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?

2 SAMUEL 10:3KJV
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2 Samuel 10:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 10:3 mean?

2 Samuel 10:3 describes how the leaders of Ammon questioned Hanun, their new king, about David’s motives for sending men to comfort him after his father’s death. They suspected David’s messengers were actually spies sent to gather information and plan an attack, not to show respect or sympathy.

The verse takes place just after the king of Ammon has died, and David, king of Israel, sends envoys to express sympathy. The Ammonite princes (advisors) warn Hanun that David’s gesture might be a trick, suggesting David’s true intention is to scout out the city for possible conquest. This suspicion sets the stage for conflict between Israel and Ammon.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 10:3

  • "Princes" (שָׂרֵי, saray): This word refers to the leading officials or rulers under Hanun. Their advice carries weight, showing that Hanun is influenced by those around him rather than acting alone.
  • "Honour" (כָּבֵד, kaved): This verb often means to give weight, respect, or glory. Here, the princes question whether David’s actions are truly meant to honor Hanun’s father, hinting at doubt about the sincerity of David’s gesture.
  • "Comforters" (נָחַם, nacham): This word means those who bring consolation or sympathy. The suspicion cast on these comforters shows how easily good intentions can be misunderstood in a tense political climate.
  • "To search" (חָקַר, chaqar), "to spy it out" (רָגַל, ragal), "to overthrow it" (הָפַךְ, hafakh): These verbs show the depth of the princes’ suspicion, suggesting a thorough investigation, secret reconnaissance, and even a plan to destroy the city, not just casual curiosity.

Why 2 Samuel 10:3 matters

  • This verse highlights how mistrust and suspicion can quickly turn a peaceful gesture into the beginning of conflict, especially between nations with a tense history.
  • The advice of the princes shows the power of counselors and the dangers of listening to fear-driven voices, which can lead to unnecessary hostility.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain why the relationship between Israel and Ammon deteriorates in the following passages, leading to war.

Where else these words appear

“to” Hebrew H5668 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Exodus 9:16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
  • Exodus 20:20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

“Hanun” Hebrew H2586 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Samuel 10:1 And it came to pass after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:2 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.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syriamaachah, and out of Zobah.

“out” Hebrew H7270 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 42:9 And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.
  • Numbers 21:32 And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.
  • Judges 18:2 And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their coasts, men of valour, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the land: who when they came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they lodged there.

“search” Hebrew H2713 · used in 26 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:14 Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;
  • Job 28:3 He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.
  • Proverbs 23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.