Definition: But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 19:3. It’s a really important and unsettling passage in the Bible about a man named Hanun and his situation. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Hanun is a man who has been tricked into a terrible situation by a group of Ammonite people. They’ve been trying to trick him into giving them land and resources. What the Verse Says – The Core Message: “But the princes of the children of Ammon said…” : This refers to a group of Ammonites, who are a people from the region near modern-day Lebanon. “…to Hanun…” : They're addressing Hanun directly. “Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father?” : This is the crucial part. The Ammonites are questioning if David – a very important king in biblical times – actually respects Hanun. It’s like saying, “Do you think David is being nice to you?” “That he hath sent comforters unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?” : This is where it gets scary. The Ammonites are suggesting that they're trying to steal Hanun’s land, control him, and even try to ruin him. They’re planning to: Search: Look for clues about Hanun's location or possessions. Overthrow: Attempt to take over Hanun’s territory. Spy out the land: Secretly gather information about Hanun and his home. What It Means – The Bigger Picture: This verse highlights a dangerous situation of deception and betrayal . It speaks to: Political Manipulation: The Ammonites are using deceitful tactics to gain an advantage. Trust Erosion: It shows that trust is being broken, and people are willing to actively work against each other. Danger of the Wicked: The verse suggests a warning about the dangers of those who prioritize their own desires over justice and compassion. In short, it’s a story about a man being manipulated into a trap by enemies, and it warns us to be wary of those who seek to harm others through deception. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes? Provide context about the history of Ammonites?