Daily Devotional | Undeserved Humiliation

Have you ever tried to help someone and it backfired? My father-in-law once got a flat tire in the winter. As he started to change the tire, a young man stopped and took over for him. As a farmer who repaired all his own equipment, my father-in-law was not looking for help and didn’t need it. But the young man didn’t ask and his kind deed led to frustration for both.

In today’s reading, David was in the mood to show kindness. He had just welcomed the son of his enemy, Saul, to join his household (see 2 Samuel 9). His thoughts now turned to the neighboring country of Ammon. David received news that their king had died (v. 1). This man was an enemy of Saul’s and had brutally attacked the city of Jabesh Gilead (see 1 Samuel 11). But while David was on the run, he had made peace with this king. He decided to send some emissaries to express condolences to the new king on the loss of his father (2 Sam. 10:2).

This act of kindness was misinterpreted. They thought David was spying out the land for a future attack (v. 3). Their response was to humiliate the messengers. They “shaved off half of each man’s beard, [and] cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away” (v. 4). Both actions were not only humiliating but also violated the Mosaic Law (Lev. 19:27; Deut. 22:12). This public humiliation was a declaration of war. Talk about a kind gesture backfiring! But the Lord was with David and through the skill of Joab they were able to defeat the Ammonites and expand Israel’s power.

>> David was loyal to his promises. However, his example illustrates that doing the right thing does not always lead to a peaceful result. For us as believers, not all of our gestures of kindness will be welcomed or returned. Still, no matter the response, we are to remain faithful.

Pray with Us

How often do we let fear of man hold us back from acts of kindness? Merciful God, it is more important for Your love to be shown than for us to be always received with gratitude. Make us sensitive to Your prompting.

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.