Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 19

Verse 1

CONTENTS

We are here told of David's friendly message to Hanun king of Ammon; and of the impolitic conduct of Hanun to David's messengers, whereby David is so angry that he opens a war against Hanun, and conquers him.

Verses 1-5

The relation we have of this event in 2 Samuel 10:0 is so very similar with this, that I would refer the Reader to what is there said upon it, and not detain him with many observations further. How strange it is that a poor king, like Hanun, and of a poor little kingdom, like Ammon, could venture to affront king David. But pause, Reader, and I will show you a yet more marvellous thing. When the Lord Jesus sends to us his ambassadors, not indeed to congratulate, but to tell us how we may flee from the wrath to come, how are they entertained? Equal, if not greater contempt is poured upon all that beseech sinners, in Christ's stead, to be reconciled to God! Alas! to what a blind, ruined, and undone state is man by nature fallen!

Verses 6-19

I pass over the historical part of this subject to attend to the spiritual. If sinners, who by their transgressions make themselves odious in the eyes of all lovers of holiness, would seek, by a change of conduct, to conciliate favor, instead of hardening themselves in sin, how blessed would be the change! But evil men, and seducers, (saith an apostle) wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13 .

Verse 19

REFLECTIONS

IN the unprovoked ill treatment of David and his servants by the king of Ammon and his people, we may behold a picture of the ungodly world harassing and afflicting the people of God. When the Lord Jesus sent his servants the Prophets to prepare the way for his coming, what reception did they meet! When he came himself, with all that meekness and gentleness which distinguished his character, the rancor of the enemies to the cross became only inflamed the more. And when the whole of redemption was finished, and the Son of God was returned to glory, though he now sent graciously, from heaven by his Holy Spirit, and by the ministry of his Apostles, to tell even Jerusalem sinners, that the very blood they had shed was spilt for the redemption of many that had their hands in his crucifixion; yet who believed their report? Alas! what deadly blindness hath veiled the eye of man by nature! The Son of God foretold the event; and its correspondence exactly answered. "If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, much more will they call them of his household." Precious Lord Jesus! well may every heart exclaim, whom the Lord hath made willing in the day of his power; How is it, Lord, that thou hast manifested thyself unto me, and not unto the world.