Bible Reference: 1 Chronicles 19
King David and King Nahash of the Ammonites had a good relationship. When Nahash died, David thought to send envoys to his son Hanun, who succeeded his father as king, to express his sincere condolences for his father’s passing. This was a heartfelt gesture that David didn’t have to extend, but it was a great expression of kindness on his part. However, Hanun’s team didn’t see it that way. They made Hanun doubt David’s intent.
“Do you think David is honoring your father by sending envoys to you to express sympathy? Haven’t his envoys come to you only to explore and spy out the country and overthrow it?” 1 Chronicles 19:3
Hanun’s commanders influenced him to consider a thought that resulted in actions that were not wise. He seized David’s messengers, shaved their beards, cut off their garments at their butts and sent them back to David. Utter humiliation.
Has someone ever said something to you, made a gesture, or a facial expression and you didn’t know the intent behind it? Maybe it made you think of a slew of possibilities on what that person was thinking. Being a recovering overthinker myself, I have definitely been there. And at times I’ve made decisions based on assumptions–ones that were not accurate. That’s exactly what happened here in 1 Chronicles 19 between King David and King Hanun.
Why did King Hanun allow his men, the Ammonite commanders, to convince him of such a thing? There could be a few reasons.
Fear of not agreeing with his team. Perhaps he wanted to be accepted. Afterall he was playing a brand new role as king following his dad’s footsteps.
Hanun could have doubted his own judgment because his commanders may have had more experience with situations like this with his deceased father, King Nahash of the Ammonites. He may not have had much insight on how to detect potential danger.
He could have had an issue with trust–a skeptical thinker. Regardless of David and his father’s relationship, he may have been fearful of putting his kingdom in jeopardy by being ‘naive’ to a potential enemy.
What was the result of this inaccurate assumption that David was secretly after Hanun’s kingdom? A war broke out! What’s interesting is, although David was antagonized, David didn’t start the battle. It was after Hanun realized that he “poked the bear” (started trouble), he then started the war, playing offense. You would think that Hanun and his team were prepared to defeat the Israel army going into war so aggressively, but they actually lost horribly.
Assumptions often don’t have great results. Assumptions are based on subjections with no concrete evidence–just the thoughts in our own minds. Sometimes that can come from insecurity, fear, etc.–and it doesn’t serve any party involved. It’s best to ask the person what their thought process was or, simply take what they’ve done or said at face value. Giving the benefit of the doubt will allow for peace of mind. And even if you’ve assumed correctly, the face-value or benefit-of-the-doubt approach leaves room for God to reveal what’s really going on, at the proper time. This then also presents an opportunity to let God fight the battle on your behalf. So basically, trust God.
“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.” 1 Corinthians 4:5
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19
DISCOVERY MOMENT
Q: What are some specific things that I find myself making assumptions about?
Q: When I find myself assuming the worst about something, what can I replace those thoughts with?
Q: What does the benefit of the doubt look like in my situation?
Q: What are 3 scriptures I can have at the ready that will help me change negative thoughts/assumptions about what someone is thinking or feeling about me?
Rise and Shine Bright.