lord.

(2) Nahash Samuel omits, but adds "Hanun." The omissions in each are perhaps accidental. Saul's first campaign was against Nahash (1 Samuel 11).

Children of Ammon.--Sons of Ammon, like "sons of Israel." The title calls attention to their tribal organisation.

Because.--For. Samuel, "according as."

Shewed kindness to me.--The Hebrew phrase, which answers to the Greek of Luke 1:72. (See Revised Version.)

The rest of the verse is made more perspicuous than in 2Samuel 10:2 by slight changes and additions.

Verse 2. - Because his father showed kindness to me. The instance of kindness here alluded to is not recorded. There may have been many opportunities and calls for it during David's persecuted life, and when the Ammonite king would feel a motive beyond any intrinsic goodness of heart to "show kindness" to the youth who was Saul's object of hatred. It is, however, very remarkable that we find a genuine kindliness towards David still cleaving to the succession of Ammonite kings, even after the events of this chapter (2 Samuel 17:27-29). Hanna. Nothing else is known of this Hanun. Though here the name of an Ammonite king, we find it in Nehemiah 3:13, 30, the name of two of those who helped repair the city. The Assyrian Inscriptions contain the name as that of a Philistine king, tributary to Tiglath-pileser (see 'Speaker's Commentary').

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And David
דָּוִ֜יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

said,
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I will show
אֶֽעֱשֶׂה־ (’e·‘ĕ·śeh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

kindness
חֶ֣סֶד ׀ (ḥe·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

to
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Hanun
חָנ֣וּן (ḥā·nūn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2586: Hanun -- 'favored', two contemporaries of Nehemiah, also an Ammonite king

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Nahash,
נָחָ֗שׁ (nā·ḥāš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5176: Nahash -- the name of several non-Israelites

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

his father
אָבִ֤יו (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

showed
עָשָׂ֨ה (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

kindness
חֶ֔סֶד (ḥe·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

to me.”
עִמִּי֙ (‘im·mî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

So David
דָּוִ֛יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

messengers
מַלְאָכִ֖ים (mal·’ā·ḵîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

to console [Hanun]
לְנַחֲמ֣וֹ (lə·na·ḥă·mōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge

concerning
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his father.
אָבִ֑יו (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

But when David’s
דָוִ֜יד (ḏā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

servants
עַבְדֵ֨י (‘aḇ·ḏê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

arrived
וַיָּבֹאוּ֩ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

in
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the land
אֶ֧רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of the Ammonites
בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

to console him,
לְנַחֲמֽוֹ׃ (lə·na·ḥă·mōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 19:2 David said I will show kindness (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)