Then there went certain, and told David how the men were served. And he sent to meet them: for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.
Then some people went and told David what had happened to his men. He sent messengers to meet them, because the men were deeply embarrassed and humiliated. The king told them, 'Stay in Jericho until your beards grow back, and then return home.'
David showed compassion to his embarrassed ambassadors by letting them stay away until their dignity was restored.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context of 1 Chronicles 19, King David sent messengers to the Ammonites to offer condolences after the death of their king, but they were humiliated by the Ammonite leader who shaved off half their beards and cut their garments as a sign of disrespect. This act was a profound insult in ancient Near Eastern culture, where a man's beard represented honor, manhood, and social status. David responded by instructing the messengers to stay in Jericho until their beards grew back, demonstrating his concern for their dignity and allowing time for their shame to subside.
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