👉 Wherefore Hanun took Davids 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 10:4. It’s a pretty shocking story about a significant act of revenge! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: David’s Servants are Targeted: After David lost the Battle of Gachon, his servants (the people who helped him with his war efforts) were taken away. They Were Made to Look Like Men: They were shaved off their beards and cut off their garments in the middle – essentially, they were made to look like men. This was a very deliberate and brutal act of humiliation. Their Clothes Were Cut Off: Their clothing was also cut in half, right down to their buttocks. This is the most unsettling part - it was a completely humiliating and degrading gesture. What’s the Point? The verse tells us that this wasn't just random revenge. It was a targeted punishment for David’s servants who had been involved with him during a difficult time. It was a way to show David that he was not to be trusted and that his enemies were serious about their actions. Important Note: This story is incredibly graphic and rooted in a very violent period of history. It's important to understand the context – it’s a powerful illustration of revenge and the potential for extreme measures when driven by anger and betrayal. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this story happened? (Historical background) Discuss the symbolism behind the act? Connect it to other stories in the Bible?
