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
This follows the incident where David's ambassadors were humiliated by the Ammonite king, who cut off half their beards and half their garments as an insult. In ancient Middle Eastern culture, a man's beard was a symbol of dignity and honor, so this was considered a severe public disgrace. Jericho was a border city where the men could recover privately before returning to Jerusalem.
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