What is the definition of 2 Samuel 10:4? ๐ ๐
Wherefore Hanun took Davidรขยยs 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, letโs break down this verse from 2 Samuel 10:4. Itโs a pretty shocking story about a significant act of revenge!
Here's what it means in simple terms:
The Basic Story:
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Davidโs Servants are Targeted:
After David lost the Battle of Gachon, his servants (the people who helped him with his war efforts) were taken away.
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They Were Made to Look Like Men:
They were shaved off their beards and cut off their garments in the middle โ essentially, they were made to look like men. This was a very deliberate and brutal act of humiliation.
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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.
Whatโs the Point?
The verse tells us that this wasn't just random revenge. It was a ๐targeted๐ punishment for Davidโs 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 โ itโs a powerful illustration of revenge and the potential for extreme measures when driven by anger and betrayal.
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Do you want me to:
๐ Explain ๐why๐ this story happened? (Historical background)
๐ Discuss the symbolism behind the act?
๐ Connect it to other stories in the Bible?